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A Capybara for Christmas: European Travel, Japanese Adventure, Maximum Mayhem
One family.
Nine countries.
And a search for a giant mouse.
When the Prior family dash through Europe and Japan on the trail of a capybara, they’ve no idea they’ll stay in a Liechtenstein brothel, flee an Edinburgh plague doctor, join a dystopian society in Tokyo and attempt to break the German land speed record.
As they sleep on the pavement, live on Nutella and dress up as cartoon caterpillars, will they succeed in their capybara quest, or will the European Christmas markets, Scottish bagpipers and the impossibly complicated Japanese train system defeat their holiday goal?
Nine countries.
And a search for a giant mouse.
When the Prior family dash through Europe and Japan on the trail of a capybara, they’ve no idea they’ll stay in a Liechtenstein brothel, flee an Edinburgh plague doctor, join a dystopian society in Tokyo and attempt to break the German land speed record.
As they sleep on the pavement, live on Nutella and dress up as cartoon caterpillars, will they succeed in their capybara quest, or will the European Christmas markets, Scottish bagpipers and the impossibly complicated Japanese train system defeat their holiday goal?
301 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2023
30 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael Prior
14 books35 followersSimon Michael Prior experiences constant adventures, hazards and exciting situations as a marine rescue skipper and a commander of rescue operations.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 4, 2023
I was very fortunate to receive an advanced readers' copy of Simon's latest book, having loved all of his earlier travel memoirs I could not wait to read this. Fortunately for me, and for Simon, I had a day off work yesterday and I had a hot date with A Capybara for Christmas.
Once travel restrictions were eased, Simon and his wife, Fiona, planned an amazing trip with their twin daughters, Ellie and Candi, oh what fun this is going to be especially as it is during the Christmas period. Their eight-week trip is to take in the sights of Europe, Scotland, England, and Tokyo, more countries for the girls to tick off their list. Meticulous planning of flights, car hire, hotel, and hostel accommodation ensued, European sim card organised, travel routes checked and double checked, leaving nothing to chance, what could possibly go wrong?
Travelling around Europe experiencing cold, frosty, foggy, and snowy locations they enjoyed comparing the different cultures and lifestyles along with the traditions of Christmas markets. The girls were delighted to discover that they were allowed to drink alcohol, as long as they were accompanied by their parents.
Of course, there were the obligatory shopping expeditions to purchase clothes for the three ladies whilst Simon was counting off the days till he could tick off his major bucket list item, to see, touch, and feed a capybara in the flesh. Will his hopes and dreams be fulfilled?
Par for the course there were some mishaps along the way, hotels not being as luxurious as they had hoped. Satnav 'Kylie' leads them in a merry dance and on occasion not respond due to the all-dancing, singing European sim card not working in certain countries.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along with quiet reflective times. The atmospheres were all brought to life by Simon's descriptive and unique way of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their adventures and I highly recommend this book.
This is my voluntary review.
Thank you, Simon
Once travel restrictions were eased, Simon and his wife, Fiona, planned an amazing trip with their twin daughters, Ellie and Candi, oh what fun this is going to be especially as it is during the Christmas period. Their eight-week trip is to take in the sights of Europe, Scotland, England, and Tokyo, more countries for the girls to tick off their list. Meticulous planning of flights, car hire, hotel, and hostel accommodation ensued, European sim card organised, travel routes checked and double checked, leaving nothing to chance, what could possibly go wrong?
Travelling around Europe experiencing cold, frosty, foggy, and snowy locations they enjoyed comparing the different cultures and lifestyles along with the traditions of Christmas markets. The girls were delighted to discover that they were allowed to drink alcohol, as long as they were accompanied by their parents.
Of course, there were the obligatory shopping expeditions to purchase clothes for the three ladies whilst Simon was counting off the days till he could tick off his major bucket list item, to see, touch, and feed a capybara in the flesh. Will his hopes and dreams be fulfilled?
Par for the course there were some mishaps along the way, hotels not being as luxurious as they had hoped. Satnav 'Kylie' leads them in a merry dance and on occasion not respond due to the all-dancing, singing European sim card not working in certain countries.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along with quiet reflective times. The atmospheres were all brought to life by Simon's descriptive and unique way of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their adventures and I highly recommend this book.
This is my voluntary review.
Thank you, Simon
December 3, 2023
I was hoping for a more capy-centric plot but still enjoyable.
December 7, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest of Simon's travel memoirs. This time he and the family are travelling to Europe - in the winter - brrr! They intend to visit several different countries as well as a visit to Japan on the return journey home. However, only Simon could have petting a capybara at the top of his 'must do' list! Careful plans are made and checked - what can possibly go wrong?
