Jacqui Furneaux's 3 favorite reads in 2023

As a regular visitor to art galleries, I noticed the scarcity of old paintings by female artists. In this rather cheekily titled book, the author explains the reasons for so few artworks by women in our museums and galleries.

She illustrates women’s artistic talent and the incredible and often physically violent struggles they have endured in order to be recognised.

I learned so much, and it’s rekindled my determination to keep riding my motorbike! Now, you may think motorcycle travel and art history have nothing in common, but not so! There is still a belief that women are not as capable or talented as men in all fields. And I still find people are often surprised that, as a woman, I achieved a round-the-world, seven-year motorcycle journey. 

One morning, desperate to find a new rear tire in Cartagena, Colombia, I almost rode onto the film set that, overnight, had transformed the street outside the romantically crumbling hotel I was staying at. Years later, I watched the film and was transfixed. Only recently have I read the book.

This is a historical novel set in a time of great hardship, and it describes a country I enjoyed riding through on my journey through South America. Márques has a magical way of describing events, and although this book, as its title suggests, is a love story, in no way is it over-romanticized. 

In fact, it is brutally descriptive in parts, but through it all, the main character never lets go of his heart’s desire. 

If I didn’t already own a paddle board, I would have to acquire one, having picked up this book. Jo has explored the rivers, lakes, lochs, canals, harbors, coasts, and beaches of England, Scotland, and Wales and discovered ideal waterways for paddleboarding.

The photographs are tempting enough, but her sheer delight at the places she describes so beautifully drove me to make a list of places to visit on my motorbike.