The Man in the Tent: My Life under Canvas - Getting Started in Spain

The Man in the Tent #2

by Tony Beardsall

THE MAN IN THE TENT – MY LIFE UNDER CANVAS: GETTING STARTED IN SPAIN is the continuation of Tony Beardsall’s light-hearted account of the outdoor life which he commenced at the age of fifty-one. In this stand-alone volume he describes his first months on Spanish soil, from his mobile first winter in eastern Andalusia, through a more static period in the north of Malaga, to further travels in search of the perfect place to settle down, in a tent, of course.

Readers of THE MAN IN THE TENT – MY LIFE UNDER CANVAS: THE FIRST FOUR YEARS will be familiar with Tony’s modus operandi, but a short summary of it in the new book renders it unessential reading for those only interested in the Spanish part of his story.

Genres: Travel, Spain

223 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2020

Reviews

[Ceri Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was quite interesting, but I gave up on this one. I had no interest in the Spanish family he befriended, perhaps unfairly, but there was nothing interesting about the way he described them. And he really did drone on about them for page after page.

[Andy Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less about the mechanics of living full time in a tent and more about the experience than the first book.
I’m looking forward to reading the third instalment next.

[j nunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I'm in love !

Well what can I say ..after reading both books i feel bereft that I'm here at the end of this one..I just want to continue venturing along with Tony ,seeing where he goes feeling the evening cold ,packing up early to move on ,find and enjoy whatever turns up. And as for leaving our bits so as not to bore..I honestly don't believe they would have done. I admit to loving his encounter with Scooby and the goatman. I think many a reader will find a lot of themselves within Tony , I only ask an i brave enough to take a similar plunge..having felt the urge to for many a year.
I love the way this is written, a lot of wit , a lot for the reader to think about in their own life or just to be able to take the journey through tonys eyes.
Looking forward to the next journey

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enterprising man!

I realised half way through that I had already read this book which rather nullifies my.review as i.obviously have the memory of a neat! However, it is a pleasant and interesting read and I look forward to reading Tony Beardsall's next foray into writing. He starts off living in a tent and then makes sporadic trips into conventionality - in Spain. Bound to be another good read!

[Peter Birbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to his earlier work

Another very well written and entertaining account of his non-mainstream lifestyle. This time he is in Spain and must learn a new language and deal with a different culture. There is a lot of dialogue in this book as the protagonist interacts and speaks with the locals, friends and relatives.

[Lee Layland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the next instalment

I came across the first book whilst browsing Amazon, and enjoyed reading about the wild camping in the UK. When I came across this second book, I immediately bought it.

I'm not a fast reader, preferring to digest the words, but have finished these books in record time! I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Richard Hardman · Rating 4 out of 5]

...if you are the right kind of crazy, you will love it.

A refreshing tale told in an honest and easy style. I am sure there are a lot of blokes who identify with the desire to start walking and not turn back.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book, the second in the series. Left on a "cliff edge" to tempt you towards the third in the series! I think that I will stop at this one though, and move onto some other books in the stockpile. It doesn't do to get stuck on the same genre for too long.

[marion jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

A lovely honest read of Tony’s life as he travels, meets different people, learns a new language. It gives me a bit of hope for when I retire to go off with my tent, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Now for book 3

[Chris Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting travel book, with a range of colourful character s, I find his description of travellers in Spain as slightly judgmental particularly as he is a " foreigner " himself " . I also find his daughter to be opinionated, judgmental,manipulative and a bit selfish. The fact he holds her opinion in such high esteem seems to me slightly miss placed and he would be better getting council from other sources. Still I will read the other 2 books and hope his daughter plays a smaller part.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some interest in his experiences of living under canvas and learning the language - and the landscapes are well decribed. I actually found the author's experience of living with a family in Spain and fixing up their farmhouse (with his relationship with the goatherd) very interesting. I was less whelmed by his plans for meeting up with the French artist and probably won't get the next volume.

[Colin Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book as great and highlights what the subject was. This one started ok then dragged on about the stay with a family with some goat man to be honest made me feel sick reading and had to skip through. It was not that interesting and the pages felt like some soap tv script and no way the author could remember every word of what happened. I found my self very disappointed with this book. It picked up in the last few chapters but only just. I hope the third book is more interesting. Not what I thought it would be like, shame really.

[Carl Sweeting · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book more and think I’ll stop here. The first book was a little more inspiring and philosophical. This one seemed more of a narration of…….well nothing that interesting really. There wasn’t much sleeping in tents or adventure, so I was counting the pages down to the end.

[Alec Hooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining book, Tony comes across as a very likeable character. I'm very envious of his way of life, travelling around Spain, living in a tent sounds like lots of fun. He is lucky to find a good base to return to. When things might get tough.

[Maria Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Enjoying following Tony's adventures in Spain, lightheaded and entertaining. Easy reading, amusing.

Looking forward to the third and fourth installment.

[Dave Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book, a bit different from the first and a lot of the book was based on one part of the journey.
But still a good enjoyable read

[Books and Brews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first one - far less wild camping or solitude. Still fun and I’ll definitely read the next one.

[pat goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I have really enjoyed sharing this adventure and can't wait to read what happens next!strange as I am not a camping person!m..

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first book better, but this segment of the story is also very interesting. What an unusual life! I loved that he sought out opportunities to spend more time with local natives so that he could improve his language skills. I could have done without the detail of his romantic adventures.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of Beardsall's autobiographical book on his life living in a tent. After 4 years of discovery about the lifestyle in England he has decided to move to Spain to be near his daughter who has become a teacher of English in Malaga. He intends to live mostly in his tent with off times when he needs to work to make money to continue. He is determined to learn the language and immerse in the culture as well. Through his daughter he meets up with a family that provides the job and mixes this with some great character studies and road adventures. Good read.