A wise traveler emerging from a mainstream businessman is an evolution that’s huge and takes immense courage. The lessons are learned, little by little, literally on the traveler’s feet, and Hickey’s story is inspiring. The reader will be stunned by the vitality of the journey, amped not in the least because the writer is well outside the range, often out of sight, of anything hinting at Western culture. This is a great read, and you need to get ready for the ride of your life. It won’t be the same as taking your BMW – or even your old, beat-up Chevy — and trading it in for a backpack, setting off on a personal trip around the globe where you face hippopotami in the shallows and your fellow travelers exhausted or high in a hostel or dance to the drums at a wedding few Western eyes have witnessed or deal with a con-man in the back streets of a third world city. It won’t be the same. But it’s close.

Breaking Free is a travel adventure, love story and intelligent view of the world, all rolled into one. Denis’ vivid scenes and characters are fully rendered and beautifully written, and the sex is honest and fitting.