- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Sort Of Books; First Edition edition (3 Jun 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0953522709
- ISBN-13: 978-0953522705
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
36,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #15 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Spain > Cities & Regions > Andalusia
- #23 in Books > Biography > Social & Health Issues > Alcohol & Drug Abuse
- #41 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Portugal
- See Complete Table of Contents
Driving Over Lemons
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
All Provenced out? Then head further south this year, to the breathtaking mountainous climes of Andalucia. Just don't be squeamish about driving over lemons.
Chris Stewart, skilled sheep-shearer and sometime Genesis drummer, took one look at the Alpujarr´s, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and decided that's where he wanted to be. This is the story of his adventures coming to terms with the terrain, the lifestyle and, of course, the locals, who possess all the rugged, homespun charm you'd expect. Stewart soon discovers all the hidden foibles of his bargain purchase, and spends the following year(rendered here in detail) installing the little luxuries of life like, say, water.
However, just when you're worrying that all this might degenerate into a rose-tinted "Englishman finds nature" idyll, Chris's wife enters the fray. Nonsense-free, straight-talking and relentlessly unsentimental, Ada should be a required resource for all travel writers. Ada gets bored with the fake machismo of pig-killing, Ada sees through the selfless "help" of the natives, Ada calls a peasant a peasant. With her on board, Stewart has the perfect counterbalance to his declared optimism, and Driving Over Lemons becomes a loving but clear-sighted encomium, economically and wittily written, to a wonderful part of the world. --Alan Stewart --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.Amazon.co.uk Review
All Provenced out? Then head further south, to the breathtaking mountainous climes of Andalucia. Just don't be squeamish about driving over lemons. Chris Stewart, skilled sheep-shearer and sometime Genesis drummer, took one look at the Alpujarrás, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and decided that's where he wanted to be. This is the story of his adventures coming to terms with the terrain, the lifestyle and, of course, the locals, who possess all the rugged, homespun charm you'd expect. Stewart soon discovers all the hidden foibles of his bargain purchase, and spends the following year (rendered here in detail) installing the little luxuries of life like, say, water.
However, just when you're worrying that all this might degenerate into a rose-tinted Englishman-finds-nature idyll, Chris's wife enters the fray. Nonsense-free, straight-talking and relentlessly unsentimental, Ada should be a required resource for all travel writers. Ada gets bored with the fake machismo of pig-killing, Ada sees through the selfless "help" of the natives, Ada calls a peasant a peasant. With her on board, Stewart has the perfect counterbalance to his declared optimism, and Driving over Lemons becomes a loving but clear-sighted encomium, economically and wittily written, to a wonderful part of the world. --Alan Stewart
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When one thinks of English in Spain, you automatically assume Frank Butcher types in tight Speedo trunks loitering drunk in Lineker's Bar and eating fry-ups all day.
Chris Stewart and his wife Ana are Ex-Pats, but with a difference. Rather than trying to make Spain English, they left these shore to adapt to the Spanish agricultural lifestyle, and enjoy the atmosphere on their new property in Las Alpajurras.
The book brings together a sentiment of blissful happiness, and you can almost smell the lemon blossom on the front cover.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did 'Mukiwa', by Peter Godwin, but without any of the poigniancy and heartache felt in Godwin's work.
A fantastic read, well worth 5 stars.
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I picked up this expecting a variation on the "Year in Provence" theme and found I was totally wrong. The Englishman abroad idea was still the basis of the book however, there the similarity ended. Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia is much more beievable and real. There is no feeling that the stories have been elaborated or embroidered. You sense a commitment to the simplicity of this way of life and that despite the popularity of the novel the family will not be "selling out" on this lifestyle. At the end I felt as though I had experienced the ups and downs of the first years with him. Whilst I came away knowing I would have hated it in many ways I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended and compulsive reading.
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Reviewed by: Rachael from Manchester, reading it in Andalucia.
Driving over lemons shows the real side of relocating to what would seem like an idyllic life in Spain. Chris (Cristobal) describes the everyday ups and downs of living on a farm in Andalucia, from getting access to a water supply to the birth of his daughter. He tells how his Spanish neighbours accept him into their community, teaching him how to build, farm and generally survive.
It is a heart-warming book that has spawned many lukewarm imitations. I am now about to read the 'sort of sequel' called 'A Parrot in the Pepper Tree' - I will keep you posted.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Recommended Amazon Book.
A really lovely book. Very interesting and fascinating. Characters are all based on real people - only the names have been changed - really good fun read!!
Published 1 month ago by Lynsin
Driving Over Lemons
Recommend this to one and all. Doing what most of us wish they could do, up off out of it and start a new challenge in a different country. Funny at times and very heart warming. Read more
Published 1 month ago by bykerbill
A gem
This book is a gem. I have subsequently read and enjoyed the trilogy of books written by Chris Stewart, but this is the best. I have just read it for the second time. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Clouds Hill
Whimsical and Enlightening
The story of Chris Stewart and his wife's emigration to Andalucia is a tale that is curious and strangely addictive. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mark Tong
No complaints!
Arrived on time during the busy Christms period and in the condition stated. Great gift for my father who travels a lot and can now dream whilst doing so! Thank you!
Published 5 months ago by K Smith
Driving over lemons
I bought this book for my husband and when he got it he couldn't put it down and finished in 2 days of receiving it. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Sgreen1234
An eternal optimist Englishman in Andalucía
My wife bought this book about ten years ago having heard a review on Radio 2. She enjoyed reading it and so did I. More than that, it inspired us to move to Spain. Read more
Published 7 months ago by R. D. Bovington
the book did not disappoint
I was intrigued by the title "Driving over Lemons" the book did not disappoint. A gentle read that could not be put down. Read more
Published 7 months ago by ChrisP
Nothing sour about this book!
Hilarious reading, I couldn't put it down, many late nights until it was finished. Then my wife took over, and the chuckles continued! A must for the light hearted reader.
Published 7 months ago by Chaddy1
TRILOGY
TRILOGY". I've just finished reading this trilogy by Chris Stewart and found it to be nice light reading - great for holidays especially in Spain! Read more
Published 7 months ago by Cathy
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