Following Five Books

Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas: another one dealing with the Civil War.

So I read a number of the aforementioned books and would have to give top prize to 'Ghosts of Spain'. Extremely well-written and thought-out. I'm in the midst of writing my own book just now and Tremlett's work reminds us that the bar has been set high, so high. Martin Kirby's book could've been yet-another 're-invent oneself in a foreign land' yawner, but his honesty makes the reader overlook that. Polly Evans' book was perhaps the single most egregious example of ageism that these eyes have read. Her comments about folks of an advanced age led one to wonder if she'd been molested by seniors as a child. Give it up Polly. Its just ugly--and you are a better writer than that.

Jason Webster - Sacred Sierra, and the first book of Chris Steward, Driving over Lemons, are great books to read if you want to know what it is like to settle in a rural village in Andalucia as well.

But fully agree about ghosts of Spain - it is extremely good. Yet again, as i mentioned before, Guerra ! is best for the history of the Spanish war all over Spain. Very well researched, well written as well.

Oh yes, for those living/going to Barcelona - Homage to Barcelona from Colm Toibin is very good to learn about the history, spirit and different barrios of the city.

I really loved this topic by the way zebec !

Polly Evans also had one particularly original bit, right near the start. In it, she perfectly describes the adrenalized thrill that travelers feel immediately upon arrival at the first hotel-lodging of one's trip, fresh off the plane. Some folks want to freshen up a bit before heading out to do whatever, others can't wait and are 'besides themselves with anticipation.' Well put.