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Picaflor: Finding Home in South America
'Picaflor, that's what they call a hummingbird here: a snacker, nibbler, pecker of flowers.
Is that what I am? A restless searcher of sweet nectar?'
In Picaflor, a true story, Jessica Talbot invites the reader to travel beside her as she searches for love and meaning, while traversing the fascinating countries of South America. Along the way she lets go of grief, grasps hold of the present and finds herself occupying her own weather beaten shoes.
When unexpected signs appear on her path she asks, 'Is this serendipity or fate?' As the journey unfolds she realises that you don't need to know, it can be magical either way.
The story starts with Jessica getting a tattoo of a hummingbird, a reminder of new beginnings. Then a kiss at sunrise in the snow-dusted Andes of Peru sends her on a restless, risky journey that ends in Argentina. As she travels through unknown terrain, new friends give her important insights into the meaning of friendship, and old ties strengthen as she frees herself from the past. It's in the exhilarating but complicated city of Buenos Aires that she finally understands what it means to feel 'home'.
About the Author
Jessica Talbot grew up in New Zealand. After graduating with a Master's degree in psychology and a post-graduate diploma in clinical psychology she moved to Melbourne, where she worked as a child psychologist. She has been living in Buenos Aires since 2004. She is married to an Argentine and they have a young son. This is her first book.
Is that what I am? A restless searcher of sweet nectar?'
In Picaflor, a true story, Jessica Talbot invites the reader to travel beside her as she searches for love and meaning, while traversing the fascinating countries of South America. Along the way she lets go of grief, grasps hold of the present and finds herself occupying her own weather beaten shoes.
When unexpected signs appear on her path she asks, 'Is this serendipity or fate?' As the journey unfolds she realises that you don't need to know, it can be magical either way.
The story starts with Jessica getting a tattoo of a hummingbird, a reminder of new beginnings. Then a kiss at sunrise in the snow-dusted Andes of Peru sends her on a restless, risky journey that ends in Argentina. As she travels through unknown terrain, new friends give her important insights into the meaning of friendship, and old ties strengthen as she frees herself from the past. It's in the exhilarating but complicated city of Buenos Aires that she finally understands what it means to feel 'home'.
About the Author
Jessica Talbot grew up in New Zealand. After graduating with a Master's degree in psychology and a post-graduate diploma in clinical psychology she moved to Melbourne, where she worked as a child psychologist. She has been living in Buenos Aires since 2004. She is married to an Argentine and they have a young son. This is her first book.
- GenresMemoir
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Talbot
1 book9 followersI was born in New Zealand. When I finished my Master's degree and a post graduate in clinical psychology at Otago University I moved across the sea to Melbourne.
After working at a child and adolescent mental health service in Melbourne, for seven years, I needed a big change in life. A strange prediction, from ten years before, pushed me into motion and I flew to Peru to work with street kids. The adventure that turned into a book began in the lofty Andes of Peru - with a tattoo and an Argentine surfer!
I have been living and working in Buenos Aires for the last ten years. It is a fascinating and complicated home that I share with a wonderful husband and a son - who adds colour to even the grayest moments with his smiling eyes.
It was a long journey to get to where I am and another tough journey to finish 'Picaflor' and release it into the world, but I'm grateful for it all and happy to share the story.
After working at a child and adolescent mental health service in Melbourne, for seven years, I needed a big change in life. A strange prediction, from ten years before, pushed me into motion and I flew to Peru to work with street kids. The adventure that turned into a book began in the lofty Andes of Peru - with a tattoo and an Argentine surfer!
I have been living and working in Buenos Aires for the last ten years. It is a fascinating and complicated home that I share with a wonderful husband and a son - who adds colour to even the grayest moments with his smiling eyes.
It was a long journey to get to where I am and another tough journey to finish 'Picaflor' and release it into the world, but I'm grateful for it all and happy to share the story.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 9, 2015
Enjoyed this well-written Memoir immensely. Different emotions covered wonderfully - being transported to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina was a treat & different - I love travel Memoirs.
Losing love, finding love - finding herself and helping her younger self to be free and know that all's well - it's a journey within a journey.
Learning a language, teaching & making friends isn't easy far from home, but, the Author took herself off and did just that - all the time considering her relationship with her family back at home - I'll leave my review there as don't want to give too much away - I am looking forward to reading more from Jessica Talbot & have no problem recommending this Memoir.
Losing love, finding love - finding herself and helping her younger self to be free and know that all's well - it's a journey within a journey.
Learning a language, teaching & making friends isn't easy far from home, but, the Author took herself off and did just that - all the time considering her relationship with her family back at home - I'll leave my review there as don't want to give too much away - I am looking forward to reading more from Jessica Talbot & have no problem recommending this Memoir.
