Tales of the Country

by Brian Viner

Brian Viner and his family had enjoyed much about their nice little middle-class patch of north London, but gradually realised they were suffering from a severe case of 'metropause' -- the desire to swap the hassles of London life for the serenity of the countryside. After a long search they found the house of their dreams in rural Herefordshire. But is country life all it's cracked up to be? More importantly, where *does* one go to get a decent cappuccino? 'A Year in Provence' with less sunshine but more laughs, TALES OF THE COUNTRY is a wonderfully entertaining and heart-warming account of the Viners' adjustment from town to country. Focusing on their first year in Herefordshire and the attendant misadventures with mice, ponies and septic tanks, not to mention some sceptical locals, it is a terrific blend of humour and memoir. Full of anecdote and character, and beautifully written, TALES OF THE COUNTRY is a superbly beguiling book about what is really important in life, and the joys and trials encountered along the road towards it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Humor

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge: written before 2010) I’ve read a number of these “let’s move to the country” family adjustment novels but this one (originally published in 2005) particularly resonated because I happen to travel the A44 regularly en route to Leominster for work. Thoroughly enjoyed Brian Viner’s witty repartee which has given me a greater insight into the people, places and agricultural industry that goes on behind the road signs I regularly pass.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted, enjoyable and topical!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked it up at a hotel out of boredom and enjoyed it thoroughly. Simple reading, made me chortle

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. It had me laughing aloud in places. Really well written - you can tell he's a professional columnist. I think my Mum would reaally enjoy this story. Basically the Viners decide to move from Londong to the country & end up in rambling home in Herefordshire with an assortment of animals, interesting neighbours & guest cottages to run. This book covers the first 12 months of settling in. A real surprise from the Dirt Cheap Books Warehouse & quite a treat.

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read "Nice to See It, To See It, Nice: The 1970s in Front of the Telly" by Brian Viner I bought this by the same author. Sometimes when have really enjoyed a book the next one you read by him/her can be a disappointment. Not on this occasion, a great read and a very entertaining writer.

[Chris The Story Reading Ape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being familiar with the Herefordshire areas around Bromyard, Docklow, Leominster, etc, I could easily relate to the people, attitudes and situations described to perfection.
Hilarious and very likely true...

See my review also at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

treechange laughs and adventures.

[Juli Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok story about a couple and their children giving up living in London and moving to the countryside

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good entertaining read

[Pauline Midwinter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12459744

[Masha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about Herefordshire.