I was nervous. Could this sequel match the excellence of Lindy Viandier’s debut memoir? It certainly did.
The author tells us about her pastoral learning curve as she and her husband, Mr. V, settle into their idyllic Burgundian country home. And her enthusiasm is infectious.
Lindy’s descriptions of their animals and local events are charming, exuding gentle humour as she recounts hilarious tales about her quirky neighbours. Equally funny are her stories about Mr. V plus workmates, who attack the renovations of their home with enviable French verve. How Lindy creates her culinary masterpieces in the kitchen with lumps of house raining down on her beats me. And yet she does.
The author has an exceptionally lyrical style. Words flow effortlessly as she creates a literary framework that invites the reader into her world. Together, we learn, laugh, and celebrate the delicious recipes she generously offers.
Dreading the moment I would reach the end, I was delighted to find it was au revoir. There will be more books in the Life at Les Libellules series, and I can’t wait.
The novel opens with a dreary English winter leaving the protagonists, Angela and Stephen, with itchy feet. They discover an opportunity to spend a year caretaking a farm in South Africa. Is it too good to be true? The young couple set off to find that all is not as it appears.
The abrupt departure of the farm owners leaves Angela and Stephen overwhelmed, but they don’t give up. Fighting for survival, they learn of an uneasiness consuming the community. A deadly conspiracy is unfolding, and they become innocently involved.
The novel, which takes place when Apartheid is still evident, captivated me on two levels. Through the author’s exquisite descriptions, just like the young couple, I was quickly mesmerized by the area’s wild beauty. I experienced the sights, scents and sounds of Africa, which got under my skin too. I was similarly engrossed by the underlying mystery, which is so skillfully woven into the story.
Beneath a Copper Sky is a cleverly thought-out, beautifully written novel. This, along with Val Poore’s other books, is another winner.
In this engaging memoir, Peter Barber tells the story of life with Alex, his partner, a fiery Greek beauty, and how he becomes part of her family. And this isn’t a starchy, frightfully British integration. It’s a full-on bear-hugging immersion.
The principal family members live happily under one roof. They decide to upgrade their traditional home on the same plot, but it isn’t plain sailing. As the couple battle against endless construction-related traumas, Peter’s placid nature is a saving grace in calming Alex’s combative temperament. Somewhat soothed, she focuses her attention on another project.
Alex decides to educate Peter on all things Greece.
Peter Barber’s self-effacing humour shines as he recounts trips to breathtakingly beautiful islands and historic sites. His charming descriptions of the characters they meet along the way are often hilarious, adding captivating vibrancy to each vignette.
This book is written with love. Love for Greece, the country that becomes his adoptive home, love for the Greek culture and most of all, love for the woman he has known almost all his life.
Oh, and is there a Parthenon on their roof? You’ll have to buy the book to find out! Packed with feel-good factors, I highly recommend this memoir.
Gold medal winner. The Global Book Awards. Biographical - Travel.
A story about an Anglo Greek marriage to a fiery Greek wife. What could go wrong? Read on and find out!
Peter takes us on a journey into the heart of his adopted Athenian family. Humour, Love, well observed culture all mixed with the beauty of Greece and the Greek islands. The perfect escapist read.
Recent praise for A Parthenon on our roof:
‘I was in a beautiful country with a wonderful person bedside me’ – a Greek initiation! “British born author Peter Barber…
Imagine a land protected by craggy mountains, lapped by whispering seas, and guarded by mighty fortresses with bloody histories. This is North Wales, home to the legendary red dragon, and Beth Haslam’s beloved birthplace.
Petulant ponies, neurotic sheepdogs and rabbits with razor-sharp teeth shape Beth’s life as she grows up on a farm estate. She’ll tell you tales of sailing the treacherous Menai Strait Swellies, site of many a dark happening. You’ll learn about the stunning region whose slate once roofed the world, and the ghost-filled castle she called home.