July 13, 2015
Beautifully written, wonderful, a brilliant memoir.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love travel memoirs and South America isn't somewhere I've read much about before, so I eagerly started the book and then-WOW! It has a powerful opening, you already know someone close has died and that it went on to affect the author deeply. There are some very sad yet beautiful moments where she's pouring out her feelings and thoughts to Daniel. She often 'talks' to Daniel through these letters and there are some very emotional moments in this memoir. She asks Daniel about it, these were similar to my own thoughts voiced to one of my own friends, similar circumstances-I couldn't get it out of my head, his reasons, what possible reasons could there have been, did he suffer for long at the end? I can relate totally to this. I like how these letters or thoughts/talking to Daniel is separate from the other writing as it's in italics. She conveys the atmosphere beautifully, the sights, sounds and smells of the area, it's very evocative. The book title is explained early on. I had never read a book on Peru before-a different destination for me, refreshing, I liked that I was going to learn something. I loved reading about Jessica showing her friend around-seeing the sights-craft markets, Machu Picchu-all really interesting, I absolutely loved the descriptions of all these. There's a twenty-two hour journey to Lima. Now this is what I like, I love to read about raw, gritty travel-(which soft me couldn't do!)-they were taking the cheapest bus-the bus which the locals take, not tourists. Produce and live chickens were on the bus! I find this sort of thing fascinating-how things are in other countries, different lifestyles. She tells of the foods they ate on the bus. Toilets are just squat holes in the ground at the local village station. A recipe is included of a local dish she loves-not a separate recipe as such, just interspersed in the narrative, this was a welcome addition. I love this kind of memoir-travelling to new places, countries which I've never been to, learning about them, the people, the foods. From the title, I thought this was one of those typical moving abroad memoirs-but it's not that-Jessica is only in her 30s and has experienced the tragic loss of loved ones and this is about her travels and trying to come to terms with everything. Even after a short break from reading this due to reading another book at the same time-I was straight back in it, the interest is there, it grabs you easily. Lovely descriptions, beautifully written, this book kept me gripped. This has everything-travel memoir, love story, and tragic events have happened in the past and you see how she deals with this. It's so varied, there's so much in it. There were some moments which were totally unexpected, tragic, Jessica has had to cope with this not just once, but twice, one situation was just unimaginable to me, it took my breath away. I was totally engrossed in it, totally involving, such sad events. It's just unthinkable the things some people go through. This book completely surprised me. It was beautifully written, intelligent, very moving and memorable. I really liked this memoir-there's so much that happens in it, this is absolutely packed with info, events, emotions. Beautifully written, wonderful, a brilliant memoir.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love travel memoirs and South America isn't somewhere I've read much about before, so I eagerly started the book and then-WOW! It has a powerful opening, you already know someone close has died and that it went on to affect the author deeply. There are some very sad yet beautiful moments where she's pouring out her feelings and thoughts to Daniel. She often 'talks' to Daniel through these letters and there are some very emotional moments in this memoir. She asks Daniel about it, these were similar to my own thoughts voiced to one of my own friends, similar circumstances-I couldn't get it out of my head, his reasons, what possible reasons could there have been, did he suffer for long at the end? I can relate totally to this. I like how these letters or thoughts/talking to Daniel is separate from the other writing as it's in italics. She conveys the atmosphere beautifully, the sights, sounds and smells of the area, it's very evocative. The book title is explained early on. I had never read a book on Peru before-a different destination for me, refreshing, I liked that I was going to learn something. I loved reading about Jessica showing her friend around-seeing the sights-craft markets, Machu Picchu-all really interesting, I absolutely loved the descriptions of all these. There's a twenty-two hour journey to Lima. Now this is what I like, I love to read about raw, gritty travel-(which soft me couldn't do!)-they were taking the cheapest bus-the bus which the locals take, not tourists. Produce and live chickens were on the bus! I find this sort of thing fascinating-how things are in other countries, different lifestyles. She tells of the foods they ate on the bus. Toilets are just squat holes in the ground at the local village station. A recipe is included of a local dish she loves-not a separate recipe as such, just interspersed in the narrative, this was a welcome addition. I love this kind of memoir-travelling to new places, countries which I've never been to, learning about them, the people, the foods. From the title, I thought this was one of those typical moving abroad memoirs-but it's not that-Jessica is only in her 30s and has experienced the tragic loss of loved ones and this is about her travels and trying to come to terms with everything. Even after a short break from reading this due to reading another book at the same time-I was straight back in it, the interest is there, it grabs you easily. Lovely descriptions, beautifully written, this book kept me gripped. This has everything-travel memoir, love story, and tragic events have happened in the past and you see how she deals with this. It's so varied, there's so much in it. There were some moments which were totally unexpected, tragic, Jessica has had to cope with this not just once, but twice, one situation was just unimaginable to me, it took my breath away. I was totally engrossed in it, totally involving, such sad events. It's just unthinkable the things some people go through. This book completely surprised me. It was beautifully written, intelligent, very moving and memorable. I really liked this memoir-there's so much that happens in it, this is absolutely packed with info, events, emotions. Beautifully written, wonderful, a brilliant memoir.
