It Started with Malaga: A memoir of Spanish travels

by Karen O'Connor

When Karen’s son, Johnny, invited her to tag along on his work trip to Malaga, she jumped at the chance. Little did she know that this cheery break from a long Washington winter would result in an adventure that would awaken her soul in ways she could not anticipate.
Follow Karen in her favourite blue jacket as she explores the city, makes new friends and falls deeper in love with Spain.
Fans of The Lonely Planet series, Bill Bryson and engaging travel memoirs will thoroughly enjoy this book.

"Karen O’Connor’s first travel book is a delight. It invites the reader to share her excitement, apprehension and complete fascination with the vibrant city of Malaga." Joan Fallon, author of Spanish Lavender.

Genres: Travel, Memoir

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2024

Reviews

[Judy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being of a similar age and so with similar health issues, this author inspired me. She shares her fears and mishaps regarding traveling to another country with complete honesty and made me feel like I was right there with her. Her detailed explanations when things were starting to derail had me both commiserating and giggling. Although we’ve never met I feel that she gets me. I’ve heard through the grapevine there is more coming up and I can’t wait. Malaga sounds like my kind of city and since she’s teased a few stories from earlier in her life, I hope she has a number of books left in her!

[Lori Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

(free copy received from author) Multiple times while reading this book I had to stop and remind myself that the author was poised to celebrate her 69th birthday and then set an intention for being as active and adventure seeking when I placed that many candles on my own cake! Karen’s travel memoir is delightful. I love how she admits her nervous nelly belly churn when she worries about logistics and hypotheticals, then gives this feeling and other emotions comical nicknames throughout the story. As an introvert, I marveled at her ability to strike up conversations with random travelers, and those rich interactions caused me to consider stepping more out of my shell the next time I’m out and about. I’m not sure if I’ll ever travel to Spain, but I appreciated reading the author’s account of dating and subsequently falling in love with this country, and I can see the universal theme of taking a risk and becoming enamored with one’s new surroundings.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Karen decided to join her son on a trip from America's north west, to Spain's Mediterranean coast, she didn't realize what she was beginning. She'd never even heard of Malaga, yet she was planning a week alone there while her son attended a conference down the coast in Marbella. Having only passed through Malaga (the airport and a jumping off point to Granada ), I now wish I'd visited it properly. Karen describes her plans for tours, trying to learn the language,and booking accommodation before she goes. Very sensible, I'd do the same if I was visiting a new country where I didn't speak the language. She beautifully describes her travels, down to the little details that make you feel you're there with her. Almost, but not a guidebook, it's too personal for that. I enjoyed traveling with her, and sympathized with the amount of steps she walked each day. I'm sure there will be a sequel, as she's already planning her next visit. I can't wait.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully enjoyed this book and her travels on her own and with her son.
Great insight to the area she travelled as well as hints on what to do if you should travel there in the future.
So wonderful to meet people on your travels . Also, don’t be afraid to do things on your own :)
Thanks for the recipes as well .

[Tracie Chapple · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about Karen’s trip to Malaga. She certainly made the place come alive in my imagination! I’m in awe of how many things she crammed into her week - must do better on my next trip away!

[Beth Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true travelogue.

The book opens with the author’s reflections on her stateside life. As a newly retired person, will it be mundane? Her youngest son banishes such thoughts with an invitation to join him on a business trip to Spain. Karen’s base will be Malaga, where the tale is centred.

Filled with anxiety about the invitation, the author finally accepts, and the countdown begins. Karen is a planner. Determined to make the best use of her ‘solo’ time in Malaga, she researches meticulously, booking several tours, which pays off.

I was inspired by the author’s unbridled enthusiasm, her courage in taking Malaga by storm and soaking up as much culture and cuisine as she could. Her descriptive writing is detailed and vivid, giving the reader brilliant mental images of the sites visited, and I could almost taste the different flavours of her delicious meals.

Reunited with her son, indefatigable Karen arranges a trip to Granada, where she falls ever deeper in love with Spain. Even their long flight home, with a stop off in Dublin, Ireland, involves sightseeing. This lady does not waste a moment.

The book is fun, fascinating, and a terrific reference for any travellers to Malaga. I loved the author’s honest approach to sharing her emotions, which added great colour to her writing. It’s a terrific debut memoir by Karen O’Connor, and I look forward to reading about her future travels.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, very pleasant.

