Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Fanny and Dora's South American Adventure is a contemporary travel novel written by Jason le Grange. It all started out with Fanny seriously considering, for a few moments at least, ignoring the ringing of the doorbell which she knew heralded the visit of her friend, Dora. Dora was known for her schemes, and the two somewhat older women were a well-known feature in the small British village where they lived. She did answer the door, however, and Dora strode in, barely disguised excitement emanating from her every movement. First, she made an imperative suggestion that they have tea, which Fanny duly prepared and brought in along with some banana bread. Then Dora made her announcement. They were going on holiday -- and not to somewhere safe and predictable like a European country or New York City. They'd be visiting four countries in South America, traveling light, and exploring the unknown -- and this adventure would last for six weeks. Thinking of her Sudoku, tidy garden and comfortable existence, Fanny hoped that this would be a passing fancy, one quickly forgotten, but Dora was determined. She discovered the internet and became adept at it, joining a chat group and getting some control over their travel arrangements. Before Fanny knew it, she was wedged into an uncomfortable airplane seat and traveling farther than she ever had dreamed. Fanny and Dora’s adventure had begun, and their lives would never be the same.

Jason le Grange's contemporary travel fiction novel, Fanny and Dora's South American Adventure, is a grand frolic that will make readers consider embarking on their own travel adventures. Fanny and Dora are the consummate adventurers, even if they had never realized that their talents lay in that direction before, and seeing how the two of them adapt to their hectic schedule and unfamiliar surroundings had me glued to the page and smiling all the while. And while coming of age novels are usually devoted to the passage of rites of young adults, Fanny and Dora's South American Adventure is very much a coming of age tale as these two sheltered spinster-ladies shed their comfortable if somewhat boring existences, embrace the unfamiliar and share the trip of a lifetime. Though if they have anything to do about it, it won't be the last adventure these intrepid explorers set out upon. I loved watching as the somewhat timid Fanny grows ever stronger and more confident, and the usually domineering Dora comes to appreciate the resilience and enthusiasm evinced by Fanny as they travel. Add to that a sterling itinerary of sites and travel destinations that will delight the most jaded armchair adventurer, and you've got a grand read, a South American adventure well worth the effort and virtually unforgettable. Fanny and Dora's South American Adventure is most highly recommended.