December 2, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Jessica Talbot’s memoir, Picaflor. Jessica Talbot is a fellow New Zealand author. She writes with an authentic New Zealand voice which is easy to read and relate to. I liked her New Zealand and Australian anecdotes (as I have lived in both those countries) and the contrasts with life in South America / Argentina. The book certainly increased my interest in visiting South America and I feel I now have a better understanding of the culture, politics and history of Argentina. What stood out for me was the author’s emotional honesty. In my experience women are much better at that than men; most men I’ve known are not in touch with their emotions let alone honest about them. Jessica Talbot is seriously good at emotional honesty - an admirable human trait and great to see in a memoir. Picaflor also deals with universal themes of home and family in sensitive and insightful ways. Almost all of us have experiences of home and family and part of the success of this book is that it reaches out to so many people with those universal themes.
October 26, 2014
I cried and laughed; I cringed and rejoiced throughout Jessica Talbot's story! Picaflor is a heart wrenching, soul-searching, honest look into one woman's courageous journey. What makes it a must-read is how the author inadvertently entices the reader to "go up into the attic" and look through our own boxes; rummage through some of those feelings that might be neatly tucked away. Essentially Universal Truths; the need for Love, Acceptance, and Acknowledgment are feelings which know no boundaries. They are equally at home all over the globe, which is why this story will appeal to a diverse audience. Jessica's description of Argentina, the food, the culture, the people, the government, all ring true with this"yanqui"- born a porteña, but raised in the United States. Excellent read. Congratulations! Felicidades!
October 19, 2016
Have you ever read a memoir and felt as though it was a dream that you once had, or as if in some way you were connected to it? Have you ever read a true life chronicle that made you feel as though you were living a dèjá vu of sorts, but in a whimsical and out-of-body kind of way?
It’s so strange because that had never happened to me before, until I picked up “Picaflor”. Perhaps it was the way the story was relayed, perhaps the author’s writing style, perhaps even the fact that there were intermittent letters addressed to a lost loved one. But, whatever the reason, “Picaflor”, to me, was a grand adventure traversing various times and places, all told in a way that made me feel like I was part of the recounting.
I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me go back to the premise for a bit.
Jessica Talbot introduces her life story to us in the most powerful of ways; by writing a letter to her deceased loved one, Daniel. The letter is so powerful and is portrayed in such a fanciful narrative that it makes one feel as if life is magic and all consuming … in a good way. My favorite part of the letter is the end when she tells Daniel that she can hear the pitter-pattering of feet on the pavement, which indicates that her two loves have arrived; her husband and son.
Immediately after that, we are submerged into her decision to get the tattoo of a hummingbird, “picaflor” in Spanish. From there we get to see Peru vicariously through the eyes of the author. And, such an enchanted place she depicts it to be. By the end of the journey we are in Argentina, which subsequently becomes her residence. But, oh, it was so much more! It was home!
From giving us the impressive descriptions of the scenery, to the South-American life styles, to the new friends and old that have made a mark in her life, Ms. Talbot illustrates a powerful tale about how she found a home away from home. All of this done through pain, trails and rediscovery.
One scene that stood out and made me chuckle a bit was when she spoke of the bus with live chickens on it. I imagined what that would be like and giggled.
Also, there are so many layers of emotion within the pages of “Picaflor”. From loss, to love, to anger, to excitement. I mean, you name the sentiment and it was present here. “Picaflor” is a complex compound of having to make your way in a world that can be difficult, but also beautiful, and in the end your souls true abode.
I was smitten and taken aback, all at once, with “Picaflor”. While I find that the cover is beautiful, I’ve learned that the narrative is more so. It took me about a week to read the story and I would always do it before bed at night because I wanted to be able to go to sleep with the images in my mind. “Picaflor” is a biographical journal that will stay with you for a long time. One that you might even want to go back and read again from time to time.
In reference to syntax, it was perfect. In regards to enjoyability, it was outstanding. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book, or nothing that I could suggest be changed or perfected. “Picaflor” is one of those rare books that I loved.
I give “Picaflor” by Jessica Talbot 5 Stars.
It’s so strange because that had never happened to me before, until I picked up “Picaflor”. Perhaps it was the way the story was relayed, perhaps the author’s writing style, perhaps even the fact that there were intermittent letters addressed to a lost loved one. But, whatever the reason, “Picaflor”, to me, was a grand adventure traversing various times and places, all told in a way that made me feel like I was part of the recounting.
I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me go back to the premise for a bit.
Jessica Talbot introduces her life story to us in the most powerful of ways; by writing a letter to her deceased loved one, Daniel. The letter is so powerful and is portrayed in such a fanciful narrative that it makes one feel as if life is magic and all consuming … in a good way. My favorite part of the letter is the end when she tells Daniel that she can hear the pitter-pattering of feet on the pavement, which indicates that her two loves have arrived; her husband and son.
Immediately after that, we are submerged into her decision to get the tattoo of a hummingbird, “picaflor” in Spanish. From there we get to see Peru vicariously through the eyes of the author. And, such an enchanted place she depicts it to be. By the end of the journey we are in Argentina, which subsequently becomes her residence. But, oh, it was so much more! It was home!
From giving us the impressive descriptions of the scenery, to the South-American life styles, to the new friends and old that have made a mark in her life, Ms. Talbot illustrates a powerful tale about how she found a home away from home. All of this done through pain, trails and rediscovery.
