Driving over Lemons

Chris Stewart

This is the autobiographical account of 'an optimists life in Andulucija'. The author, a former drummer with Genesis, buys a remote farm in southern spain and recounts the events that occur there. Jean thought that this was a "good read, light-hearted and fascinating in places."
Jean 15/8/99

Mostly harmless - just another good life travel book. Would probably get more out of it if you knew the area. Interesting people - and animals! 'Learnt more than I needed to know about sheep...' Interesting to read about the water irrigation system: channels cut by hand. Liked the section about 'walking the water' - i.e. walking in front of the water as it flows through the irrigation channels. Author a typical self-deprecating Englishman abroad.
Doreen 12/9/99

“Not as bad as Peter Mayle on Provence, but that style of book.” This description is a little unfair, Stewart is actually very self-deprecating and not at all patronising, and seems much nicer than Mayle. That said, Caroline found the book trite and nearly gave up reading it.
Caroline 7/11/99

This is set in Andalusia. I liked it, but I wouldn't go and live in Spain. The author buys a house on the recommendation of an estate agent. He is exploited by the locals, the food is awful..There are good bits about sheep.
Gill 21/5/00

Harmless enough. Andrew knew a lot of the places having stayed in the area. Not particularly well written, no tension or flow. Easy to read.
Andrew 23/7/00

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.