Books
#31
Re: Books
I was going to say Jason Webster - spainrico mentioned some of his (I think) non-fiction; he also has written a series of detective novels set in Valencia (my part of Spain). There's some good detail on modern Spain and in particular its police forces. I've not read them myself but my wife's read most of them and enjoyed them.
And I enjoyed "The Winemaker" by Noah Gordon. Not exactly fast paced, but I managed to lose myself in it.
And I enjoyed "The Winemaker" by Noah Gordon. Not exactly fast paced, but I managed to lose myself in it.
Rosemary
#32
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,121
Re: Books
I preferred Webster's non-fiction books, but each to their own.
If you are interested in the British involvement in transporting Franco from the Canary Islands (where he had been stationed 'out of the way') to Morocco from where he helped start the Spanish Civil War - Spain: The Vital Years Luis Bolin.
If you are interested in the British involvement in transporting Franco from the Canary Islands (where he had been stationed 'out of the way') to Morocco from where he helped start the Spanish Civil War - Spain: The Vital Years Luis Bolin.
Last edited by spainrico; May 22nd 2018 at 6:10 pm.
#33
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Sheffield, UK and La Safor, España
Posts: 207
Re: Books
I'd second the recommendation of Jason Webster's detective novels. I found them very atmospheric and gripping. And living in the Valencia region, it's fun when he uses real locations and hotels and restaurants in his books. We've ended up in a few bars and bodegas he has used in Valencia city. But his non-fiction books are also highly recommended.
#34
Re: Books
I'd second the recommendation of Jason Webster's detective novels. I found them very atmospheric and gripping. And living in the Valencia region, it's fun when he uses real locations and hotels and restaurants in his books. We've ended up in a few bars and bodegas he has used in Valencia city. But his non-fiction books are also highly recommended.
Rosemary
#35
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2015
Location: Gandia
Posts: 26
Re: Books
Spain by Jan Morris is a superb travel book set in the 70's and 80's. I love her writing and it's not full of endless pages about churches. I loathed Iberia by James Mitchener. I've tried Don Quixote maybe four times but can't appreciate it. I wish Bill Bryson had written a book about Spain.
#36
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 0
Re: Books
Here are a couple of other books that haven't been mentioned yet (I think)
Christopher Howse :- The Train In Spain
Paul Richardson :- A Late Dinner
Christopher Howse :- The Train In Spain
Paul Richardson :- A Late Dinner
#37
Re: Books
Spain by Jan Morris is a superb travel book set in the 70's and 80's. I love her writing and it's not full of endless pages about churches. I loathed Iberia by James Mitchener. I've tried Don Quixote maybe four times but can't appreciate it. I wish Bill Bryson had written a book about Spain.
#38
Re: Books
Back Roads to Southern Spain by David Baird....25 car trips around Andalusia
Back Roads Spain by Dorling Kindersley......excellent addition to know the "off the beaten track" places.
Walking through Spain by Robin Neillands (ex marine, deceased) ..... walked from Santander to Tarifa
The companion guide to Madrid and Central Spain by Alastair Boyd......a travelogue by a knowledgeable ex diplomat
A guide to Andalusia by the late Michael Jacobs.....knowledgeable and down to earth commentary
Romanesque churches of Spain by Peter Strafford.....for those interested in old churches!
and last but not least, the detailed guide produced in the 1850's but perhaps not even rivalled by Lonely Planet is Richard Ford's "Handbook for Spain" for book lovers/collectors.
Most if not all can be found pretty cheaply on Amazon, even though it's more fun to find a copy (as well as supporting them) in a 2nd hand bookshop.
#39
Re: Books
I thought that my book shelves were well stocked with books about Spain or based in Spain but your lists are proving me wrong. There are so many informative posts on this thread and I am sure that many new members who are researching living here will appreciate all of your recommendations.
So thank you all for taking part and please do continue, I am loving it.
Rosemary
So thank you all for taking part and please do continue, I am loving it.
Rosemary
#40
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 0
Re: Books
Here is another I completely forgot about...
Harry Ritchie :- Here we Go (A summer on the Costa del Sol)
It's really funny and gives a good portrayal of Spain in the early 90's
Harry Ritchie :- Here we Go (A summer on the Costa del Sol)
It's really funny and gives a good portrayal of Spain in the early 90's
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 72
Re: Books
I thought that my book shelves were well stocked with books about Spain or based in Spain but your lists are proving me wrong. There are so many informative posts on this thread and I am sure that many new members who are researching living here will appreciate all of your recommendations.
So thank you all for taking part and please do continue, I am loving it.
Rosemary
So thank you all for taking part and please do continue, I am loving it.
Rosemary
#42
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,121
Re: Books
If you want to avoid endless pages about churches (see above) avoid Cees Nooteboom (Dutch author) Roads to Santiago. Has anyone mentioned Paul Preston? Lots of books on Spain (can be a bit heavy going)
For good insights/personal accounts on the International Brigade read - The Real Band of Brothers Max Arthur.
For good insights/personal accounts on the International Brigade read - The Real Band of Brothers Max Arthur.
#43
Re: Books
Having met him, as we share an interest in farming and sheep shearing, he's certainly not barking mad. Just passionate about setting up a home in the Alpujarras, which he loves.
#44
Re: Books
For the original on the Alpujarras you must not forget Gerald Brennan "South of Granada" , wonderful introduction to the region, only a Brit would do it, walk from the UK ! We have spent several weekends there, of course visiting Yegen where Brennan lived but also the many other beautiful villages. The drive up from Guadix is very impressive. Also cannot miss Trevelez , research the story of the "Jamonero de Trevélez" - a Ponzi scheme in the late `90s set up by a local banker. Stole millions from the locals and ended-up in prison. Left behind a very good Asador in the centre .
#45
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 835
Re: Books
For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Shadow of the Wind.
Shadow of the Wind.