Well, the best laid plans and all that - their mishaps had me in stitches at times! Dodgy accomodation, an unpredictable Sat Nav, erratic Wi Fi add to the fun.
I love Simon's quirky sense of humour and the way he blends historical facts with descriptions of the family activities and escapades is masterful. They come across as a lovely and loving family. They enjoy the various Christmas Markets, Gluwein and sampling local food where they can.The ladies of course enjoy shopping while Simon is contemplating capybara cuddling.
Do they each have success with their pre-trip aims? You'll have to read this delightful memoir to find out.
Well, the best laid plans and all that - their mishaps had me in stitches at times! Dodgy accomodation, an unpredictable Sat Nav, erratic Wi Fi add to the fun.
I love Simon's quirky sense of humour and the way he blends historical facts with descriptions of the family activities and escapades is masterful. They come across as a lovely and loving family. They enjoy the various Christmas Markets, Gluwein and sampling local food where they can.The ladies of course enjoy shopping while Simon is contemplating capybara cuddling.
Do they each have success with their pre-trip aims? You'll have to read this delightful memoir to find out.
October 3, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy of this book and could not wait to read it knowing how much I had laughed my way through Simon Michael Prior's earlier travel memoirs. This one did not disappoint. A married couple travelling over the Christmas holiday season, with their two teenage daughters -what could possibly go wrong? Much planning had been made, flights booked, cars hired, routes checked, accommodation organised. Simple, yes? Well, maybe not. From hotels not being the luxury standard promised, to sim cards not working in certain countries and even the weather causing disruption, havoc ensues. Of course, teenagers are not interested in what their Dad wants to see, so some persuasion is required in the guise of being allowed to drink alcohol. Meanwhile, other battles arise, such as shopping for clothes that are somehow not available in Australia and here the wife definitely sides with the girls. Each day is a cause for disruption in their well-laid plans but Simon is a positive being and ever more determined to tick off each and every item on his list of things to do and see -not least the most unusual of them all -to see and touch a capybara in the flesh. Will he get his wish? You have to read the book to find out. I guarantee you will laugh your way through its entire length.
December 5, 2023
Hilarious!
Please, read this book. Besides learning about cultures around the world, you will laugh out loud at the adventures of this family. I, too, like capybaras which made me read this book in the first place. I'm so glad I did, and I will recommend it to everyone in my life. And if you want to see capybaras, the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona, has several. Or at least they did when I lived there. Maybe I should look that up....
Please, read this book. Besides learning about cultures around the world, you will laugh out loud at the adventures of this family. I, too, like capybaras which made me read this book in the first place. I'm so glad I did, and I will recommend it to everyone in my life. And if you want to see capybaras, the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona, has several. Or at least they did when I lived there. Maybe I should look that up....
April 6, 2024
entertains and hilarious
Laugh out loud funny, maybe because I relate to Simon. Read his early books and loved them and this was just as funny. Nice to escape with positivity and joy.
Laugh out loud funny, maybe because I relate to Simon. Read his early books and loved them and this was just as funny. Nice to escape with positivity and joy.
October 10, 2023
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for the author. For this trip he visited several countries in Europe in wintertime, followed by a trip to Japan, taking their two teenager daughters along, too.
I’ve always enjoyed the author’s ability to make many of the disasters in his trips sound funny; he’s really good at it. One had me guffawing in describing how his wife got herself and their daughters through an airport queue really quickly: “She slipped us through the other queue.” “What other queue?” “The one for European nationals. There was nobody in it, ’cos they use the electronic gates, like you did.” “And they allowed you through?” “The lady gave me a funny look,” said Fiona, “stamped our passports and said, ‘Thanks for the geography lesson. I didn’t know Australia was in Europe.’”
He also gives us some evocative descriptions, such as, “Wisps of low clouds formed scarves around the white-topped mountain peaks, and gullies of white snow dripped down the slopes as if a celestial cake decorator had poured cream over a trayful of craggy Christmas puddings. I grinned and pointed at the city of Innsbruck with its wonderful glühwein, chocolate pastry balls and clear, trout-filled rivers in the long, U-shaped valley below, surrounded by forests of snow-encrusted pine trees.”
Dachau. He got me choked up as I read his and his family’s reactions to the horrific WWII internment camp. This was exceptionally written, with enough description yet a relieving sparseness—just enough information to make it bearable.
