
audiobook
A young family sets out on a grand automobile adventure across Europe just after the First World War, when winding mountain roads and sun‑drenched coastal routes were still new playgrounds for motorists. Their journey begins in Marseille, where the car is finally cleared through customs and the bustling port city offers a kaleidoscope of cultures, cafés, and colorful street life. The narrative captures the thrill of early motoring, the slow, deliberate pace of travel, and the sense of discovery that comes with each turn of the wheel.
Through vivid prose the author paints the rolling hills of the French countryside, the cherry‑blossom lanes of the Black Forest, and the alpine vistas of Switzerland, all while sharing witty observations of the locals and the quirks of a world still adjusting to the automobile. Hand‑drawn illustrations punctuate the story, adding a charming visual touch that brings the scenery to life.
Listening to this tale feels like stepping into a well‑preserved postcard from a bygone era, inviting you to imagine the open road, the scent of fresh petrol, and the simple joy of wandering far from home.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (467K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-01-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1861–1937
Best remembered as Mark Twain’s close friend and biographer, he also wrote lively travel books, children’s stories, humor, and verse. His work moves easily between literary history and a warm, adventurous storytelling style.
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