“Drowned in love and false kisses. A gathering of no meaning” – Richey James Edwards.
With Starogard Girl, Jonny Blair delivers something far deeper than a travel memoir. This second volume in his This Is The Next Century series is part poem, part confession, part thriller, and entirely unpredictable. It’s a love story tangled in wanderlust — a tale where backpacking across continents collides with emotion, mystery, and heartbreak.
A Love Story Born on the Road
At the heart of the book is the elusive “Starogard Girl,” a woman from Starogard Gdański whose presence lingers long after she slips in and out of Jonny’s life. She is more than a person — she becomes an idea, a symbol, a haunting melody that follows him across borders.
From the beaches of Senegal to overland adventures in Kyrgyzstan and moments in France, Blair continues his relentless journey through his “next century” of countries. Yet something is always missing. The narrative constantly circles back to her — the Slavic kiss, the cycle tour, the words spoken and unspoken.
“Egg is jajko; and apple’s jabłko.”
Language itself becomes romantic, playful and intimate in Blair’s hands.
Suspense Meets Poetry
This isn’t a straightforward romance. The book twists and turns with more suspense than a detective novel. There are unexpected lies, emotional detours, and revelations that shift the entire tone of the journey.
Blair blends travel writing with poetic rhythm and musical undertones. The book even exists beyond its pages — as a poem and a song — reinforcing how deeply personal this story is. The influence of Belfast grit, wandering backpack culture, and Polish charm create a narrative voice that feels raw yet reflective.
There are echoes of psychological intrigue, moments that feel cinematic, and passages that carry the weight of longing. It’s intense without being melodramatic, romantic without being sentimental.
More Than Travel
While many travel books focus on destinations, Starogard Girl focuses on emotion. The countries matter — The Gambia, Belgium, France, Kyrgyzstan — but they are the backdrop. The real journey is internal.
Blair explores:
- Obsession and uncertainty
- The fragility of fleeting connections
- The way travel magnifies emotions
- How one person can shape an entire chapter of life
The “Starogard Girl” becomes both muse and mystery. When the sun goes down, the reader is left wondering alongside the author: where is she now?
Who Should Read This?
This book is perfect for:
- Readers who enjoy travel mixed with romance
- Fans of poetic storytelling
- Those who appreciate suspense within personal memoir
- Anyone who has experienced a love that felt both magical and confusing
It’s not a typical guidebook. It’s emotional, reflective, and occasionally chaotic — much like love itself.
Final Thoughts
Starogard Girl is bold, vulnerable and unapologetically personal. Jonny Blair proves that travel isn’t only about geography — it’s about the people we meet and the ones who leave permanent footprints on our hearts.
This is a story of wandering feet and restless emotion. A Slavic kiss. A Northern Irish dreamer. A girl who may or may not have changed everything.
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