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Mad Cows and Englishmen: at large in Galicia
Imagine living on an island in where the sun shines down almost every day of the year and a cool breeze drifts in off the ocean, rippling the fronds of the palm trees. Wouldn’t that be paradise? Now imagine huddling around a rusty wood stove with the rain lashing against the window and the wind howling, as a storm rages outside. Who in their right mind would abandon life in paradise for that?
Mad Cows and Englishmen is the story of an English couple who trade the sun, sea, and sands of Gran Canaria for a home in Galicia, one of the coldest, wettest parts of Spain. Living in an old stone house in a remote hamlet surrounded by fields and forests that go on sounds idyllic. But, as Liza Grantham and her husband soon discover, their new lifestyle isn’t quite as tranquil as they’d been expecting. Menacing cheeses, reports of hyenas, cows running amok, a bloodthirsty cockerel, and a morning when the sun doesn’t rise are amongst the many surprises that rural life has in store for them.
An amusing, insightful, and shamelessly honest account of their story, as they confront daily challenges with optimism and tenacity during their first year in Galicia.
BONUS MATERIAL: Twenty poems by the author to amuse and delight.
Mad Cows and Englishmen is the story of an English couple who trade the sun, sea, and sands of Gran Canaria for a home in Galicia, one of the coldest, wettest parts of Spain. Living in an old stone house in a remote hamlet surrounded by fields and forests that go on sounds idyllic. But, as Liza Grantham and her husband soon discover, their new lifestyle isn’t quite as tranquil as they’d been expecting. Menacing cheeses, reports of hyenas, cows running amok, a bloodthirsty cockerel, and a morning when the sun doesn’t rise are amongst the many surprises that rural life has in store for them.
An amusing, insightful, and shamelessly honest account of their story, as they confront daily challenges with optimism and tenacity during their first year in Galicia.
BONUS MATERIAL: Twenty poems by the author to amuse and delight.
- GenresMemoir
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
94 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Liza Grantham
12 books28 followersLiza Grantham was born in 1965 in the East Midlands brewery town of Burton-on-Trent. After gaining a BA (Hons) in Linguistics, French and Hindi from the University of York and a PGCE from Derbyshire College of Higher Education she returned to her hometown where she taught at Anglesey Primary School for sixteen years. In 1997 she was awarded an MBA with distinction in Educational Management from the University of Nottingham. After meeting her now husband Gary she moved to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to teach in a British school. In 2011 the couple moved to a remote hamlet in rural Galicia where they raise chickens, grow vegetables and expect the unexpected in their idyllic yet highly unpredictable rural life.
The peace and beauty of the natural surroundings provides the perfect backdrop for stimulation and creativity, and Liza has plenty of opportunity for writing in a range of genres. She has published three books in the 'Mad Cow in Galicia' memoir series: 'Mad Cows and Englishmen', 'How Now, Mad Cow?' and ''Til Mad Cow Comes Home'. She is also the author of 'A Play by Any Other Name...' in which the complete Shakespeare plays are summarised in everyday verse. Her prize-winning poetry has been published in several editions of 'The Good Life in Galicia' anthology series (ed. S Bush).
The peace and beauty of the natural surroundings provides the perfect backdrop for stimulation and creativity, and Liza has plenty of opportunity for writing in a range of genres. She has published three books in the 'Mad Cow in Galicia' memoir series: 'Mad Cows and Englishmen', 'How Now, Mad Cow?' and ''Til Mad Cow Comes Home'. She is also the author of 'A Play by Any Other Name...' in which the complete Shakespeare plays are summarised in everyday verse. Her prize-winning poetry has been published in several editions of 'The Good Life in Galicia' anthology series (ed. S Bush).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 25, 2023
I do not remember any mad cows, not even in the disease form.
Still, I enjoyed this story very much because it was relaxing. Lisa and Gary decide to move to Galicia. They buy a very old stone farmhouse, 1Where the farm animals Ashley lived inside the house in separate rooms. At least the animals did not have to climb stairs to get to their bedrooms. Now I realized the smell must be pretty bad because I have a cat and a litter box and if it were not for finding walnut Litter I don't know how I could stand it. But the only animals that come into her house are a dog and a cat.