Not knowing Japan very well, I was fascinated by his experiences. And of course, throughout the story I was waiting to know whether he’d ever fulfill his desire to meet a capybara. That bucket list wish of his kept me turning the pages. Did he ever meet one? You’ll have to read this entertaining tale to find that out!
I’ve always enjoyed the author’s ability to make many of the disasters in his trips sound funny; he’s really good at it. One had me guffawing in describing how his wife got herself and their daughters through an airport queue really quickly: “She slipped us through the other queue.” “What other queue?” “The one for European nationals. There was nobody in it, ’cos they use the electronic gates, like you did.” “And they allowed you through?” “The lady gave me a funny look,” said Fiona, “stamped our passports and said, ‘Thanks for the geography lesson. I didn’t know Australia was in Europe.’”
He also gives us some evocative descriptions, such as, “Wisps of low clouds formed scarves around the white-topped mountain peaks, and gullies of white snow dripped down the slopes as if a celestial cake decorator had poured cream over a trayful of craggy Christmas puddings. I grinned and pointed at the city of Innsbruck with its wonderful glühwein, chocolate pastry balls and clear, trout-filled rivers in the long, U-shaped valley below, surrounded by forests of snow-encrusted pine trees.”
Dachau. He got me choked up as I read his and his family’s reactions to the horrific WWII internment camp. This was exceptionally written, with enough description yet a relieving sparseness—just enough information to make it bearable.
Not knowing Japan very well, I was fascinated by his experiences. And of course, throughout the story I was waiting to know whether he’d ever fulfill his desire to meet a capybara. That bucket list wish of his kept me turning the pages. Did he ever meet one? You’ll have to read this entertaining tale to find that out!
October 10, 2023
I almost do cartwheels every time Simon Michael Prior releases another book. Almost—I don’t because I know someone my age will get hurt—me! So I try to stay calm, but I end up reading late into the night when staying calm doesn’t work—trying to chuckle instead of guffawing as my husband snores next to me. Then I fell off the bed from cracking up as I reached for a tissue to dry my eyes—yes, I admit, my loud thump on the floor set off the house alarm at 2 a.m., waking my husband. “But it’s Simon’s fault,” I tell my husband. “He won’t stop making me laugh.” My husband tells me to quit reading, but I can’t sleep as I wonder if Simon got to see the capybara. Simon was lost when I closed my Kindle. The suspense is killing me. As soon as my husband falls back to sleep, I start reading again. I can’t help it—my adrenaline won’t let me count sheep. I highly recommend any of Simon’s books if you enjoy humorous travel adventures.
October 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and received a complimentary copy. My review is honest and my opinions are my own!
A Capybara for Christmas is the latest travel memoir from Simon Michael Prior and it was choc full of humorous escapades, just like his previous books. This time we get to meet Simon’s twin teenage daughters Ellie and Candi as they take a family vacation through the Christmas markets of Europe and on to Scotland and then Japan. Throughout the journey Simon’s obsession with capybaras is to the fore as he desperately tries to cross off a life’s bucket list item, not just a holiday goal! Does he manage to find a capybara amidst his wife and daughters’ shopping obsessions, quest for local food and the ever present Gluhwein at the Christmas markets? You’ll have to read this highly entertaining book to find out!
There are some poignant reflections included with the fun and games, particularly when the family visits the concentration camp at Dachau, but the majority of the book is upbeat and full of fun. Highly recommended to non-fictions fans or lovers of capybaras!
A Capybara for Christmas is the latest travel memoir from Simon Michael Prior and it was choc full of humorous escapades, just like his previous books. This time we get to meet Simon’s twin teenage daughters Ellie and Candi as they take a family vacation through the Christmas markets of Europe and on to Scotland and then Japan. Throughout the journey Simon’s obsession with capybaras is to the fore as he desperately tries to cross off a life’s bucket list item, not just a holiday goal! Does he manage to find a capybara amidst his wife and daughters’ shopping obsessions, quest for local food and the ever present Gluhwein at the Christmas markets? You’ll have to read this highly entertaining book to find out!
There are some poignant reflections included with the fun and games, particularly when the family visits the concentration camp at Dachau, but the majority of the book is upbeat and full of fun. Highly recommended to non-fictions fans or lovers of capybaras!
January 9, 2024
(1st book of 2024) I purchased this book as a gift for my tween daughter who, like the twins in the narrative, has a goal of visiting at least as many countries as her age. She’s ahead by several at this stage and loves reading travel books nearly as much as I do, so we’re both especially always on the look-out for those featuring family travel.