One scene that stood out and made me chuckle a bit was when she spoke of the bus with live chickens on it. I imagined what that would be like and giggled.
Also, there are so many layers of emotion within the pages of “Picaflor”. From loss, to love, to anger, to excitement. I mean, you name the sentiment and it was present here. “Picaflor” is a complex compound of having to make your way in a world that can be difficult, but also beautiful, and in the end your souls true abode.
I was smitten and taken aback, all at once, with “Picaflor”. While I find that the cover is beautiful, I’ve learned that the narrative is more so. It took me about a week to read the story and I would always do it before bed at night because I wanted to be able to go to sleep with the images in my mind. “Picaflor” is a biographical journal that will stay with you for a long time. One that you might even want to go back and read again from time to time.
In reference to syntax, it was perfect. In regards to enjoyability, it was outstanding. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book, or nothing that I could suggest be changed or perfected. “Picaflor” is one of those rare books that I loved.
I give “Picaflor” by Jessica Talbot 5 Stars.
February 18, 2017
After the death of a dear friend, Jessica quits her job as a child psychologist in Australia and travels to the wilds of South America in hopes of finding herself and a new beginning.
Letting go of the old, she gets a tattoo in Cusco, Peru of a Picaflor (hummingbird) flitting about in search of the sweet nectar of life. As she explores fascinating and unknown terrain, she frees herself from the past, and invites readers to join her as she stops, looks, and listens to the serendipity that can unfold daily in life; if one is aware and pays attention.
A beautifully written memoir! I enjoyed this honest book about a woman seeking her truth in life and the joy of finding it. Double my pleasure was the fact that I have visited all the places mentioned in this amazing book and can attest to the author's keen descriptions of people, places, and cultures as her journey unfolds.
Letting go of the old, she gets a tattoo in Cusco, Peru of a Picaflor (hummingbird) flitting about in search of the sweet nectar of life. As she explores fascinating and unknown terrain, she frees herself from the past, and invites readers to join her as she stops, looks, and listens to the serendipity that can unfold daily in life; if one is aware and pays attention.
A beautifully written memoir! I enjoyed this honest book about a woman seeking her truth in life and the joy of finding it. Double my pleasure was the fact that I have visited all the places mentioned in this amazing book and can attest to the author's keen descriptions of people, places, and cultures as her journey unfolds.
August 14, 2016
What a fascinating and honest memoir. Jessica leaves her well paid job as a psychologist in Melbourne to travel to Peru to work as a volunteer with street children. She explains she has always felt drawn to South America and, in fact, a psychic actually told her she would eventually live there. At this point in her life she is unhappy and not at peace within herself and is really seeking love and inner contentment. It’s certainly not just a travel memoir but a journey of self discovery as well. I loved the title ‘Picaflor’ which is a little hummingbird. In Peru she has one tattooed on her arm and wonders if she is ‘a restless searcher of sweet nectar’ just like this tiny bird. She has suffered tragedy in her life with the suicide of her boyfriend and has issues with her family relationships. Eventually her travels take her to Buenos Aires in Argentina, where despite the problems of not speaking the language well and adapting to a new country and very different customs she knows this is where she wants to live. This is a beautifully written, almost lyrical memoir, with wonderful descriptive passages that allows the reader to journey with her. She is also very honest about sharing her private thoughts and opening up about her inner feelings. I’m so glad that she found the happiness and contentment she was seeking! A wonderful and touching memoir.
September 15, 2015
More so than most travel memoirs, Picaflor: Finding Home in South America is a journey of self-discovery as much as a sojourn through South America, and tells how a crushing loss sent the author on a journey to the other side of the world in search of love, a sense of place, and peace.
What separates Picaflor's approach from so many other travel memoir odysseys is its exquisite attention to detail and delicate blend of personal, cultural, spiritual and travel insights. It's not easy to create a journey that carries its readers along for the ride with 'you-are-there' moments both intimate and reflective: "I am calmed by the whispering leaves and that strange orange glow of a day near its end. I no longer feel invaded by the sensation of searching. Being alone, as I am now in the garden, is a choice. I have people to go home to: two strong women to cushion me from the hard edges of life."
How to keep these 'hard edges' of life an invitation to remain open to new experiences is just one of the many lessons Picaflor imparts using a lightly philosophical, revealing first-person tone that doesn't keep readers at bay, but immerses them in the sights, sounds, and feel of South America.
What separates Picaflor's approach from so many other travel memoir odysseys is its exquisite attention to detail and delicate blend of personal, cultural, spiritual and travel insights. It's not easy to create a journey that carries its readers along for the ride with 'you-are-there' moments both intimate and reflective: "I am calmed by the whispering leaves and that strange orange glow of a day near its end. I no longer feel invaded by the sensation of searching. Being alone, as I am now in the garden, is a choice. I have people to go home to: two strong women to cushion me from the hard edges of life."
How to keep these 'hard edges' of life an invitation to remain open to new experiences is just one of the many lessons Picaflor imparts using a lightly philosophical, revealing first-person tone that doesn't keep readers at bay, but immerses them in the sights, sounds, and feel of South America.