What I enjoyed best about this book where the people living in Her area, on other farms. They all socialized and had Quiet parties. At least they seemed quiet. Quiet is good. But if I read anymore quiet books like this, I believe I will be looking for something more rowdy.
Still, I enjoyed this story very much because it was relaxing. Lisa and Gary decide to move to Galicia. They buy a very old stone farmhouse, 1Where the farm animals Ashley lived inside the house in separate rooms. At least the animals did not have to climb stairs to get to their bedrooms. Now I realized the smell must be pretty bad because I have a cat and a litter box and if it were not for finding walnut Litter I don't know how I could stand it. But the only animals that come into her house are a dog and a cat.
What I enjoyed best about this book where the people living in Her area, on other farms. They all socialized and had Quiet parties. At least they seemed quiet. Quiet is good. But if I read anymore quiet books like this, I believe I will be looking for something more rowdy.
January 15, 2023
A Window Into Liza’s World
Liza offers readers a window into her life in Galicia with husband Gary and a large assortment of domestic creatures and interesting neighbors. There is always a problem to be solved, an expense to be born, and a new friend to come to the rescue. Ingenuity must be Liza’s middle name! She tackles every issue with whatever resources are at hand… And a whole lot of creative thinking.
Liza offers readers a window into her life in Galicia with husband Gary and a large assortment of domestic creatures and interesting neighbors. There is always a problem to be solved, an expense to be born, and a new friend to come to the rescue. Ingenuity must be Liza’s middle name! She tackles every issue with whatever resources are at hand… And a whole lot of creative thinking.
February 12, 2022
Many people move to Spain for the sunshine and relaxing way of life; not so Liza Grantham and husband Gary. They leave the sunniest part of Spain, the Canary Islands, to move to the wet bit, Galicia.
Not only that but they immediately set about turning into bona fide Galician peasants (and no that isn’t derogatory in Galicia). With her newly bought pinny, Liza sets off foraging for firewood, learning to make cheese and keeping chickens, all the while doing up their house in a small, rural village.
Liza has a great way with words, her descriptions are spot on and the characters of their Galician neighbours shine through in this memoir, the first of a series. A brilliant poet, the end of chapter verses are where Liza’s talent really shines through. They are so clever, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a curry recipe in rhyming couplet! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Not only that but they immediately set about turning into bona fide Galician peasants (and no that isn’t derogatory in Galicia). With her newly bought pinny, Liza sets off foraging for firewood, learning to make cheese and keeping chickens, all the while doing up their house in a small, rural village.
Liza has a great way with words, her descriptions are spot on and the characters of their Galician neighbours shine through in this memoir, the first of a series. A brilliant poet, the end of chapter verses are where Liza’s talent really shines through. They are so clever, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a curry recipe in rhyming couplet! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
April 20, 2023
Who moves from the sun-filled Canary Islands to Galicia Spain? Liza and Gary do, and what a great adventure! I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting to read about the actual move, which had been done in parts, as well as how they integrated with the people and the new culture.They have very interesting neighbors who I enjoyed meeting. One of my favorite scenes is when Liza decides to sleep under the stars one night.
The writing takes you adventure onward with easy reading and many cups of tea.Will be onto the second in the series soon.
The writing takes you adventure onward with easy reading and many cups of tea.Will be onto the second in the series soon.
September 25, 2023
This is an interesting, fun read! Looking forward to reading the whole series!
March 20, 2023
Fabulous and fun memoir.
I've read quite a few memoirs about moving to Spain. A few years back I read one about moving to a lesser known part of rural Spain: Galicia. I went on to read every one so far in the series by Craig Briggs. Then I came across more memoirs about life in Galicia: Lisa Rose Wright's books are also a joy to read. Hard acts to follow-so would this latest offering about locating to the same area measure up? Indeed it does! I loved it and can't wait to start the next instalment.
Liza and Gary had already made the move from the UK. They had been living in the Canary Islands; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. They both worked in a British fee-paying school. It wasn’t quite everything they dreamed of. They were drawn to Galicia, and plumped to relocate there.
Would Galicia be their dream come true? Would things run smoothly? Or would there be problems and hurdles? Well, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. She tells it like it is. She’s down-to-earth, funny, she’s quite a case.
A great first chapter-which seems quite long, (and it’s quite a long book compared with some in this genre), but it was so good I soon whizzed through it. I'm not a big fan of poetry....especially the non-rhyming kind. But I really liked Liza’s rhyming ditties. They are applicable to the happenings, and work well. A nice addition.
It was fresh, fun, easy to read, just my kind of book. Very enjoyable and entertaining. I never tire of reading these ‘moving abroad-finding a property-kitting it out-making it into a home’ memoirs. This is another great example of this genre.
I've read quite a few memoirs about moving to Spain. A few years back I read one about moving to a lesser known part of rural Spain: Galicia. I went on to read every one so far in the series by Craig Briggs. Then I came across more memoirs about life in Galicia: Lisa Rose Wright's books are also a joy to read. Hard acts to follow-so would this latest offering about locating to the same area measure up? Indeed it does! I loved it and can't wait to start the next instalment.
Liza and Gary had already made the move from the UK. They had been living in the Canary Islands; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. They both worked in a British fee-paying school. It wasn’t quite everything they dreamed of. They were drawn to Galicia, and plumped to relocate there.
Would Galicia be their dream come true? Would things run smoothly? Or would there be problems and hurdles? Well, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. She tells it like it is. She’s down-to-earth, funny, she’s quite a case.
A great first chapter-which seems quite long, (and it’s quite a long book compared with some in this genre), but it was so good I soon whizzed through it. I'm not a big fan of poetry....especially the non-rhyming kind. But I really liked Liza’s rhyming ditties. They are applicable to the happenings, and work well. A nice addition.
It was fresh, fun, easy to read, just my kind of book. Very enjoyable and entertaining. I never tire of reading these ‘moving abroad-finding a property-kitting it out-making it into a home’ memoirs. This is another great example of this genre.
September 26, 2022
A humorous account of starting a new life in rural Galicia, for Liza and Gary there is never a dull moment, lots of ups but also lots of downs, through it all they continue to find the humor in each situation. An entertaining read, can’t wait to read the others in the series.
March 17, 2022
Galician Dream
Imagine living on an island where you have year-round sunshine and cool ocean breezes. Would you tire of it? Well, that is just what happened to Liza and her husband, Gary, they left Las Palmas in Canary Island to seek out their dream home in Galicia, swapping sunshine climes for a wetter climate.
In her beautifully written memoir, Liza recounts their journey to Galicia to seek out the ideal property with plenty of land. Already fluent in Spanish, Liz soon adapts to their new way of life, learning how to raise chickens, foraging for firewood and even spending a night alone in the forest. Making friends with some colourful characters and joining in with the simple way of life they are soon part of the local community.
A well written and humorous account of their new life, I am looking forward to the next instalment in book two. Thank you, Liza for a wonderful read.
Imagine living on an island where you have year-round sunshine and cool ocean breezes. Would you tire of it? Well, that is just what happened to Liza and her husband, Gary, they left Las Palmas in Canary Island to seek out their dream home in Galicia, swapping sunshine climes for a wetter climate.
In her beautifully written memoir, Liza recounts their journey to Galicia to seek out the ideal property with plenty of land. Already fluent in Spanish, Liz soon adapts to their new way of life, learning how to raise chickens, foraging for firewood and even spending a night alone in the forest. Making friends with some colourful characters and joining in with the simple way of life they are soon part of the local community.
A well written and humorous account of their new life, I am looking forward to the next instalment in book two. Thank you, Liza for a wonderful read.
September 16, 2022
Having moved from the UK to the sunshine Island of Gran Canaria, Liza and her husband Gary make another move to Galicia to embrace a completely different lifestyle. I loved Liza's engaging style of writing, her candour and sense of fun as well as her willingness to fit in to the rural village way of life. I loved reading about their house renovations, their dealings with neighbours, friendships made and new customs embraced. It's an honest, fun and interesting read and I'm delighted it's the first in a series. Not only is Liza a skilled and entertaining writer she is also a poet. I loved the wonderfully clever and fun poems between each chapter. I'm off to start book two!
