A Donkey in the Meadow: Tales from a Cornish Flower Farm

The Minack Chronicles #4

by Derek Tangye

The fourth title in the Minack Chronicles tells the story of how Derek and Jeannie acquired two donkeys, Penny and Fred. From the first steps and learning all about donkey foibles, through to picnics in the meadows, this is a further charming instalment in the tales of the Tangye's life at Minack.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature, Biography Memoir, Animals

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

During WWII, Derek Tangye worked for MI5 (the U.K.'s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency) and, after the war, he worked as a newspaper columnist. His wife, Jeannie Nicol Tangye, was a hotel PR executive. They both left their jobs in the city to move to a simple cottage on a flower farm in Cornwall.

Reviews

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a younger reader I read a book by this author about his life with one of his cats. I don’t remember which one, but I do remember being charmed by it. Once again, I found myself enjoying reading a gentle story of how the author and his wife came to welcome two donkeys into their lives.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little memoir of life on a flower farm in Cornwall, by an author who was yearning to escape the computer revolution back in the 1960s. Some beautiful philosophical musings on the nature of love and commitment and relationship, and on finding meaning in day to day life.

[Elaine Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent description beautifully written and well worth a read.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another pleasant tale of life on a Cornish flower farm. This one introduces Penny the donkey and her foal Fred.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favourite book of this series. A gentle tale, with a strong anti-materialistic message.

[Helrj · Rating 5 out of 5]

How have I never come across this book before? I know the little flower farm that is the setting for this book and it is a truely magical spot.
Reading this book brought it to life and also provided a wonderful insight into a life that is both similar and very different to that of people living on the land today.
I am so glad I found this little book, I felt I was in Cornwall as I read it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek Tangye's writing is not just sweet and easy, it hides profound philosophical meanings. I enjoyed this little book immensely.

[Gini D'Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of his books so far

[jean sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book really enjoyed it ,it you love reading about animals this is a brilliant book

[Mia Bratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely read!

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story. I look forward to reading more Derek Tangye books.