The White Umbrella

by Brian Sewell, Sally Ann Lasson (Illustrations)

A short novel that's a treat for animal lovers – an Englishman rescues a mistreated donkey in Pakistan and now both have to travel overland across half the world, home to suburban London. En route, they encounter drug smugglers, carpet salesmen, and hosts of every variety until they finally hitch a lift from Hector, an aristocratic Brit who drives a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, in which the two eccentric Englishmen successfully smuggle the donkey across the English channel. Brian Sewell's short novel has all the characteristics of the best British the wry understatement, the love of travel and adventure, the unremitting affection for animals of all kinds. If you love animals, you'll love joining this journey!

Genres: Fiction, Novels, Literary Fiction, Animals, Travel, Roman

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Brian R Sewell (born 15 July 1931 in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire) was an English art critic and media personality. He wrote for the London Evening Standard and was noted for his acerbic view of conceptual art and the Turner Prize. He was been described as "Britain's most famous and controversial art critic".

Reviews

[Book Concierge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening line: Mr B, a wiry little man of fifty with white hair was sitting in the back of a big white Land Rover when he saw the donkey.
The television documentary filmmaker leaps out and comes to the rescue of the poor animal which is laden with a burden far too heavy for her tiny frame. They are in Pakistan and scheduled to leave the next day, but Mr B will not leave without the donkey and declares he will walk back to England if necessary. And so, he sets out, with a knapsack filled with a few essentials and one change of clothes, and his large white umbrella for shade.

This is a charming fable of one man’s devotion. Along the way Mr B and Pavlova (so named because of her long legs) encounter kind strangers and a few sketchy criminal types. Still, everyone seems enthralled with the little donkey and the crazy Englishman’s determination. A pharmacist treats Pavlova’s wounds, a lorry driver offers a lift, a merchant opens his home and garden, even the drug smuggler gives them a lift.

It was an engaging, gentle read, with a totally satisfying ending. A perfect escape from the hectic and stressful present day situation.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written little book about a man rescuing a young donkey in Pakistan and then travelling with her over land and sea to take her with him to his home in London. The small illustrations by Sally Ann Lasson are perfect for the story and add to the enjoyment of reading this book.

[Lenase · Rating 4 out of 5]

sehr süßes Buch

[Achim ('akim) Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naiv, skurril, positiv und bewegend - Kinderbuch meets Monty Python. Einfach schön :)

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was loaned to me by a friend, with an enthusiastic recommendation.

I enjoyed it but would not have chosen it on my own. Even though it was written only 5 or 6 years ago, it seems a story from another era. Reviews describe it as a children's book but I can't see that. An eccentric Englishman spots a very young and small donkey being mistreated in the middle of Pakistan and immediately buys her, naming her Pavlova, and determines he will bring her home to his garden in England even if they have to walk the entire way back. They don't; they meet many kind and helpful folks along the way through Pakistan, Persia, Turkey, Greece, etc.

I enjoyed the history and geography that were woven into the story and the charming drawings. It's a short book & obviously the author is a true animal lover.

[Kristin Boldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tiny gem of a book, this was a Christmas gift from my mother in law. A middle aged white dude rescues a baby donkey in Peshawar and then has to get it back to England, overland. This is sweet without being cloying, and would be a joy to read for animal lovers.

I'm taking a star off, though, for the racism and sexism that peeked through the story. I can tell the author was erudite and loved food and animals, but not so much people unlike himself.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

so sweet, so heartwarming

[Pauli · Rating 5 out of 5]

hat mir sehr gut gefallen! Sehr charmante Geschichte und Schreibweise; da packt einen das Fernweh (und das Bedürfnis einen kleinen Esel zu besitzen)!

[Inge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schön erzählt, feiner englischer Humor, etwas altmodisch, erinnert an die Welt von Rudyard Kipling. Von Eseln versteht der Autor zwar nicht viel. Aber: sehr zu empfehlen, wenn man mal eine kleine Auszeit braucht.

[Clare de la lune · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had to say goodbye to our dog last summer and we are still completely lost without her company.

This little book helps fills that space where she once lived.

It is delightful tale of the love, trust, loyalty, compassion (and some stupidity) between Mr. B and a baby donkey.

Mr. B is filming with a TV crew in Pakistan and it's not going well. The crew are looking for flashy scenes that will be popular with the viewers and Mr.B, a historian, is wanting more depth to the programme. Mr.B spots the baby donkey by the roadside overladen with goods (way too many for her young age) and decides there and then to abandon the TV crew and rescue the donkey and walk her back to his home in London.

This, of course, is impossible, as the donkey is far too young and the distance too great.

Nevertheless with the help of many likely and unlikely characters the journey gets underway. From an elderly pharmacist to a drug smuggler; a carpet salesmen to an abbey of monks; a beautiful ambassador's wife to a 'bibliophile/bibliopole' in a battered Rolls Royce looking to make a quick gain on a hoard of ancient books. All of who's assistance helps to fill the pages of this book with laughter.

Mr.B purchases a map to help him visualize the journey and the distance involved, in miles. Maths was never his strength and after many miscalculations -

'Determined not to be defeated he tried again by going back to the beginning and argued that if each centimetre represented 24 kilometres instead of 25 his calculations would be simpler, for 24 is 3 times 8, and if 8 kilometres are the equivalent of 5 miles, then 1 centimetre must equal 5 multiplied by 3 - and that is 15 miles. Thus the original measurement from south east to north west must equal a little less , because of reducing 25 to 24 (or might it be a little more?) , than a thousand miles. As no one ever travels in a straight line, poor Mr.B was more than a little depressed to realise that the real distance he must travel must be much more than he calculated.'

So, fortunately, this crazy Englishman walking with a four month old donkey brings out the best in human nature as people arrange some kind of help at every stage. So as well as being offered a dinner and a bed of some sorts (as most legs of his journeys start early morning) this gave Mr.B a chance to exchange stories with his colourful hosts and embelish his own as he fancies.

The final part of the journey is taken in Hector's decrepit RollsRoyce. A car that is unwashed, battered, scraped and with a hole in the silencer that was making a racket and attracting unwanted attention. Mr. B, though not good at maths, was very practical and knew how to solve this problem -

'In the day's when I used often to drive to Turkey, the exhaust was always the first thing to cause trouble and I learned to carry a kit with which to do roadside repairs.' 'I can't imagine you under a car' said Hector. 'Why not?' said Mr.B 'Just because you find me traveling with a donkey, do you take me for a fool?'

It is the love and innocence of the donkey and the love and persistence of Mr.B that brings warmth and happiness to the reader, especially to one who has had the love of a loyal dog.

Perfect.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a quirky and touching tale about a man who rescues a donkey. As a huge animal lover, I found this so adorable. I'd say this could be enjoyed by children and adults, in the way Michael Morpurgo books are.

[Lea Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me sob so hard because it’s so beautiful 😭
I really enjoyed reading this book, I’d recommend it to ppl no matter how old they are. It’s a light book and I read it for vibes only, I wasn’t prepared for the depth it had after all!

[Harsha Priolkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem of a book this! Beautifully published in hardcover that lays flat and delectable illustrations by Sally Ann Lasson, this book was a joy to read 😊 And at only a 175 pages, a perfect example of great stories coming in small packages!

The unusual premise and Sewell's simple, emphatic prose made this an absorbing yet easy read. A man and his donkey on a life-changing journey...what could possibly be more entertaining?! This could easily have been a flamboyant book...peopled with over-the-top characters, stereotypes and contrived situations. Instead what struck me was a certain 'quietness', an almost tangible 'gentleness' in the handling of the characters, language and flow of thought. Sewell invites me along for a ride through the dusty remoteness of forgotten villages and I feel a sense of adventurous excitement mingled with an odd sense of comfort and safety instead of fear! There is a lilt to the prose and a rhythm to the journey that is sweet without being saccharine.

Mr. B and Pavlova, an odd couple that are strangely suited to each other and that had me rooting for them from Page 1 😊 Their story is one that will calm frazzled nerves and renew faith in the human race...it did for me. I feel certain it will for you too. Read it!

[Godine Publisher & Black Sparrow Press]

“To the list of beloved tales about loyal dogs and freckle-faced boys, graying spinsters and inscrutable cats, even winsome elephants and empathetic caretakers, add the late British art critic Sewell’s sweetly endearing story of a man and his donkey, wittily illustrated by Sally Ann Lasson.” — Booklist Review

“A beautifully written book which should become a classic.” – The Times (London)

“There is constant pleasure in Sewell’s prose: the elegance of phrase, the wry humor and the clarity of insight.” – The Independent on Sunday

[Pallavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and simple story of a donkey and Mr B who travels against all odds from Pakistan to London by road . Their relationship lasts a lifetime and their loyalty to each other is unwavering. Transports you back to your childhood where stories were fantastic but simple and meaningful.

[Gaia DeNisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet—an indulgence in wholesomeness

[SixEyesCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice little story to read maybe on a rainy day, to accompany Mr. B on his rescue trip with Pawlowa from Pakistan back to London.
Regarding the book was only written a few years ago, it's set more like at least a few decades ago and it shows in the worldview of the protagonist. (I got a bit irritated throughout the read that even the narrator seems to share this slightly naive and antiquated mindset but it gets explained towards the end)

[Roger Stowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read as I'm as attached to our stray cat, Molly, as Mr.B was to Pavlova.Happily I didn't have to travel to Peshawar to find Molly who had the good grace to find me. The book is even more charming when read whilst imagining the words being pronounced in Mr.Sewell's singular voice. Shed a tear at the end.

[Pamela Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting book

This is an adorable book,
I loved it and will probably read it again many times. My childhood is a long way in the past, but I am sure it will be loved by children and adults . The characters are likeable and quirky, the story is wonderful. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kind of book you'd like to read to kids every night before bedtime or at a campfire. An endearing story about a strange journey and the difficulties of smuggling a donkey.
I loved all the historical facts and just wished I could've remembered them all.
Would recommend it to anyone who just needs a time out sometimes.

[Wsclai · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting story that fondly touches my heart. The humour makes me smile and it is suitable for both adults and children.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisitely written tale of love and of devotion between two unlikely characters. You must read it.

[Friederike Hegelau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reise mit Esel🫏🌍🛤

Mr. B, Experte für antike Geschichte, begleitet ein Fernsehteam für eine Dokumentation über die Vorgeschichte von Pakistan, als ihm im dichten Feierabendverkehr von Peschawar eine kleine verletzte Eselin ins Auge fällt. Flugs springt er aus dem Wagen und möchte sie retten und mit nach Hause nehmen. Doch das Fernsehteam weigert sich ihm in irgendeiner Art zu helfen, hält ihn für bekloppt und lässt ihn allein zurück mitten in der Fremde. Wild entschlossen die Eselin, die er aufgrund ihrer langen Beinchen Pawlowa nennt, nicht im Stich zu lassen, macht er sich auf den langen Weg zurück nach England. Tausende von Kilometern legt er zurück, zu Fuß, mit dem Auto und dem Zug. Er trifft auf einen hilfsbereiten Apotheker, der Pawlowas Wunden verarztet, auf einen freundlichen Teppichverkäufer, der ihm nebenbei den Wunsch nach traditionell gefertigten Teppichen erfüllt und ihm weitere Mitfahrgelegenheiten ermöglicht, auf einen vermeintlich netten Drogenkurier, der Mr. B jedoch nur als Tarnung benutzt und auf einige weitere, ihm doch immer gütlich gesinnte Menschen. Mr. B tut einfach alles dafür um die kleine Eselin sicher zu sich nach Hause zu bringen und verbringt abenteuerliche Wochen mit ihr auf ihrer gemeinsamen Reise📖

Ein nettes kleines Büchlein mit einer kurzweiligen Geschichte. Ich habe Mr. B und die kleine Pawlowa sehr gerne auf ihrer lange Reise begleitet. Ein klein wenig zu sehr Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen (die Menschen waren ihm gegenüber stets nett, höflich und zuvorkommend, für jedes Problem gab es meist schnell eine Lösung) erinnerte es mich ein bisschen an ein modernes Märchen. Aber das war okay, denn ab und zu braucht man sowas ja doch auch. Dass jemand für ein kleines, zierliches Tier soviele Strapazen auf sich nimmt und dass auch noch mit voller Überzeugung und Hingabe gefiel mir. Kleine Anmerkungen bezüglich der Geschichte oder der Menschen des jeweiligen Landes oder der Stadt, die sie gerade durchquerten erhöhten das Lesevergnügen zusätzlich, ebenso wie die schwarz-weiß Zeichnungen, die es alle paar Seiten zwischen den Zeilen gab. Es ließ sich flott und flüssig lesen.
Insgesamt eine schöne, kurze Geschichte für Zwischendurch oder auch als Geschenkbuch sehr zu empfehlen (4/5)⭐️📚🙂

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Sewells Roman Pawlowa oder Wie man eine Eselin um die halbe Welt schmuggelt ist eine bezaubernde kleine Geschichte um den Briten Mr. B, der in Pakistan ein Eselfohlen rettet und es mit nach London nehmen will. Das Problem: Mit dem Esel kann Mr. B nur zu Fuß von Pakistan nach England gelangen - der Beginn einer besonderen Reise.

Das nicht mal 200 Seiten lange Buch ist eine schöne Reisegeschichte und wirklich very british. Mr B ist ein Gentleman durch und durch und beharrt ungeachtet etwaiger negativer Folgen für ihn auf seinem Standpunkt. Wie er sich hingebungsvoll um die kleine Eselin kümmert und sich mit ihr tatsächlich auf diese lange Reise wagt, um dann aber mittendrin innezuhalten und ein paar Teppiche kauft (wenn er schon gerade da ist....) Oder wie Mr. B sich Gefahren aussetzt, ohne wirklich was davon mitzubekommen. Natürlich immer dabei - sein Regenschirm!

Ich habe überlegt, ob es mich gestört hat, dass die Reise im Großen und Ganzen störungsfrei und die Menschen alle so nett und freundlich waren. Bis auf eine Drogeneskapade läuft ja alles wie am Schnürchen, eher unwahrscheinlich. Ich denke aber, dass es zu der Geschichte passt. Ebenso passend wie das trotz seiner Thematik gar nicht so traurige Ende. Sowohl Eselin als auch Mr B sind mir ans Herz gewachsen, ebenso wie viele der Menschen, die Mr. B auf seiner Reise getroffen hat. Bereichert wird das Buch durch die bezaubernden Illustrationen von Sally Ann Lasson, die ich unbedingt noch hervorheben muss.

Wer leicht magische Reisegeschichten mag, wird mit Pawlowa seine Freude haben. Ein schönes Buch!

[Emre · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is actually a nicely written book. I liked the style, the pacing and the descriptions. It reads like the alchemist and these types of books might not be for everybody. However, the 1 star review stems from a slow drift into an ego stroking narrative. Without going into too much detail, the protagonist seems to be someone who was born in the wrong century. Most of his contemporary ordinary men cannot fathom his intellect or sophistication of his interest or whatever it is that makes him happy or piques his interest. This narrative of course is not being transmitted openly but done in a way an abusive partner would passive aggressively proclaim their opinion/interest/whatever is superior to that of others. He does so in a much more eloquent and sophisticated manner, hence the actual beautifully writing, but horrendous and almost even putrid content.

**Warning: An example is given with a slight spoiler**





Until the event of the author introducing slight cheating which appears to serve no purpose other than, I can only assume, to boast or claim a trophy, I could still try to enjoy it and give the book the benefit of the doubt. After that point, however, it felt as if the story was only written for the author's own fantasy of greatness.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pawlowa (The white umbrella) ist eine herrliche Geschichte für alle, die gerne reisen, ein gutes Herz haben und hin und wieder vom Wege abkommen. Ein Buch, das ähnlich wie "Tamino Pinguin" oder "Der kleine Prinz" für jedes Alter passt, sowohl neugierige Kinderseelen als auch weltoffene Erwachsene abtauchen lässt in ferne Welten. Der Reiseroman konfrontiert mit fremden Kulturen und Gefahren, vermittelt Geschichtliches und Geographisches. Und zeigt andererseits, dass Vertrauen in die Menschheit, der Glaube an das Gute gepaart mit besonderer Willenskraft sich auszahlen und zum Ziel führen und glücklich machen. Denn überall gibt's Menschen, die selbstlos Schwächeren helfen. Es lebe das Leben oder liebe das Leben! Einziger Kritikpunkt: der Esel wird manchmal mit Torten und Eiscreme gefüttert ...

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Einfach nur wunderschön und zauberhaft!!
Die Geschichte über Mr B und seine kleine Eselin Pawlowa ist ganz klar verrückt, aber gleichzeitig geht sie einem auch wirklich nahe.
Die kleine Eselin habe ich sofort in mein Herz geschlossen und selbst den absurden Tierfreund Mr B muss man gern haben.
Mit knapp 200 Seiten ist das Büchlein schnell gelesen. Dazu gesellen sich hübsche kleine Zeichnungen von einzelnen Szenen.
Bis zur letzten Seite war ich verzaubert, habe zwischendurch geschmunzelt und sogar ein paar Tränen vergossen.
Zurück bleibt eine herzerwärmende Erinnerung an den tierlieben Mr B und seine Treue Weggefährtin Eselin Pawlowa.

[evge7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eigentlich war ich die ganze Zeit sehr enttäuscht von diesem Buch, bis auf das Ende, das allem doch eine Tiefe gegeben hat.

Ich fand absolut unsympathisch, wie der Autor/Protagonist mit seiner Frau umgegangen ist, nämlich gar nicht.
Ich fand, dass das Abenteuer allzu romantisiert wurde. Er ist wahrscheinlich maximal 500 Meter zu Fuß gegangen und hatte ein durchgehend ein wahnsinniges Glück.
Und dann dachte ich, dass Hektors Tod nun das tiefgründige Ereignis sein soll, das dem Buch eine weitere Ebene verleihen soll. Was absolut unnötig gewesen ist.

Aber gut, das Ende hat mich nun doch etwas gerührt und ich gebe dem Buch deshalb 5/10 Sternen, statt 4/10.

[Silvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this book seemed like a slightly more culturally aware version of "around the world in 80 days"---a large international trip is taken on a sudden whim by an eccentric and well-to-do British gentleman. It has a more soothing and leisurely pace though, and more varied problem solving.

Overall it was pleasant, though I'm not sure what I learned from it and I doubt I'll ever recommend it to anyone.

I'm interested to know what those who liked it enjoyed about it.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet little book about a man who rescues a young donkey in India and decides to walk it home to his house in London. The man and the donkey have many adventures along the way, and are assisted by a host of characters.

The text is accompanied by really charming illustrations.

My only dissapointment with this book is that it is a work of fiction as I have read many true books of people travelling with donkeys. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely.