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MWSA Review
Around the World in 80 Years is a collection of fun explorations told mostly through the eyes of Danish adventurer Jasmine Tritten. Born with the travel bug, she prepared herself for the life she wanted by learning five languages. Beginning with the harrowing story of living as a small child during the Nazi occupation, the author brings the reader into her world. But she also tells warmer tales of Danish holiday traditions, painting clear pictures with her words and descriptions.
Following high school graduation, Jasmine fulfills her travel desires by becoming an au pair to families in England and France. She continues to improve his language skills in both countries while also becoming a young worldly woman, sharing humorous stories, and having the time of her life. That is, until her mother commands her to return to Copenhagen to study to become a medical laboratory technician, and she obeys.
She leaves Denmark, sailing for America at age twenty-one aboard a Norwegian ocean liner, and the adventure continues, falling in love with Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her story continues through family life, extended travel, jobs, moves, hobbies like belly dancing, divorce, a horrendous accident, and finally meeting the love of her life, Jim. Several of Jim’s stories are included in the collection, and the two perspectives and writing styles feel like a visit with the couple.
Lovely photographs and illustrations support the narrative, and the individual stories build a bigger story of a phenomenal life, seeing the world in 80 years. Highly recommended for those who like personalized stories and learning about different countries, cultures, and relationships.
Review by Valerie Ormond (June 2025)
Author's Synopsis
This book contains selected stories inspired by my travels worldwide and some of the two hundred thirty trips I have taken with my husband, Jim, during the last thirty-five years. I developed my interest in other cultures and languages as a little girl growing up in Denmark. Geography and English were my favorite subjects. I traveled with my parents around Europe and learned to speak five languages, Danish, English, German, French, and Swedish, in school. My thirst for travel and adventure escalated with age and continued throughout my life. Join Jasmine and Jim as they recount some of their travels and adventures during their journey Around the World in 80 Years.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Memoir/Biography
Number of Pages: 399
Word Count: 55,323