June 16, 2014
For anyone who has travelled outside their comfort zone, found a home in new lands, or is close to someone who has, Picaflor: Finding Home in South America will resonate.
Following a New Zealander's cautious search for fulfilment and happiness, this is a beautifully told story. Picaflor takes us back through a complex and secretive family history and forward to an unpredictable and exciting future in modern Argentina.
Jessica's story had me in tears several times as she honestly unfolds the sadness within her past, biting my nails and cringing through the bumps and challenges of backpacker travel and laughing out loud several times as she grapples with a new language and cultural differences.
I literally couldn't put this book down. One I will be gifting to many book loving friends who will appreciate a heartfelt and compelling story about finding love, peace and happiness in adulthood.
Following a New Zealander's cautious search for fulfilment and happiness, this is a beautifully told story. Picaflor takes us back through a complex and secretive family history and forward to an unpredictable and exciting future in modern Argentina.
Jessica's story had me in tears several times as she honestly unfolds the sadness within her past, biting my nails and cringing through the bumps and challenges of backpacker travel and laughing out loud several times as she grapples with a new language and cultural differences.
I literally couldn't put this book down. One I will be gifting to many book loving friends who will appreciate a heartfelt and compelling story about finding love, peace and happiness in adulthood.
June 19, 2014
I couldn't put this book down. The last book I felt this way about was 'The Help' … Picaflor is an energetic, thoughtful book which drew me in from the first page. I really felt close to some of the themes of the book which to me were loss, searching for something more in life, love, and the wonder of travel and foreign cultures. Also thrown into the mix are a few South American dalliances with the opposite sex!!
Although I generally don't like to make comparisons with other books, this book did remind me of 'Eat, Pray, Love' in terms of the writing style. Picaflor is thoughtful, thought provoking, painful and yet also has the right amount of humour. From page one I was hooked and felt like I was on the journey with the author. It's a journey of discovery and adventure through South America and throughout the book I was keeping my fingers crossed that the journey ended well and that the author finds what she is looking for….. I loved it!!! 5 stars to Picaflor!
Although I generally don't like to make comparisons with other books, this book did remind me of 'Eat, Pray, Love' in terms of the writing style. Picaflor is thoughtful, thought provoking, painful and yet also has the right amount of humour. From page one I was hooked and felt like I was on the journey with the author. It's a journey of discovery and adventure through South America and throughout the book I was keeping my fingers crossed that the journey ended well and that the author finds what she is looking for….. I loved it!!! 5 stars to Picaflor!
July 14, 2015
I met Jessica at a dinner with friends in Buenos Aires where I found out that she had written a book about finding home in South America. I was very curious to know whether her experience was similar to mine. So I got the book the next day and finished it after two evenings. It's such a grabbing and moving story that you can't put it away. People told me that it was an autobiography but it's actually so much more. Finally somebody was brave enough and able to express in words what South American, and particularly Argentine, culture means and does to people from abroad. All the good and bad parts are in there and you live every moment with the author as if it were you. Travelling, finding a place to live, finding friends, becoming part of a local family, dating, etc.. It's not just a book for expats, it's also very much a book for their families and friends back home so that they understand what South America means to the ones who have left.
August 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book from the very beginning. I liked the cover with its symbols: the nest with the ceibo, Bouganvillea flowers and the other objects that represent important events from her journey through South America, her family or different situations. It seems to me an original idea.
I also liked the way she describes Buenos Aires, our idiosyncrasy, the codes between couples, so different from her homeland. The book talks about people she met here with warm words and I also enjoyed reading the relationships between them.
Very funny the situations in that Jessy gets involved learning Spanish or some other activities!
Jessica describes her feelings, her ups and downs, her doubts in a way that make you feel involved. It´s a touching life story. Five stars to this book!!
I also liked the way she describes Buenos Aires, our idiosyncrasy, the codes between couples, so different from her homeland. The book talks about people she met here with warm words and I also enjoyed reading the relationships between them.
Very funny the situations in that Jessy gets involved learning Spanish or some other activities!
Jessica describes her feelings, her ups and downs, her doubts in a way that make you feel involved. It´s a touching life story. Five stars to this book!!
May 28, 2015
I should start this by saying I am a book worm. I am always reading, I average 2/3 books a week, and I am therefore, very critical of books I read...it has to be a really special book to make it stand out for me.
That being said. Somehow, there don't seem to be words powerful enough to describe how I feel about your book. Your book is perfect. I read it, and in some ways it was like reading my own story with different names. It moved me to tears on nearly every turn of the page.
The way you describe Argentina as 'Argy' is like reading my own thoughts and feelings on paper. Its surreal. So I just wanted to say thank you. Thank for such an amazing book. Thank you for making me smile and laugh and cry.
That being said. Somehow, there don't seem to be words powerful enough to describe how I feel about your book. Your book is perfect. I read it, and in some ways it was like reading my own story with different names. It moved me to tears on nearly every turn of the page.
The way you describe Argentina as 'Argy' is like reading my own thoughts and feelings on paper. Its surreal. So I just wanted to say thank you. Thank for such an amazing book. Thank you for making me smile and laugh and cry.