January 1, 2024
Good read
I am now looking forward to reading book number two. A very descriptive book, I was there with them at times
I am now looking forward to reading book number two. A very descriptive book, I was there with them at times
September 5, 2024
Liza Grantham and her husband Gary are living in Gran Canaria ..They have a nice apartment in Las Palmas...They both have good jobs , she is a teacher , and Gary is the odd job man at a fee paying school .Their's is a comfortable life , their time off spent exploring the Usland with sunshine all year round .But both of them are feeling unsettled and bored by Island life..And when they make a trip to Galcia the seeds of a dream are sown ...On the 30th of December as their dreams start to become a reality they are dashed .. But one little setback dosent get in the way of their dream and the following Eaater sees their dream come to fruition when they buy an ancient old stone house .. This is their story ...The Starr of their new beginnings..Their trials and tribulations they face in their quest to make their house a home .. The friends they meet along the way and the anumals they gather and hold close to their hearts .. I have a feeling they made the right decision I think it's TRue by doing nothing ..nothing changes Your life doesn't get better by chance , it gets better with change ..With little poems at the end of some chapters, Mad Cows and Englushmen at Large in Galcia is a gentle witty read ...Good for them for having the courage to follow their dreams
February 7, 2023
Mad Cows by Liza Grantham
Mad Cows and Englishmen is the story of Liza and her husband Gary’s move to Galicia, Spain, from the holiday bustle of the island of Gran Canaria. Their friends and neighbours didn’t understand why they wanted to move to the countryside, since there would be no beach within easy access, but Liza and Gary had fallen in love with the lush greenery of the region and its more rural setting. They found a house without too much trouble, resigned from their jobs and before long were spending a working holiday at the property indulging in DIY and getting to know the colourful neighbours and local dogs and cows.
I really enjoyed the poems which were included at the end of each chapter as a kind of summary or remark on something that had happened in the chapter. I also enjoyed learning a few words of Spanish as they are sprinkled throughout the text - you can usually guess the meaning from the context.
Liza is clearly a very hardy and creative person and her solutions to some of the problems which crop up are ingenious. She also possesses a good sense of humour which shines through in some of the stories she tells. This book is well-written and full of interesting characters and compelling anecdotes, which make it difficult to put down!
Mad Cows and Englishmen is the story of Liza and her husband Gary’s move to Galicia, Spain, from the holiday bustle of the island of Gran Canaria. Their friends and neighbours didn’t understand why they wanted to move to the countryside, since there would be no beach within easy access, but Liza and Gary had fallen in love with the lush greenery of the region and its more rural setting. They found a house without too much trouble, resigned from their jobs and before long were spending a working holiday at the property indulging in DIY and getting to know the colourful neighbours and local dogs and cows.
I really enjoyed the poems which were included at the end of each chapter as a kind of summary or remark on something that had happened in the chapter. I also enjoyed learning a few words of Spanish as they are sprinkled throughout the text - you can usually guess the meaning from the context.
Liza is clearly a very hardy and creative person and her solutions to some of the problems which crop up are ingenious. She also possesses a good sense of humour which shines through in some of the stories she tells. This book is well-written and full of interesting characters and compelling anecdotes, which make it difficult to put down!
November 29, 2022
I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Author Liza Grantham’s vivid details brought rural Galicia to life. I need to see this treasure of a town for myself. What I loved most about Mad Cows and Englishmen was the poems at the end of each chapter and getting to know Liza and her husband, Gary. They’re beautifully written and have me longing for more. Good thing there are more books in the series; I can’t wait to read How Now, Mad Cow? and ‘Til Mad Cow Comes Home because I know they won’t disappoint. Well done, Liza.
I look forward to more books from you in the future, as I hear you are working on book 4.
Author Liza Grantham’s vivid details brought rural Galicia to life. I need to see this treasure of a town for myself. What I loved most about Mad Cows and Englishmen was the poems at the end of each chapter and getting to know Liza and her husband, Gary. They’re beautifully written and have me longing for more. Good thing there are more books in the series; I can’t wait to read How Now, Mad Cow? and ‘Til Mad Cow Comes Home because I know they won’t disappoint. Well done, Liza.
I look forward to more books from you in the future, as I hear you are working on book 4.
December 15, 2022
Galicia
What is it about this little geographic that makes such great authors? Can't wait for the next book! Liza is a Mad Crazy good Writer 👍
What is it about this little geographic that makes such great authors? Can't wait for the next book! Liza is a Mad Crazy good Writer 👍
October 17, 2022
A well written memoir of uprooting one life for another, buying a 200 year old home in beautiful rural Galicia, Spain, and doing the necessary repairs and improvements while dealing with a whole new way of life; customs where property boundaries can be a mystery and where everyone knows exactly who is who in the "zoo"!!
Told with humour, this made for a lovely light, engaging read. I will probably be looking for the next in this series when I need another break of light reading.
Told with humour, this made for a lovely light, engaging read. I will probably be looking for the next in this series when I need another break of light reading.
October 19, 2022
Very good book
Enjoyed this book, lots of good detail and
descriptions. Reasonable expectations and nice characters and nicely written and well edited.
Enjoyed this book, lots of good detail and
descriptions. Reasonable expectations and nice characters and nicely written and well edited.
April 26, 2022
Captivating, humorous and educational.
Met most of my requirements for a 5star read; held my interest, humorous, educational and true!! I just wish Liza had included photos and/or drawings of their "palace". I had a hard time envisioning it. Also, I loved her poems!
Met most of my requirements for a 5star read; held my interest, humorous, educational and true!! I just wish Liza had included photos and/or drawings of their "palace". I had a hard time envisioning it. Also, I loved her poems!
June 4, 2024
I enjoy Memoirs about people who completely change their lives by moving to different countries. Liza and her husband leave the island life and move to a small village in Galicia, Spain. Buying an older place means lots of repairs, often costly. The property is divided up oddly and bits and parts seem to belong to other neighbors making it difficult to ascertain what is their's and what is someone else's. Reading that Galicia is an extremely rainy area does make one wonder why it was chosen especially after living with sunny beaches and warmth. There are humorous things that occur that will bring a chuckle. I must say I was not impressed that the German Shepherd puppy was given the run of the village. As a dog owner since my birth, I would never allow my dog to roam free no matter where I was living. Too many things to cause danger to an animal as well as other animals. Reading about the neighbor's dog with ticks caused me consternation as well. Not being a huge fan of poetry, I admit to skipping over the end of each chapter. I also didn't quite understand what the couple was going to do for income once they spent what they had saved.
April 2, 2023
Who gives up an idyllic beach life and secure job to live a secluded rural life in another country? Liza and her husband, that’s who.
I was expecting to read about the usual problems with purchasing property in a foreign land followed by many renovation details. It’s there, but it’s how the story is presented that wants you to keep on reading. Liza’s fast-paced, conversational style of writing makes you feel as if you are taking the journey with her.
As someone who grew up on a farm, I chuckled at her attempts to set up a self-sufficient farm. But although inexperienced, she’s tenacious and manages to convince her husband that more, many more, animals besides their cat are needed on their farm. And the sooner they get them, the better.
I enjoyed reading about interactions with the new neighbours. And the poetry summary at the end of each chapter added a special touch to the overall appeal of this book.
I was expecting to read about the usual problems with purchasing property in a foreign land followed by many renovation details. It’s there, but it’s how the story is presented that wants you to keep on reading. Liza’s fast-paced, conversational style of writing makes you feel as if you are taking the journey with her.
As someone who grew up on a farm, I chuckled at her attempts to set up a self-sufficient farm. But although inexperienced, she’s tenacious and manages to convince her husband that more, many more, animals besides their cat are needed on their farm. And the sooner they get them, the better.
I enjoyed reading about interactions with the new neighbours. And the poetry summary at the end of each chapter added a special touch to the overall appeal of this book.
February 2, 2021
A moving story
Well written book about a move to Galicia from the Canary Islands. Its interesting to meet the villagers and customs of small village life. The struggles to improve their house and decorate it to there tastes is like most everyone's. The friends they meet and animals in there life are such fun.
The only thing I found off putting is calling a cigarette a fag. Fag is also a descriptive derogatory word for certain people. But it's probably not what the author ever considered as offensive. So its probably only this reader. The poetry included is an added bonus.
Well written book about a move to Galicia from the Canary Islands. Its interesting to meet the villagers and customs of small village life. The struggles to improve their house and decorate it to there tastes is like most everyone's. The friends they meet and animals in there life are such fun.
The only thing I found off putting is calling a cigarette a fag. Fag is also a descriptive derogatory word for certain people. But it's probably not what the author ever considered as offensive. So its probably only this reader. The poetry included is an added bonus.
February 27, 2022
I always enjoy books about moving to a new life overseas, but Liza and Gary were already enjoying the good life living and working in Tenerife. Wall to wall sunshine was boring, so they opted to move to Galicia, the wettest part of Spain. This is a fabulous read, full of colorful local characters. I love the fact that Liza already spoke fluent Spanish, so this isn't the run of the mill Bought a Hovel, Got Ripped off By Local Tradesmen, but an interesting, well written and humorous account of moving to their new life, and the adventures that befell them. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I've bought book two.
May 22, 2023
Determination at its best
I was referred this series of books by Vic Bucket who's a bit behind on his publications due to his ticker... I am so thrilled to have started it, I work away a lot (around uk, no where exotic) so Lizas writing has kept me sane whilst I eat alone yet again, love their determination to follow their dreams then to read on about their progress in making Galicia a home, now onto the next one Cx
I was referred this series of books by Vic Bucket who's a bit behind on his publications due to his ticker... I am so thrilled to have started it, I work away a lot (around uk, no where exotic) so Lizas writing has kept me sane whilst I eat alone yet again, love their determination to follow their dreams then to read on about their progress in making Galicia a home, now onto the next one Cx
December 2, 2021
It sometimes pays to be mad!
Excellent book. Describes 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of moving to achieve your dream. They must have wandered at times if they had done the right thing. But when they look around them at the surroundings and the people, it must confirm that they definitely did.
Excellent book. Describes 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of moving to achieve your dream. They must have wandered at times if they had done the right thing. But when they look around them at the surroundings and the people, it must confirm that they definitely did.
April 4, 2023
Tem que gostar de ler sobre perrengues!!! 😂♥️
March 6, 2023
I absolutely love travel and relocation memoirs, especially when they take place in Europe. I suppose all of us deep down have that wanderlust, that "What If?" wonder about picking up sticks and moving somewhere far, far away (especially if one doesn't speak the language well, if at all!). But if we can't actually move, at least we can live vicariously through others who do, and Liza fulfills that dream to a tee!
Liza and her hubby move from (get this) the Canary Islands to their dream home in Spain. Well, maybe not their dream home from the outset...but that's where the adventures, trials, tribulations, and hilarity begin. Volume 1 is a rocket ship ride of their journey from finding a leaky, squeaky, and otherwise eeeky cottage to beginning to create a life of self-sufficiency, including livestock, neighbor cows, a massive garden, and the hilariously insane neighbors they encounter along the way.
And the utterly charming poetry at the end of each chapter is gorgeous, on point, and just as compelling as the story itself.
I've read all 3 of these books and am holding my breath for another one. And when the story is done (or at least up to date), I truly hope Liza will turn her talents to another genre or idea...but whatever you do, Liza, DON'T STOP WRITING!!! You have an unbelievable talent for drawing your readers into your world, both as spectators and as virtual friends. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! :)
Liza and her hubby move from (get this) the Canary Islands to their dream home in Spain. Well, maybe not their dream home from the outset...but that's where the adventures, trials, tribulations, and hilarity begin. Volume 1 is a rocket ship ride of their journey from finding a leaky, squeaky, and otherwise eeeky cottage to beginning to create a life of self-sufficiency, including livestock, neighbor cows, a massive garden, and the hilariously insane neighbors they encounter along the way.
And the utterly charming poetry at the end of each chapter is gorgeous, on point, and just as compelling as the story itself.
I've read all 3 of these books and am holding my breath for another one. And when the story is done (or at least up to date), I truly hope Liza will turn her talents to another genre or idea...but whatever you do, Liza, DON'T STOP WRITING!!! You have an unbelievable talent for drawing your readers into your world, both as spectators and as virtual friends. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! :)
November 15, 2022
Upping sticks with a difference!
Having tired of endless sunny days, sandy beaches and jobs that no longer excite, the author and her husband decide to try a completely different way of life. And to achieve their ambitions takes guts and determination.
Their decision to move from tame Gran Canaria to Galicia, possibly the wildest and woolliest region of Spain, may seem ironic, but they have a plan. Having fallen in love with the Galician rustic lifestyle, they buy an old farmhouse filled with charm and as many quirks as the villagers in their new hamlet.
Reading about their new lives in the country is like stepping back in time. Old customs, archaic dialects, irreverent wildlife and charmingly nutty folks colour Liza’s anecdotes as she describes their renovation toils and settling-in period.
I love the author’s candid style of writing, love that she embraces all that Spain offers, and admire her fluency in the language. Each chapter, which contains a beautifully penned poem, is an added bonus that highlights her literary versatility. I giggled, gasped and smiled throughout this terrific off-beat memoir. And to my delight, I find it is part of a series. I can’t wait to start reading book two!
Having tired of endless sunny days, sandy beaches and jobs that no longer excite, the author and her husband decide to try a completely different way of life. And to achieve their ambitions takes guts and determination.
Their decision to move from tame Gran Canaria to Galicia, possibly the wildest and woolliest region of Spain, may seem ironic, but they have a plan. Having fallen in love with the Galician rustic lifestyle, they buy an old farmhouse filled with charm and as many quirks as the villagers in their new hamlet.
Reading about their new lives in the country is like stepping back in time. Old customs, archaic dialects, irreverent wildlife and charmingly nutty folks colour Liza’s anecdotes as she describes their renovation toils and settling-in period.
I love the author’s candid style of writing, love that she embraces all that Spain offers, and admire her fluency in the language. Each chapter, which contains a beautifully penned poem, is an added bonus that highlights her literary versatility. I giggled, gasped and smiled throughout this terrific off-beat memoir. And to my delight, I find it is part of a series. I can’t wait to start reading book two!
January 26, 2023
I’ve just finished reading this highly entertaining memoir about Liza and Gary Grantham’s move from the Canary Islands to a remote village in Galicia.
In a kind of reverse role situation, they escape from the sun-drenched beaches of their island home to renovate an old stone village house in the wettest, coldest part of Spain. This page-turning account covers their discovery of Galicia, their hunt for a home, the move itself and their first months among the quirky colourful Galicians who live in their village. There are challenges, disasters and delights too. Spanish property laws seem to be fraught with unexpected problems and all too often they are faced with unwelcome surprises that include trespassing cows and misplaced chicken runs, but they bravely soldier on and fall in love with Galicia in the process.
By the end of the book, they are well entrenched in the countryside with chickens, a dog, the cat who came with them and a list of jobs still to be done. Liza Grantha writes clever, witty and sometimes poignant poems that serve as chapter separators and make lively reading. I’m looking forward to book 2 now to see what happens next! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rural life, renovation and moving abroad memoirs.
In a kind of reverse role situation, they escape from the sun-drenched beaches of their island home to renovate an old stone village house in the wettest, coldest part of Spain. This page-turning account covers their discovery of Galicia, their hunt for a home, the move itself and their first months among the quirky colourful Galicians who live in their village. There are challenges, disasters and delights too. Spanish property laws seem to be fraught with unexpected problems and all too often they are faced with unwelcome surprises that include trespassing cows and misplaced chicken runs, but they bravely soldier on and fall in love with Galicia in the process.
By the end of the book, they are well entrenched in the countryside with chickens, a dog, the cat who came with them and a list of jobs still to be done. Liza Grantha writes clever, witty and sometimes poignant poems that serve as chapter separators and make lively reading. I’m looking forward to book 2 now to see what happens next! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rural life, renovation and moving abroad memoirs.
February 8, 2023
Seeking challenges closer to nature than the boring predictability of teaching in a private school in Spain’s Canary Islands, comfortably ensconced in an urban apartment, and enjoying weekends of sun and sand, Liza and Gary make a momentous decision.
They buy a two-hundred-year-old stone farmhouse with, or so they think, some land on the edge of a tiny village in northwest Spain. From the semi-tropics to rainy winters and coolish summers; from urban orderliness to rural irregularities in the blink of an eye!
Immediately, their “dream of a lifetime” comes into collision with the unpredictable. Valiantly, they embrace country life in an ancient, off-the-beaten-track part of Spain. Appearances can be deceptive, domestic and not-so domestic animals may be more or less welcome, matters of local custom and law are perhaps insoluble, friendships vary from supportive to problematic.
Have this intrepid English couple bitten off more than they can chew?
Pour yourself a glass of Spanish wine, read Liza Grantham’s Mad Cows and Englishmen: at large in Galicia. Mad Cow in Galicia Book 1, and uncover the pleasures and hazards that lie in wait for her and Gary!
They buy a two-hundred-year-old stone farmhouse with, or so they think, some land on the edge of a tiny village in northwest Spain. From the semi-tropics to rainy winters and coolish summers; from urban orderliness to rural irregularities in the blink of an eye!
Immediately, their “dream of a lifetime” comes into collision with the unpredictable. Valiantly, they embrace country life in an ancient, off-the-beaten-track part of Spain. Appearances can be deceptive, domestic and not-so domestic animals may be more or less welcome, matters of local custom and law are perhaps insoluble, friendships vary from supportive to problematic.
Have this intrepid English couple bitten off more than they can chew?
Pour yourself a glass of Spanish wine, read Liza Grantham’s Mad Cows and Englishmen: at large in Galicia. Mad Cow in Galicia Book 1, and uncover the pleasures and hazards that lie in wait for her and Gary!
June 25, 2025
Moo-ving Mayhem in Galicia: A Warm and Witty Expat Adventure
Cheese trickling down the walls, bovine squatters in your garden, and a murderous cockerel - just another day in rural Galicia, as told hilariously in Mad Cows and Englishmen.
Liza Grantham’s memoir is a warm, chatty romp through the chaos and charm of starting a new life in a crumbling 200-year-old stone cottage in Spain. Told in a down-to-earth, conversational style, it’s a classic moving abroad memoir, packed with colourful locals, drunken Brits, and more than a few four-legged characters.
Each chapter ends with a witty poem that perfectly sums up the mayhem, adding a delightful twist to the storytelling. The ending felt a little abrupt - but it certainly left me wanting more. Luckily, this book is just the beginning of a series.
I shall look forward to more gloriously unhinged gallivants in Galicia - bring on the calamities, cows, and cockerels!
Cheese trickling down the walls, bovine squatters in your garden, and a murderous cockerel - just another day in rural Galicia, as told hilariously in Mad Cows and Englishmen.
Liza Grantham’s memoir is a warm, chatty romp through the chaos and charm of starting a new life in a crumbling 200-year-old stone cottage in Spain. Told in a down-to-earth, conversational style, it’s a classic moving abroad memoir, packed with colourful locals, drunken Brits, and more than a few four-legged characters.
Each chapter ends with a witty poem that perfectly sums up the mayhem, adding a delightful twist to the storytelling. The ending felt a little abrupt - but it certainly left me wanting more. Luckily, this book is just the beginning of a series.
I shall look forward to more gloriously unhinged gallivants in Galicia - bring on the calamities, cows, and cockerels!
July 12, 2023
Trading their home in perfect Gran Canaria to retire in less than perfect Galicia wasn’t a walk in the park for Liza and her husband Gary.
Liza’s memoir tells of the trials and tribulations they faced whilst turning their 200 year old find into a liveable, homey place to live and enjoy.
I loved the built in humour which encompassed everything from curry in knicker drawers, to s__t shops and a cat that knows how to fetch/retrieve. Who ever heard of such a thing?
Liza
had me right there with her when she described listening to Gary cursing and drilling while attaching shelves which eventually come crashing down. Poor Gary. Things worked out after all but you will have to read for yourself.
Looking forward to book two “How Now, Brown Cow.”
Liza’s memoir tells of the trials and tribulations they faced whilst turning their 200 year old find into a liveable, homey place to live and enjoy.
I loved the built in humour which encompassed everything from curry in knicker drawers, to s__t shops and a cat that knows how to fetch/retrieve. Who ever heard of such a thing?
Liza
had me right there with her when she described listening to Gary cursing and drilling while attaching shelves which eventually come crashing down. Poor Gary. Things worked out after all but you will have to read for yourself.
Looking forward to book two “How Now, Brown Cow.”
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