Mother Tongues

Travels through Tribal Europe

During an 18-month odyssey, Helena Drysdale explored Europe’s forgotten tribes. Who are the Sami, Ladin and Frisians? Who are the Alanders and Alsatians?

Living in a van with her husband and two infant daughters, she lived in the Arctic alongside the Sami, and investigated the shadier political movements of militants such as the Basques and Corsicans.

Hilarious anecdotes about travelling with small children are interwoven with the more serious side of the future for Europe’s endangered minorities. This is an inspiring story of history, languages and human rights, and of travel to Europe’s wildest frontiers.

‘ Helena, your lecture was a resounding success. The quality and content were first class and your delivery immaculate and entrancing.’ Hull Literary & Philosophical Society

Some Impressions

‘Helena, your lecture was a resounding success. The quality and content were first class and your delivery immaculate and entrancing.’ Hull Literary & Philosophical Society

‘ Your presentation won the hearts of all those present as was shown by the long applause. You really did take us to corners of Europe that we never see. To do this in the bosom of your family was a real joy for all of us who have travelled with children.’ Royal Geographical Society

‘Your adventures and the nature of your travels absorbed the members – they said so! There was a buzz of an afternoon enjoyed and appreciated.’ Globetrotters Club

‘ Thank you for participating in the ITW talks programme recently. The shows were a great success with 18,500 visitors attending the London show, 4,300 in Glasgow and 7,300 at ITW Manchester.’ Independent Traveller’s World

‘Thank you so much for giving such a lively and interesting talk. It was fascinating to see Europe a different way up and get a glimpse of the cultures subsumed there.’ Bath Literary Festival

‘I cannot tell you what pleasure you gave to all the people at your talk. Everybody couldn’t believe how much you had put into coming on Friday.’ Save the Children, Shaftesbury

‘I’m sure you could tell by the warm reaction to your fascinating account of your journey throughout Europe how much the members enjoyed listening to you. You made it all sound exciting – tiring – and sometimes traumatic, but with your amazing enthusiasm we all wanted to experience something similar. I cannot remember so much ‘chat’ afterwards.’ London Ladies Luncheon Club

‘Thank you so much for Monday evening’s lecture – it really was superb. I only wish I were such a polished and professional speaker! Our members were highly thrilled with the lecture and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.’ Chester Society of Thirteen

‘Thank you very much indeed for the very interesting presentation you made. From the comments I received from members and guests your talk was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.’ Shaftesbury Camera Group

Book a talk: info@helenadrysdale.com

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