June 10, 2014
From the first opening paragraph to the last, I coudn't stop reading.
Author Jessica Talbot weaves an inpiring tale that is part memoir, part travel advenure.
If you have ever felt lost in life, feeling like the right path was or is always just out of reach, this author's story of finding her true, destined home will re-awaken hope in your heart. Talbot's wonderful, lyrical writing style make the places and people she crosses path's with come alive. South America is now on my list of places I must go!
No matter what your age, this story will resonate within your heart and soul. A don't miss read!
Author Jessica Talbot weaves an inpiring tale that is part memoir, part travel advenure.
If you have ever felt lost in life, feeling like the right path was or is always just out of reach, this author's story of finding her true, destined home will re-awaken hope in your heart. Talbot's wonderful, lyrical writing style make the places and people she crosses path's with come alive. South America is now on my list of places I must go!
No matter what your age, this story will resonate within your heart and soul. A don't miss read!
April 28, 2015
Reading at the same age as the author is when she starts her story; this book was really heartwarming for me. From the start it pulled at my curiosity and impressed me its bravery. It is a coming of age story/ coming into our own story that acknowledges the process that we are all in with emotional clarity. I’d recommend it for anyone on any journey, travelers or not. It left me feeling inspired and comforted at the same time.
August 7, 2014
I have been living in Buenos Aires for 10 years so I could definately relate to a lot of the story. I thought it was well written and I really enjoyed reading it! I also thought it was really brave of the author to share such personal moments from her life!!
February 22, 2015
A memoir that's honest and unflinching is always a great read and Ms.Talbot bravely sets down her story in a way that reaches out to readers. Like a rainbow appearing after a downpour... Magical and moving. Highly recommended!!!
February 17, 2015
Finished in record time! This is a compelling memoir written by a sensitive and reflexive author. I feel grateful that Jessica shared, in her book, this personal journey.
July 14, 2015
We are proud to announce that PICAFLOR: FINDING HOME IN SOUTH AMERICA by Jessica Talbot is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
June 6, 2023
I fell in love with Jessy's journey home. What a great life-changing journey she had. As an Argentine, I must admit that what caught me was the way in which she described my city. We are so caught up in all the bad aspects of Argentina that we sometimes forget how beautiful our country and culture are. And I found myself laughing at all the facts about Argentines that were shown in the book. Everything is true! I can't speak for the Peruvian representation, but at least, Argentina is very well done. The way the Argentines speak in English is just so... us.
And Paco, let me tell you. He is what I define as an Argentine boy at the full. When he was like Jessy we will see each other again, I was so sure he was lying. And I was right! Because I know my boys. It was so funny to me how she later on tells her friends in Argentina about everything that happened with Paco and they were like we could've worn you.
4 Stars for this amazing book, only because once she meets Diego, the book became a little slow.
And Paco, let me tell you. He is what I define as an Argentine boy at the full. When he was like Jessy we will see each other again, I was so sure he was lying. And I was right! Because I know my boys. It was so funny to me how she later on tells her friends in Argentina about everything that happened with Paco and they were like we could've worn you.
4 Stars for this amazing book, only because once she meets Diego, the book became a little slow.
January 28, 2026
What a beautiful story from a talented author. This was a real page turner.. couldn't put it down! Jessica tells her story of grief and loss, and finding herself in a new home in South America. It was quite the adventure and written in such a poetic way - from New Zealand, to Peru, to Argentina. She presents the cultures of each country so perfectly.
January 28, 2015
Review copy kindly provided via Booksellers NZ by Picaflor Press
Picaflor is the South American Spanish name for the hummingbird – ‘a snacker, nibbler, pecker of flowers’. When Jessica Talbot first arrived in Peru at the age of 32, she identifies immediately with this little bird, calling herself ‘a restless searcher of sweet nectar’ in her attempts to find some sort of meaning and contentment in her life, a place to call home. She has no idea if South America is it, but for this native New Zealander, her life as she has lived it to date in New Zealand and Melbourne has not brought her the peace and reason for being she so longingly craves. As a psychologist she is well used to analyzing the human mind, but this does not help her in understanding herself. Since her early twenties she has been drawn to South America, and so one day, after a particularly difficult time in her life, she packs her bags and goes to Peru ‘because it seemed exotic and wild and mystical’ for a three month holiday of sorts, first working as a volunteer with street children in the city of Trujillo and for the last month travelling around.
Her gut instincts prove spot on. Everything about where she travels – Peru, Colombia and Ecuador completely captivates her. A holiday romance with the delicious sounding Paco ultimately leads to her packing up her life in Melbourne and moving to Buenos Aires. She learns Spanish, makes friends with the locals, retains her sanity with her other expatriate friends, falls in love with the equally delicious sounding Diego, marries and has a child. She has found her place to call home, living and working in Buenos Aires since 2004 and this book is the story of how she found that inner peace and stability. End of story, happy ever after.
This is not just a travelogue though. Although for anyone considering a move to South America, particularly for a woman, it is great reading. This book is very a much personal journey of self-discovery and growth that we could all take a lesson or two from. After all, Jessica left a successful career, a comfortable life, family and many friends to go on some sort of wild goose chase in search of some sort of unknown intangible, based essentially on a gut feeling. But the way she tells her story, she was dead inside living in Melbourne, and realized for her own personal survival she did need to change something. This major decision that resulted in her life taking such unexpected and different paths also enabled her internal self to deal with a lot of long buried family stuff, resulting in some much needed resolution between herself and her family.
It would have taken some courage to write this book, and maybe that is why it has taken ten years from when she went to Argentina for her to do so. She works through a lot of ‘stuff’ in this memoir and would appear to come out a happier, healthier, more contented person. Most of us are not really in very deep touch with our inner selves, and her analysis /coming to terms with all this ‘stuff’ is just as interesting and touching as the family ‘stuff’. Being the type of person that prefers reading plot driven books, at times my eyes did glaze over a bit when she was yet again visualizing or angsting about something, for which there is no shortage of material. I did find her ongoing ‘letters’ to her one time love Daniel annoying, but if this is what helped her process everything going on, then I hope it helped!
Despite my initial doubts, thinking it was going to be another ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, I did really quite enjoy reading this book. I got to like Jessica, and I know this because at the end I was smiling to myself, thinking how great it was that things had turned out for her, how far she had come since she got her picaflor tattoo in her second month. As she says in her author’s note at the very beginning – ‘my intention has always been to write a warm, human story about overcoming a difficult past and creating a brighter future’.
Picaflor is the South American Spanish name for the hummingbird – ‘a snacker, nibbler, pecker of flowers’. When Jessica Talbot first arrived in Peru at the age of 32, she identifies immediately with this little bird, calling herself ‘a restless searcher of sweet nectar’ in her attempts to find some sort of meaning and contentment in her life, a place to call home. She has no idea if South America is it, but for this native New Zealander, her life as she has lived it to date in New Zealand and Melbourne has not brought her the peace and reason for being she so longingly craves. As a psychologist she is well used to analyzing the human mind, but this does not help her in understanding herself. Since her early twenties she has been drawn to South America, and so one day, after a particularly difficult time in her life, she packs her bags and goes to Peru ‘because it seemed exotic and wild and mystical’ for a three month holiday of sorts, first working as a volunteer with street children in the city of Trujillo and for the last month travelling around.
Her gut instincts prove spot on. Everything about where she travels – Peru, Colombia and Ecuador completely captivates her. A holiday romance with the delicious sounding Paco ultimately leads to her packing up her life in Melbourne and moving to Buenos Aires. She learns Spanish, makes friends with the locals, retains her sanity with her other expatriate friends, falls in love with the equally delicious sounding Diego, marries and has a child. She has found her place to call home, living and working in Buenos Aires since 2004 and this book is the story of how she found that inner peace and stability. End of story, happy ever after.
This is not just a travelogue though. Although for anyone considering a move to South America, particularly for a woman, it is great reading. This book is very a much personal journey of self-discovery and growth that we could all take a lesson or two from. After all, Jessica left a successful career, a comfortable life, family and many friends to go on some sort of wild goose chase in search of some sort of unknown intangible, based essentially on a gut feeling. But the way she tells her story, she was dead inside living in Melbourne, and realized for her own personal survival she did need to change something. This major decision that resulted in her life taking such unexpected and different paths also enabled her internal self to deal with a lot of long buried family stuff, resulting in some much needed resolution between herself and her family.
It would have taken some courage to write this book, and maybe that is why it has taken ten years from when she went to Argentina for her to do so. She works through a lot of ‘stuff’ in this memoir and would appear to come out a happier, healthier, more contented person. Most of us are not really in very deep touch with our inner selves, and her analysis /coming to terms with all this ‘stuff’ is just as interesting and touching as the family ‘stuff’. Being the type of person that prefers reading plot driven books, at times my eyes did glaze over a bit when she was yet again visualizing or angsting about something, for which there is no shortage of material. I did find her ongoing ‘letters’ to her one time love Daniel annoying, but if this is what helped her process everything going on, then I hope it helped!
Despite my initial doubts, thinking it was going to be another ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, I did really quite enjoy reading this book. I got to like Jessica, and I know this because at the end I was smiling to myself, thinking how great it was that things had turned out for her, how far she had come since she got her picaflor tattoo in her second month. As she says in her author’s note at the very beginning – ‘my intention has always been to write a warm, human story about overcoming a difficult past and creating a brighter future’.
January 28, 2015
I enjoyed this book, overall, very much. Her description of her mother was for me the highlight. Any low points concerned her letters to Daniel, which I felt too often interrupted the flow of the story. It also took some getting used to her use of the present tense, which I've found elsewhere to be exhausting in such a long work. But I read Picaflor in small doses and that helped. The present tense, as a result I think, brought me into the story in more urgent, intense way.
Opening in a tattoo parlor getting the outline of a humingbird carved into her skin, Jessica -- a psychotherapist in her "past life" suddenly understands "the cutters" she worked with. "They want relief," she writes. " ... They seek pain in order to confirm that they exist." And so the book begins, with a fragile victim, struggling to put behind her the painful memories of a lost love.
