From Behind the Machine is a bitter and beautiful love story told across intrepid travels to unknown places with unknown people. The aroma of Addis Ababa, the heat of Bangkok and the cold crispness of the Himalayas creep off the page as the novel and its characters swirl around the protagonist like a well-made macchiato. It is timeless, painful, compassionate, and, above all, it is a reminder of how we should all be living and loving - with honesty, bravery, curiosity ... and a good, strong coffee.