From Library Journal
A Scotsman growing oranges on Majorca? Snow on the oranges in December? Yes, here is yet another life-changing semiautobiography from a northern European seeking the sun and a new take on life. Although this genre has grown thin, given the plethora of books that have appeared since Frances Mayes's Under the Tuscan Sun and Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, Kerr (Manana, Manana) manages to give us a lively spin on the difficulties and successes he and his family experience after they purchase a rundown orange grove on the Mediterranean island of Majorca. Kerr, his wife, and two sons had traveled to Majorca on holiday and fallen in love with the brilliant sun, rustic countryside, and friendly local population. On something of a whim, they decided they could transfer their Scottish farming skills to the hardscrabble life of orange-grove tending. It is worth noting that Kerr and his family have returned to Scotland since the publication of this book; not all dreams turn out as expected. This charming, cheerful book will appeal to anyone looking for a different take on Spain and Majorca. For large travel collections. Olga B. Wise, Hewlett-Packard Corp., Austin, TX
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
The dream of Scotsman Kerr and his wife had been to own a farm on their vacation island, Majorca. Through the wild serendipity that sometimes visits those who are lost, they happened upon the orange farm of their dreams, charming, rustic, and for sale. It is December when they move in, and though the weather is nothing like what they would experience in Scotland, it is snowing on their newly acquired orange trees! Then the farm itself turns out to be something of a lemon, with failing mechanics, inadequate drains, and the peculiar responsibility of feeding the previous owner's dogs and cats. Fortunately, the majority of their neighbors are helpful and good-hearted, so by spring, the local attitude of "tranquilo" is no longer a foreign concept to the new landowners. Readers will relish Kerr's adept account of the agricultural and social customs of the island and generous insights into one couple's bold transplanting of their lives.
Danise HooverCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
