A Basque Diary: Living in Hondarribia

by Alex Hallatt

When cartoonist Alex Hallatt wanted to learn Spanish, she moved to the Basque Country. She thought she might stay a few months and ended up there for over two years, living in a small town near San Sebastian. This is the illustrated account of her years in Hondarribia. It is a useful resource for anyone planning on spending time in the Basque Country, detailing what to expect in each month and how to make the most of the geographical, culinary and cultural attractions on offer.

128 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2017

About the author

Alex Hallatt is a British-Kiwi cartoonist who grew up in Dorset.

Alex has illustrated and written books for many publishers. Her first book for pre-schoolers is "Hoover the Hungry Dog" and she is working on a range of books for middle grade readers. Her illustrated, action-packed chapter book for 8-12 year olds, "FAB (Friends Against Bullying) Club" was published in 2016. "FAB Club 2 -Friends Against Cyberbullying" was published in 2018.

Alex is back in New Zealand after spending two years in Spain with her partner, Duncan. Their experiences of living in a little town in the Basque Country have been published in "A Basque Diary".

Reviews

[Darryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Hallatt is a British cartoonist who moved to the Basque town of Hondarribia, just east of San Sebastián, with her partner Duncan and their dog Billie, where they lived for two years. This book is a description of Hondarribia, their experiences living there, a month by month guide to activities, local customs, and recommended restaurants, shops and nearby towns. Included are her own drawings, links to useful websites, and information on how to best experience the Basque region like a local. Ms Hallatt's love of Hondarribia shines through this small gem of a book, and I will refer to it when I make my first visit to the Basque Country next month.

[Carolyn Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just experienced my second holiday in Hondarribia, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was lovely to read about the familiar places and events I had experienced, but also gave me a greater understanding of the unique nature of the Basque people and countryside. Alex’s wonderful illustrations enhance her relaxed and honest storytelling style. It would be a wonderful resource for first time visitors to the region, and especially to those planning an extended stay.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's this? A hybrid travel book, travelogue and graphic novel, of course! Excellent. Keep them coming! I hope this is a new trend.
I enjoyed the drawings and the travel tips. I thought the organization according to month didn't make as much sense to me. I liked the tips towards the end, but this book is very narrowly focused on a specific town in Basque country. I did think there would be a little more travelogue element to this, but there were fewer stories and more travel guide type of information.

[Paul Challen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic quick look at life in the Basque Country!

A personalized look - accented by the author’s excellent drawings - about life in and around a small Basque town in the north of Spain. Not your usual travel book, this one is 100 percent the author’s personal take on places to see, spots to eat and drink and life/culture in this region. Highly recommended if you’re interested in this part of the world or just want a refreshing change from the standard “travel guide” genre!!

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a graphic novel. It is an engaging and informative, very short journal about living in the Basque Country of Spain as an expat. I'm glad I got it for its narrative information. Each chapter is adorned with one drawing, which in my mind is not what a graphic novel does - the illustrations should move the plot if not add to it. Still, for what I was looking for, it will suffice: I became intrigued about doing the northern route of the Camino - which goes through the Basque region.

[John Eric Edinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder about a trip in Spain to areas I visited in 1965 particularly the authors cute sketches showing maps, shoreline, bridges and hillsides through Basque country and looking for interesting places to stay. Fascinating how little the area has changed after all these years yet delightful to see in the venue of the authors neat sketches.

[Marilane Dusterhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read if you are planning a trip to the Basque region of Spain and France. Many recommendations for markets and festivals, bar and restaurants, and ways to navigate transportation between towns. Wonderful illustrations.

[Emma Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

I loved the illustrations and appreciated the tips about Basque Country. This is a tiny book but it’s as much as I wanted! Sounds like the author had a wonderful adventure.

[Susan S Miller]

Never read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book! This is an area of Spain that I haven't been to and know nothing about. The writing was colorful and detailed and now I need to go here.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise travel guide to Basque country. Includes links to relevant info. Good for people traveling with dogs.