As she handed me A Capybara for Christmas for my turn to read it, I asked what she thought of it. “Meh,” she replied. “They spend an awful lot of time searching for alcohol.” Having just completed the book myself, I completely agree with her assessment. The parents letting their 17-year-old girls day drink and on at least one occasion get outright drunk was disconcerting, especially given that seeking out these “experiences” seemed to be a priority for the entire family.
Travel books for some reason seem to be primarily written by upper middle class Caucasian men who dabble in functional alcoholism and fancy themselves amusing, and this author is no exception. To his credit, he’s at least not quite as openly obsessed with attractive women as is typically also the case with these authors. So I generally approach these types of books with the expectation that I will need to look beyond the author and instead focus on living vicariously through the sites and experiences along the way.
But this family didn’t seem to care much for the places they visited. They’d done minimal research and were repeatedly annoyed when places turned out to be closed. I can see an occasional mix-up of this sort, but failing to come armed with basic knowledge such as the fact that a palace only opens to the public twice per year or that the Japanese train system is complex seemed oddly ignorant. Much of the book involved them simply wondering what to do with their day, then failing to do it. In the end, it seemed they spent more time on shallow shopping expeditions than on exploration of the areas they were so fortunate to be visiting.
The family also struck me as obnoxiously demanding and often insensitive to other cultures. One of the girls was frequently quoted as worrying about climate causes, and another pointed out a couple of Japanese societal faux pas they should avoid, but there was a LOT of complaining about locals who didn’t speak English.
Their sense of entitlement was on full display, such as when they expected a German woman to come in early to make them breakfast before a flight or assumed that a car rental company would give them a larger car for free even though they’d only paid for the cheapest tier. Though Australian, the family often came across as stereotypical rude Americans (although, having also lived in the former country for a period of time, I’m well aware there’s a lot of overlap).
It didn’t help that the dialogue often felt very stilted and unnatural. And oh dear goodness the endless GPS, wifi, and lost car stories. If those generic tales were removed from the book, it would be a third the length it is. The author HAS to have known how dull and repetitive these were, but this was only a five-week vacation he was trying to turn into a book, so I suppose he needed the filler?
The above is not intended to suggest that the book is entirely awful; it just needs to be approached with a willingness to look beyond a lot of flaws. When the author bothers to discuss things other than alcohol, food, mundane travel logistics, or why someone local owes him something, there are some bits of coverage of destinations that made me want to visit (or revisit) a number of places. The ski chalet sounded lovely, the plague museum in Scotland was unexpectedly intriguing, and some elements of the German Christmas markets were captured well. Their overall appreciation for snowy scenes and the muffled sound that comes with them was pleasant, and the single anecdote that felt locally authentic rather than touristic, that of navigating icy streets with locals in the early morning, was enjoyably immersive. And the quest for the capybara, while sometimes awkwardly and forcibly woven into the narrative, ended on a note that finally instilled some positive sense of personality to the book.
It’s rare that I conclude I’d prefer not to read a travel book. There aren’t enough in the genre, so I look past a lot of things just to read anything I can get my hands on. But after reviewing the summary blurbs of this author’s other travel works, I just don’t feel a desire to read any of them. I’d say that if you’re desperate for something post-pandemic, give this one a go, but with lowered expectations.
As she handed me A Capybara for Christmas for my turn to read it, I asked what she thought of it. “Meh,” she replied. “They spend an awful lot of time searching for alcohol.” Having just completed the book myself, I completely agree with her assessment. The parents letting their 17-year-old girls day drink and on at least one occasion get outright drunk was disconcerting, especially given that seeking out these “experiences” seemed to be a priority for the entire family.
Travel books for some reason seem to be primarily written by upper middle class Caucasian men who dabble in functional alcoholism and fancy themselves amusing, and this author is no exception. To his credit, he’s at least not quite as openly obsessed with attractive women as is typically also the case with these authors. So I generally approach these types of books with the expectation that I will need to look beyond the author and instead focus on living vicariously through the sites and experiences along the way.
But this family didn’t seem to care much for the places they visited. They’d done minimal research and were repeatedly annoyed when places turned out to be closed. I can see an occasional mix-up of this sort, but failing to come armed with basic knowledge such as the fact that a palace only opens to the public twice per year or that the Japanese train system is complex seemed oddly ignorant. Much of the book involved them simply wondering what to do with their day, then failing to do it. In the end, it seemed they spent more time on shallow shopping expeditions than on exploration of the areas they were so fortunate to be visiting.
The family also struck me as obnoxiously demanding and often insensitive to other cultures. One of the girls was frequently quoted as worrying about climate causes, and another pointed out a couple of Japanese societal faux pas they should avoid, but there was a LOT of complaining about locals who didn’t speak English.
Their sense of entitlement was on full display, such as when they expected a German woman to come in early to make them breakfast before a flight or assumed that a car rental company would give them a larger car for free even though they’d only paid for the cheapest tier. Though Australian, the family often came across as stereotypical rude Americans (although, having also lived in the former country for a period of time, I’m well aware there’s a lot of overlap).
It didn’t help that the dialogue often felt very stilted and unnatural. And oh dear goodness the endless GPS, wifi, and lost car stories. If those generic tales were removed from the book, it would be a third the length it is. The author HAS to have known how dull and repetitive these were, but this was only a five-week vacation he was trying to turn into a book, so I suppose he needed the filler?
The above is not intended to suggest that the book is entirely awful; it just needs to be approached with a willingness to look beyond a lot of flaws. When the author bothers to discuss things other than alcohol, food, mundane travel logistics, or why someone local owes him something, there are some bits of coverage of destinations that made me want to visit (or revisit) a number of places. The ski chalet sounded lovely, the plague museum in Scotland was unexpectedly intriguing, and some elements of the German Christmas markets were captured well. Their overall appreciation for snowy scenes and the muffled sound that comes with them was pleasant, and the single anecdote that felt locally authentic rather than touristic, that of navigating icy streets with locals in the early morning, was enjoyably immersive. And the quest for the capybara, while sometimes awkwardly and forcibly woven into the narrative, ended on a note that finally instilled some positive sense of personality to the book.
It’s rare that I conclude I’d prefer not to read a travel book. There aren’t enough in the genre, so I look past a lot of things just to read anything I can get my hands on. But after reviewing the summary blurbs of this author’s other travel works, I just don’t feel a desire to read any of them. I’d say that if you’re desperate for something post-pandemic, give this one a go, but with lowered expectations.
October 4, 2023
This is not Simon's usual South Pacific shenanigans. This time, he and Fiona are traveling with their almost grown-up twin daughters. (How did that happen? Surely it was only a couple of years ago he was a young man, looking for the Queen of Tonga?) But now he has another quest - to pet a capybara - and he knows a zoo they can visit to make his dream come true. After being locked down in Australia for three years, the twins' dream of visiting as many counties as they are years old is failing. So, a plan is made to travel to Europe during the long Christmas holiday break, returning via Japan. What follows is a rollicking ride through several European countries. Plagued by an untrustworthy GPS, an unreliable international SMS card, and cold weather, they venture forth. I was drawn into the book from the first page. Simon has a nice trick of ending a chapter on a cliffhanger that draws you in to the next chapter: so much so that I reluctantly climbed into bed at 1.30am instead of midnight, and I finished the book in two days. I love Simon's humor, which made me laugh out loud so many times. The interactions between him and his three girls (daughters and wife) had me chuckling too. And the way he introduces interesting snippets about the places they visit is also very cleverly done. I hope this is the first of a new series, as I really want to hear more about their travels. And did Simon meet and pet a capybara? Well...
March 5, 2024
Full disclosure - I 100% judged this book by its cover. I saw the cute capybara on the cover, with a "cartoon" like background, and without checking anything else, bought it thinking I was buying a children's book for my grandson.
As a guinea pig owner, and lover of cavies - I too, like capybaras, and thought it would be cute for my grandson.
Then the book arrived, and boy was I wrong. But this wasn't a bad thing, for as you know, I am a voracious reader, and set forth on Simon's journey.
I can sum this book up like this - think National Lampoon's European Vacation meets Anthony Bourdain.
While I fully understand this is as close to actual events as possible, I found a lot of it to be an exact parallel to the misadventures of the Griswold family - minus running over Eric Idle.
That being said, it was a very quick read, and I didn't find myself bored in anyway. I learned some things NOT to do if I ever win the lottery and can travel Europe, and I will seek out a class in Japanese Transit Navigation if I ever find myself going to Tokyo.
I had the pleasure of actually seeing a capybara in South Carolina, but to say I am envious of Simon being able to pet one (and take a selfie) would be an understatement - but at least I now know of TWO places I can go to do that (again, if the lottery ever sees fit to grace me with a win).
If you are a fan of travel/food shows, I highly recommend this book. Me, I bought it because I want a Capybara For Christmas (but the wife says NO).
As a guinea pig owner, and lover of cavies - I too, like capybaras, and thought it would be cute for my grandson.
Then the book arrived, and boy was I wrong. But this wasn't a bad thing, for as you know, I am a voracious reader, and set forth on Simon's journey.
I can sum this book up like this - think National Lampoon's European Vacation meets Anthony Bourdain.
While I fully understand this is as close to actual events as possible, I found a lot of it to be an exact parallel to the misadventures of the Griswold family - minus running over Eric Idle.
That being said, it was a very quick read, and I didn't find myself bored in anyway. I learned some things NOT to do if I ever win the lottery and can travel Europe, and I will seek out a class in Japanese Transit Navigation if I ever find myself going to Tokyo.
I had the pleasure of actually seeing a capybara in South Carolina, but to say I am envious of Simon being able to pet one (and take a selfie) would be an understatement - but at least I now know of TWO places I can go to do that (again, if the lottery ever sees fit to grace me with a win).
If you are a fan of travel/food shows, I highly recommend this book. Me, I bought it because I want a Capybara For Christmas (but the wife says NO).
October 15, 2023
The Family has grown up - Travel Adventures together are even more entertaining
Well, the family has all grown up. Simon takes them to colder climates including the UK. The story hangs around trying to meet this larger than normal rodent. As it is a South American native that makes it a little difficult. Added to that his wife and daughters are more than happy to go shopping and see more interesting sites. Simon has a lovely way with words, transferring what I am sure is a natural humour onto the printed page. That takes a skilled writer. His trademark cliffhanger chapter method works extremely well in this new book. I always in Simon’s books get the sense that the people he meets and interacts with will be left feeling enhanced by the experience – a little bit of sunshine is left behind. That surely should be the aim of all travellers. In this book he breaks from the fun to visit Dachau, writing sympathetically with poignancy and respect. I like that he is prepared to round out the travel experience for the family even though this is uncomfortable. Finally,does he find this elusive giant mouse – well you will have to read it. Maybe in one sitting once you start.
Well, the family has all grown up. Simon takes them to colder climates including the UK. The story hangs around trying to meet this larger than normal rodent. As it is a South American native that makes it a little difficult. Added to that his wife and daughters are more than happy to go shopping and see more interesting sites. Simon has a lovely way with words, transferring what I am sure is a natural humour onto the printed page. That takes a skilled writer. His trademark cliffhanger chapter method works extremely well in this new book. I always in Simon’s books get the sense that the people he meets and interacts with will be left feeling enhanced by the experience – a little bit of sunshine is left behind. That surely should be the aim of all travellers. In this book he breaks from the fun to visit Dachau, writing sympathetically with poignancy and respect. I like that he is prepared to round out the travel experience for the family even though this is uncomfortable. Finally,does he find this elusive giant mouse – well you will have to read it. Maybe in one sitting once you start.
December 21, 2024
A Capybara for Christmas: European Travel, Japanese Adventure, Maximum Mayhem by Simon Michael Prior is a delightful and humorous travel memoir. The book chronicles the author’s quirky and adventurous journey across multiple countries in search of a capybara—a seemingly odd but charming mission that serves as the backdrop for an exploration of family, culture, and the unexpected twists of travel.
With engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions, Prior invites readers into his world of unconventional travel, where he encounters everything from unusual accommodations to cultural surprises. The book balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it relatable to anyone who has navigated the unpredictable joys and challenges of exploring new places.
A perfect memoir filled to the brim with wit, lightheartedness, and the ability to capture the essence of travel as both a literal and personal journey. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this book promises an entertaining and uplifting experience.
With engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions, Prior invites readers into his world of unconventional travel, where he encounters everything from unusual accommodations to cultural surprises. The book balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it relatable to anyone who has navigated the unpredictable joys and challenges of exploring new places.
A perfect memoir filled to the brim with wit, lightheartedness, and the ability to capture the essence of travel as both a literal and personal journey. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this book promises an entertaining and uplifting experience.
October 11, 2023
Having read Simon's previous travel memoirs, this is a fast-forward sequel where the reader joins Simon and Fiona and their two teenage twins Candi and Ellie in a Winter romp across Europe plus a stop off in Japan before heading home to Australia. Simon once again weaves into the book one of his unusual and quirky longings: to see a Capybara in real life. Will he accomplish his goal? The book is peppered with interesting facts (both historical and bang up-to-date, often skilfully woven in with what the twins have learnt in school about politics etc), plus the ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns of travelling in a foreign country are vividly recounted by Simon - you feel you're right there with the family as a silent onlooker. The humanity of the family shines through - especially when things go wrong! .... along with their different character traits, and by the end of the book you feel you've really got to know them each very well indeed. A very pleasant read!
October 4, 2023
Family Holiday Hilarity
As the Prior family plan their longed-for overseas holiday after two years of Covid lockdown, it’s clear that they have wildly different travel goals. The twins want to notch up as many countries as their ages, and Simon wants to cuddle a large South American rodent.
But as the Americas are too expensive to travel to, the chance encounters of meeting one in Japan, Europe and the UK are fading.
Fiona finds her happy place in England and wants to cram as much shopping as possible into her suitcase; Ellie intends to save the planet, and Candi’s always looking for perfect pictures for her Instagram feed. That leaves Simon. Will he ever fulfil his dream of communing with a capybara?
Fans of comic travel adventures will love this book. And I can guarantee this will be a popular Christmas stocking filler.
I received a free copy.
As the Prior family plan their longed-for overseas holiday after two years of Covid lockdown, it’s clear that they have wildly different travel goals. The twins want to notch up as many countries as their ages, and Simon wants to cuddle a large South American rodent.
But as the Americas are too expensive to travel to, the chance encounters of meeting one in Japan, Europe and the UK are fading.
Fiona finds her happy place in England and wants to cram as much shopping as possible into her suitcase; Ellie intends to save the planet, and Candi’s always looking for perfect pictures for her Instagram feed. That leaves Simon. Will he ever fulfil his dream of communing with a capybara?
Fans of comic travel adventures will love this book. And I can guarantee this will be a popular Christmas stocking filler.
I received a free copy.
October 19, 2023
𝐀 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.
I’ve loved all of Simon’s books and this one is no exception. Filled with his characteristic witty humour, fast-paced dialogue and hilarious adventures, this is a treat for all fans of travel memoirs. Simon and his family travel across Europe (and Japan) at a crazy pace, devouring mulled wine and local food whilst experiencing all that each country has to offer. And, of course, finding themselves in the centre of a series of comical mishaps, awkward moments and hair-raising escapades. Not to mention trying to track down an elusive yet endearing capybara. Only Simon would have that written down on his bucket list!
I can highly recommend this book.
I’ve loved all of Simon’s books and this one is no exception. Filled with his characteristic witty humour, fast-paced dialogue and hilarious adventures, this is a treat for all fans of travel memoirs. Simon and his family travel across Europe (and Japan) at a crazy pace, devouring mulled wine and local food whilst experiencing all that each country has to offer. And, of course, finding themselves in the centre of a series of comical mishaps, awkward moments and hair-raising escapades. Not to mention trying to track down an elusive yet endearing capybara. Only Simon would have that written down on his bucket list!
I can highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2024
Unexpectedly delightful, heartwarming & funny!
My wife and I read this charming gem of a memoir together over the Christmas holiday. We expected it to be a light, easy-to-read diversion from the heavier titles we had just finished. What we didn’t expect was to fall in love with the Prior family and their adventures in Europe, the UK, and Japan. It was a delight to get to know them as a family and to read their often hilarious points-of-view of their experiences and each other. We laughed, face-palmed, and teared up with them as their journey unfolded AND we learned with them along the way. It was a joy to share this book and we can heartily recommend it to families with pre-teens on up. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
My wife and I read this charming gem of a memoir together over the Christmas holiday. We expected it to be a light, easy-to-read diversion from the heavier titles we had just finished. What we didn’t expect was to fall in love with the Prior family and their adventures in Europe, the UK, and Japan. It was a delight to get to know them as a family and to read their often hilarious points-of-view of their experiences and each other. We laughed, face-palmed, and teared up with them as their journey unfolded AND we learned with them along the way. It was a joy to share this book and we can heartily recommend it to families with pre-teens on up. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
October 3, 2023
All I want for Christmas is…a capybara.
When Simon and his family head to Europe and Japan on a Christmas trip, they each have a list of things they want to do: shopping is high on the girls’ list; whilst Candi is busy uploading photos to snapchat, Ellie wants to meet members of her red-headed tribe and Fiona is busy trying to keep warm (and find some elusive veggies). But Simon has a far more unusual bucket-list item – to meet a south American capybara.
Can he do it? You’ll need to read through a snow-filled Christmas special of fun and mayhem to find out… but it’s worth the journey. As always, Simon is a great travel companion and you’ll be rooting for another successful mission.
When Simon and his family head to Europe and Japan on a Christmas trip, they each have a list of things they want to do: shopping is high on the girls’ list; whilst Candi is busy uploading photos to snapchat, Ellie wants to meet members of her red-headed tribe and Fiona is busy trying to keep warm (and find some elusive veggies). But Simon has a far more unusual bucket-list item – to meet a south American capybara.
