Stopping Places: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain

Damian Le Bas grew up surrounded by Gypsy history and set out on a journey to discover the stopping places, the old encampment sites known only to Travellers. He lives on the road, between the romanticized Gypsies of old and their much-maligned descendants of today, in a bid to better understand his heritage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Damian Le Bas, immersed in the rich tapestry of Gypsy history, cherished the tales his great-grandmother shared in the ancient Romani language, painting vivid pictures of her childhood experiences. Fueled by a deep desire to connect with his roots, Damian embarked on a quest to uncover the hidden treasures of the stopping places—the ancient encampment sites cherished by Travellers. With unwavering determination, he braved the elements, enduring winter frosts and basking in summer dawns, traversing horse fairs and visiting Gypsy churches. As he lived on the road, straddling the line between the romanticized portrayal of Gypsies in the past and the often-misunderstood descendants of today, Damian emerged as a captivating storyteller. His words danced with vivid imagery, transporting readers into the heart of this captivating journey.

Amy Liptrot, a talented writer, has seamlessly woven a tale that captivates and enlightens. Her prose is a testament to her natural ability to bring this fascinating story to life. Honored with the Somerset Maugham Award, she has also garnered recognition on the shortlists of the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Award and the Wainwright Prize. Damian Le Bas's journey serves as a reminder that heritage and identity are intricately intertwined, and his story offers a profound exploration of the complexities and nuances of a community often misunderstood.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784704131