I enjoyed this travel memoir about Karen O'Connor's trip.  She lives in Eastern Washington, USA, and, up until recently, hadn't even heard of Malaga.

Her enthusiasm and joy for the trip is infectious; this soon seemed like it was going to be a lovely read-and it was. 

Not just about her trip itself, but the countdown to it; The anticipation and planning, the excitement.  She pre-books some trips, really getting the most out of her time in Malaga.  She certainly had a packed programme of events planned!

Well-presented with little pink flower bouquets at the start of each chapter, and between scenes.  The book was just lovely, and it often made me smile as I read.

Friendly, chatty; doesn't just concern Malaga. It isn't just an "I went there, then I went there"; there are her thoughts, feelings, and memories.  She also lets us in to know a bit about her family, her life, and reveals what possible future books could be about.  

Just a nice, happy, gentle read. I'm glad to see she's writing more.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt, Uplifting Memoir of Discovery and Second Chances

"It Started with Malaga" is a beautifully written travel memoir that proves it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. Karen O’Connor invites readers along on her spontaneous leap from quiet retirement to an unforgettable Spanish adventure sparked by a simple text from her son and fueled by a long-dormant wanderlust.
From the sunlit streets of Málaga and the rhythms of flamenco nights to the warmth of unexpected friendships and the joy of shared sangria, O’Connor captures the essence of travel as both an outer and inner journey. Honest, witty, and deeply relatable, this memoir is about saying yes to new opportunities, embracing change, and finding joy in life’s next chapter.
I loved it and the recipes at the end were a bonus!
Perfect for fans of heartfelt travel writing and inspiring personal journeys.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat this book was, especially at this time of year when I yearn to be somewhere sunny and warm. Karen O’Connor’s memoir about her trip to Malaga with her son had me walking beside her, almost in her shoes, and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. I loved it all, from the preparation to the journey, and on to the week she spent in one of Spain’s loveliest cities. Accompanying her as she walked through the city, enjoying the tours she’d booked and learning about the history were joys that had me looking up places on maps, reading about historical figures and learning more about Spain’s civil war history. I’ve visited many Spanish cities, but Malaga is now next on my list! Thank you, Karen O’Connor. I loved every step of the 70 plus miles you walked!

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this travel memoir. I appreciate the way Karen writes, telling her story in her own chatty personal way, expressing not only what she sees and experiences but also how she is feeling every step of the way. As always I did my "armchair travelling" along with Google maps and images. There is not only a lot of valuable travel tips and info to be had, but also some interesting historical facts. I love that Karen is not afraid to admit some of her own weaknesses and fears (reassuring, because don't we all have these ?). Even though this adventure is told almost moment by moment, I found it captivating through to the end.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut memoir, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Packed with comprehensive information enough to rival any travel guide. This was a fun entertaining read, detailing places visited with much historical and useful information. Karen packed in as much as she could during her week long stay in Malaga, Spain. A nice touch was having authentic Spanish recipes at the back, I shall certainly be trying them out. I winced at the amount of steps Karen did, out of breath just reading it!! Her love of Spanish history shone through, very interesting. I am now looking forward to reading her next memoir.

[Cristina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Started with Malaga by Karen O'Connor is a captivating memoir that invites readers into the vibrant culture and charm of Malaga, Spain. The book chronicles O'Connor's experiences as she explores the city's traditions, cuisine, and history, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the Spanish lifestyle.

I'm reminded of Bill Bryson and enjoyed the memoir's engaging tone and relatable reflections as well as its blend of humor, insight, and cultural immersion.

[Paula Rooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent less than 24 hours in Malaga this book was perfect. I reminisced over the places I had visited and look forward to visiting the others as Karen did in this book.

[Ronald Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having known Malaga first in 1959, Karen O’Connor’s book attracted my curiosity – Has Malaga changed?

My curiosity was satisfied in the most delightful way. Malaga has changed and this account of her getting to know this beautiful region of Spain will definitely encourage me to go back after 60+ years.

Thanks for the delightful visit, Karen!

[Pat Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed ‘spending time’ with the author in Malaga, Spain. A chance trip to Malaga with her son and hey-presto, Blue Jacket travels is born 🙂
I’m looking forward to the authors next book in this series.