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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Parrot in the Pepper Tree by Chris Stewart is a charming memoir that takes readers on a delightful journey through rural Spain. With witty anecdotes and vivid descriptions, Stewart shares his experiences as an expat and captures the beauty of simple living.
In A Parrot in the Pepper Tree by Chris Stewart, we continue the journey with the author, his wife Ana, and their daughter, Chloe, as they navigate their lives in a remote Spanish mountain farm. In this sequel to Driving Over Lemons, Stewart shares the challenges and delights of living in Las Alpujarras, an offbeat region of Spain.
Stewart's narrative is peppered with humorous anecdotes and insightful observations, as he takes on various roles – from a shepherd to a part-time drummer. We witness their struggle to make a living from the land, dealing with unpredictable weather, and the eccentricities of their animals (including a misanthropic parrot). However, they also experience the breathtaking beauty of the Spanish landscape and the warmth of their local community.
Interwoven with their current adventures, Stewart reflects on his past, giving us a glimpse into his colorful life. From his early days as a sheep shearer in Sweden to his stint as a drummer for the rock band Genesis, Stewart's stories are as varied as they are entertaining. He also shares his experiences in Spain as a young man, learning flamenco guitar and exploring the vibrant Spanish culture.
Despite the challenges, Stewart's love for his adopted home shines through. He paints a vivid picture of the Spanish way of life, from the leisurely pace of the siesta to the exuberant festivals and traditions. His deep appreciation for the people and the land is evident throughout the book.
As the family settles into their life in Spain, new challenges emerge. Stewart describes their efforts to integrate into the local community, including enrolling Chloe in a Spanish school. He also shares their environmental activism, as they fight against a proposed dam that threatens their valley. These struggles are balanced by moments of triumph, such as the successful birth of their own lambs.
Stewart's writing is marked by a keen eye for detail and a genuine affection for the people and places he describes. He captures the essence of Las Alpujarras, a region rich in history and culture, while also acknowledging the harsh realities of rural life. Throughout their journey, the family's resilience and adaptability are truly remarkable.
In A Parrot in the Pepper Tree, Chris Stewart invites us to join him on his continuing adventure in Spain. His engaging storytelling, combined with his unique perspective, makes for an enjoyable and insightful read. The book not only offers a glimpse into a lesser-known part of Spain but also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing life's challenges with humor and grace.
As the story draws to a close, we are left with a sense of anticipation, eager to join the Stewarts in their next chapter. Their journey in Spain continues, filled with new experiences, unexpected twists, and, of course, the company of their beloved parrot in the pepper tree.
A Parrot in the Pepper Tree is a charming memoir by Chris Stewart that takes readers on a delightful journey to the remote Andalusian mountains in Spain. Filled with humor and heartwarming anecdotes, the book chronicles Stewart's experiences as an expat, as he navigates the challenges and joys of rural life, befriends eccentric locals, and adopts a mischievous parrot. It's a captivating tale that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the pursuit of a life less ordinary.
Readers who enjoyed Chris Stewart's previous book "Driving Over Lemons"
People who are interested in humorous and insightful memoirs about living in a foreign country
Those who appreciate stories about embracing a simpler and more authentic way of life
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Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma