Customer Reviews

A Load of Bull: An Englishman's Adventures In Madrid

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have visited Madrid twice as a tourist and I have few personal funny stories struggling with the Spanish language. But I have never close to the difficulties the author, Tim Parfitt had when he was living and working in Madrid. I found myself laughing reading each chapter, following the author's life story. His troubles trying to fit in with the Madrilenos, their eating habits and his hilarious insights of the Spanish culture.

I have to add, I really enjoyed how the book ended. Instead of Tom Parfitt lives happy ever after, which he does, the author has a surprising and funny ending.

Bill

A darn good read that switches from funny to touching and back to banana-skins-at-dawn funny again. Parfitt's honesty gives the book the ability to mix the enormous range of human experience in Madrid and combine details of an amazing career.

The writing itself is pitched well: readable, clear and elegant. I chewed through the opus espanicus in a couple of days.

The only problem with 'A Load Of Bull' is I don't see how there can be a sequel - unless Parfitt has more untold tales up the sleeve of his tweed jacket?

I came off trying to read It's Not About The Tapas by Polly Evans and was happy to say A Load Of Bull is nothing like that tome. The thing I loved was Parfitt was not afraid to say his adventures at trying to bag the babes was definitely more miss than hit. That may sound sexist but at least he was honest and made attempts to actually connect with people (and I'm just not talking trying to score with the locals).

His writing style takes you along as though you were his best friend and you can read his thoughts on everything. You'll learn more about how the Spanish think (maybe not why they think the way they do) from reading this than in any travel essay book of the ilk.

One thing this book is not is a load of bull.