The humingbird (el picaflor in Spanish) is a perfect metaphor, for the humingbird -- so fragile in appearance -- is a tenacious fighter and a survivor extraordinaire. And in ~Picaflor: Finding Home in South America,~ we discover the author is as well.
"Life is strange," she writes at the end of the book, "and it's mystical too, if we let it be." Indeed.
Opening in a tattoo parlor getting the outline of a humingbird carved into her skin, Jessica -- a psychotherapist in her "past life" suddenly understands "the cutters" she worked with. "They want relief," she writes. " ... They seek pain in order to confirm that they exist." And so the book begins, with a fragile victim, struggling to put behind her the painful memories of a lost love.
The humingbird (el picaflor in Spanish) is a perfect metaphor, for the humingbird -- so fragile in appearance -- is a tenacious fighter and a survivor extraordinaire. And in ~Picaflor: Finding Home in South America,~ we discover the author is as well.
"Life is strange," she writes at the end of the book, "and it's mystical too, if we let it be." Indeed.
April 2, 2015
Picaflor is an autobiography that reads like a novel. It's about finding yourself, finding love, and finding peace.
This book is part romance and part adventure. It's also a journey back home, in a way. In Picaflor, Jessica leaves New Zealand in hopes to discover herself in a new place--Cusco, Peru. There she meets a man, falls in love, sets out on a journey, loses that love, but finds herself in the process. She also comes to terms with her disjointed family back in New Zealand. And eventually, she finds true love in Buenos Aires.
I enjoyed this book. Even though it is billed as a true story, it reads like a good novel. And now that I've raed it, I want to head to South America myself. This story is more about relationships, but it isn't just about relationships between people. Our heroine doesn't just fall in love with a man in this book. She falls in love with a city too--Buenos Aires--and so this story doesn't end with her new-found love, Diego. It ends with the union of a man, a woman, a city, and its culture. It is, in the end, a story about coming home to the place where you truly belong.
This book is part romance and part adventure. It's also a journey back home, in a way. In Picaflor, Jessica leaves New Zealand in hopes to discover herself in a new place--Cusco, Peru. There she meets a man, falls in love, sets out on a journey, loses that love, but finds herself in the process. She also comes to terms with her disjointed family back in New Zealand. And eventually, she finds true love in Buenos Aires.
I enjoyed this book. Even though it is billed as a true story, it reads like a good novel. And now that I've raed it, I want to head to South America myself. This story is more about relationships, but it isn't just about relationships between people. Our heroine doesn't just fall in love with a man in this book. She falls in love with a city too--Buenos Aires--and so this story doesn't end with her new-found love, Diego. It ends with the union of a man, a woman, a city, and its culture. It is, in the end, a story about coming home to the place where you truly belong.
February 25, 2015
This was a memoir, which was very worth reading. What a talent the author has for the flow and interest of story-line, while telling the very emotional journey of her life from New Zealand, Australia, Peru to Argentina and places in between. She gives us a heartfelt and very open description of what she went through to get where she is today. I felt I was traveling with her as she has her ups and downs as she tries to find her place in the world. Watching her as her expectations of people and places change.
I love her thought process and her ability to draw us in through some major events that happened to her and were a reoccurring subjects, throughout the book, such as the loss of a loved one, family issues, that needed to be clarified, etc.
There was a part where she describes Argentina, her adoptive country, which was so cleverly done, and so fun to read. I also grew up in Latin America, so I feel I know how she felt at time.
I hope she keeps on writing as she has a huge talent. I cannot believe this book is only .99 cents on kindle.
I love her thought process and her ability to draw us in through some major events that happened to her and were a reoccurring subjects, throughout the book, such as the loss of a loved one, family issues, that needed to be clarified, etc.
There was a part where she describes Argentina, her adoptive country, which was so cleverly done, and so fun to read. I also grew up in Latin America, so I feel I know how she felt at time.
I hope she keeps on writing as she has a huge talent. I cannot believe this book is only .99 cents on kindle.
September 23, 2015
Not really a travel memoir
Thought that this book was about exploring another country but it early on became clear that this about a woman who had serious issues with herself and was seeking someone to help her to feel loveable. This may also explain her earlier choice of education and career as a physiotherapist. Although I did read to the end, I skipped over her talks to dead ex boyfriend and some other parts. Some books are like this....they may be written to the author for the author.
Thought that this book was about exploring another country but it early on became clear that this about a woman who had serious issues with herself and was seeking someone to help her to feel loveable. This may also explain her earlier choice of education and career as a physiotherapist. Although I did read to the end, I skipped over her talks to dead ex boyfriend and some other parts. Some books are like this....they may be written to the author for the author.
June 29, 2014
An addictive read, the author leads us through an insightful exploration of her journey from new zealand to argentina. Well worth reading!!
June 5, 2016
Tender and insightful. Picaflor took me on a emotional roller-coaster ride. I couldn't put this book down and I looked forward to finding a moment to read more.
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