Can he do it? You’ll need to read through a snow-filled Christmas special of fun and mayhem to find out… but it’s worth the journey. As always, Simon is a great travel companion and you’ll be rooting for another successful mission.
October 30, 2023
Simon has only one thing on his Christmas wish list – meeting a real-life capybara. The other members of his family have entirely different goals in mind as they embark on their Christmas vacation. Follow this family’s travel to nine countries as they experience multiple mishaps with navigation, accommodation and unpredictable winter weather.
Simon accepts all roadblocks with his usual sense of humour and only minimal complaining. But does he ever achieve the number one item on his bucket list of meeting a capybara? I’m not telling; you will have to read this book and find out for yourself. You will be glad you did!
Simon accepts all roadblocks with his usual sense of humour and only minimal complaining. But does he ever achieve the number one item on his bucket list of meeting a capybara? I’m not telling; you will have to read this book and find out for yourself. You will be glad you did!
January 6, 2024
I am such a fan of all Simon Michael’s books. Lighthearted, hilarious and romantic, this feel-good travel comedy will have you chuckling whether you travel a little, a lot or by arm chair. It’s quite captivating to see him still enamored with the love of his life and to get to know his twin offspring. Whether reading this first or starting at the beginning as I did, you will revel in the mishaps and mayhem that seem to follow this author. Why is this so, you ask? Well, because he purposely puts himself in crazy spots, sacrificing his composure and comfort for our entertainment. With this lofty goal in mind we can be sure we haven’t seen the last of Simon Michael Prior. A fabulous read.
January 7, 2024
An Australian family wants their daughters to visit as many countries as their age and, after Covid, decide to do a whirlwind tour of Western Europe and Japan to catch up. Staying one night in a country and trying some local cuisine, even if it’s just pastry, counts as a visit.
They are trying to do the trip as cheaply as possible so the trip was a bit madcap with strange accommodations, limited food budgets, and not much planning. I really felt that there was too much repetition of visits to Christmas markets and clothes shopping. But there were some parts that delved more into the history of some of the places they visited which I enjoyed.
They are trying to do the trip as cheaply as possible so the trip was a bit madcap with strange accommodations, limited food budgets, and not much planning. I really felt that there was too much repetition of visits to Christmas markets and clothes shopping. But there were some parts that delved more into the history of some of the places they visited which I enjoyed.
October 8, 2023
Things have changed since Simon’s first travel memoir, when he and Fiona ventured to Tonga. Now, with two teenage daughters in tow, their destinations are less remote and more developed. But what hasn’t changed is the pleasure and entertainment you get from reading Simon’s books. His candid, fluid prose captivates you from the first line and his great sense of humor never leaves a boring moment. Another highly recommended read for all those travel enthusiasts out there!
December 17, 2023
This was a really good book. Wasn’t what I usually read but loved all the adventures. Very funny also. I’m so glad he put a real picture at the end. I will definitely read more of his books. Very interesting about the different countries. He made it feel like I was there too. Happy Reading:)
February 18, 2024
LOVED IT !!!
I enjoyed this book so much. I love the style in which the author weaves the story much like a comfy conversation between two friends ar a bar. I will be reading mpve of this author.
I enjoyed this book so much. I love the style in which the author weaves the story much like a comfy conversation between two friends ar a bar. I will be reading mpve of this author.
May 28, 2024
Charming and funny
Their adventures are
very human and they are obviously a loving family. I share a fascination with the capybara and while it is only in the book briefly it plays well. Their off season travels are interesting. Well done.
Their adventures are
very human and they are obviously a loving family. I share a fascination with the capybara and while it is only in the book briefly it plays well. Their off season travels are interesting. Well done.
October 15, 2023
Simon, please write more books fast
I rarely read a book from start to finish in one go but Simons books are just so entertaining for me.
I rarely read a book from start to finish in one go but Simons books are just so entertaining for me.
November 25, 2023
a fun read!
A fun read about a families travels around the world. Very entertaining. Highly recommended. Great read for on the plane.
A fun read about a families travels around the world. Very entertaining. Highly recommended. Great read for on the plane.
December 25, 2023
Happy for Simon
Very heartwarming tale. It kept me in suspense-will Simon meet capybara. I'm happy that he did. Good holiday reading. Highly recommend.
Very heartwarming tale. It kept me in suspense-will Simon meet capybara. I'm happy that he did. Good holiday reading. Highly recommend.
February 12, 2024
I found this to be such a fun, light hearted book. I really enjoyed reading something recently that made me chuckle! I also love capybara's and will be having a scheduled encounter with one in April!
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