Book Jacket

 

rank 5472
word count 19859
date submitted 29.03.2010
date updated 14.04.2010
genres: Non-fiction, Travel, Harper True Li...
classification: universal
incomplete

An English Fandango

Straussy

A simple tale of what can happen when a teenager's three month trip to Mallorca somehow turns into eight years of nomadic wanderings throughout Spain.

 

When I left the UK as an eighteen year old girl for a short summer visit to Mallorca to learn some Spanish, I honestly had every intention of returning. Fifteen years, and three countries later, and I still have not quite made it home. An English Fandango focuses on the first eight years in Spain; the trials and tribulations of a girl trying to become a woman whilst learning how to become part of a foreign society. The language, the culture, the politics and the history of Spain all provide a backdrop to funny and sometimes poignant anecdotes from the atypical coming of age of a modern-day nomad.

 
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tags

, adventure, culture, humour, language, spain, travel

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54 comments

 

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name falied moderation wrote 652 days ago

Oh and Anne Frank wrote a diary, of her years in one room. nothing much happened and it was not even edited, it became a very well known book
Denise
The Letter

name falied moderation wrote 652 days ago

Dear Straussy
what an amazing book cover and one that i would not pass in the local book store. Your book is captivating and my favorite genre. You write so colorfully that i feel i am an invisible traveler with you. I have done my stint traveling Spain and you brought back memories thank you. I believe that many wish to read a persons account of their lives whilst traveling, look at how many people listen to what you did yesterday or even watch someone on television traveling through different mountainous areas. nothing much outstanding happens but it is the journey. Some are thrilled by reading murders or cannot get anything unless their is graphic whatever, but there are many who love to read YOUR TYPE OF WRITING
CONGRATULATIONS in doing this and keep plugging it.
I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure my me. ..I would really appreciate it if your would look at my book, COMMENT , and back it. If not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck with your book

Denise
The Letter

dancegrl wrote 662 days ago

I'm really enjoying your book. I'm not that far into it but already I'm hooked. You're able to perfectly capture what it's like to be in a new country...all the sensations and observations are spot on. Can't wait to find out what will happen next!

Vanessa Darnleigh wrote 678 days ago

I'm terribly sorry but I don't know that there is really anything unique about your personal experiences, however humorous and meaningful they are to you, that other people haven't had and publishers would want to publish. No matter what the genre, content and style as well as that so-called x-factor that no one can reasonably define, are all that really matter. I spent 16 years in Africa but quickly discovered that people who hadn't shared that experience ie. virtually no one, were bored listening to it after ten minutes! I suspect the same applies to readers...it doesn't take long before the 'so what?' stage is reached and it's all over. I don't wish to sound cynical but it might even be better to make it fictional and base your story on actual experience. If you have you read any of the travel writings of Paul Thoreaux then you'll understand where I'm coming from...I wish you every luck with it nevertheless
Cheers
Stewart

Lucy Heath wrote 687 days ago

Hi Straussy,
This is still one of my all-time favourites from the site, so I'm giving it a spin on my shelf again. I like the new (to me) opening - very evocative. As a fellow traveller/English teacher/writer of non-fiction it would be great if you'd be able to take a look at my current offering, English Girls.
All the best,
Lucy

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 752 days ago

Straussy, I love your cover. It captures the essence of your book very well. Coming of age in Mallorca sounds splendid (where did I go wrong?) Nice pitch! -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

crazy mama wrote 753 days ago

I love this book. It moves so quickly. The short chapters make it an easy read. Strong, well-defined voice! Nice!!!!

lisawb wrote 755 days ago

Non fiction books about people re my favourite genre as you can learn so much. This is a pleasure to read and although I only read the first 5 chapters did not want to stop reading. You have a brilliant style of writing and one that is quite compelling. I love this book and would be quite happy to have bought it in a shop.

Well done!

backed with pleasure.

Ww Lisa

S Richard Betterton wrote 758 days ago

I whipped through 5 chapters, smiling at the reminders of my own start in Spain. This is very readable. I love the phrase: kissed into oblivion! Backed.

RobRow wrote 760 days ago

A very enjoyable read. Short, sharply-focused chapters propel the reader forward into a fascinating account of an introduction to/and life in a foreign country. I'm happy to back this, and I wish you success with it.

Best,
Rob

hkraak wrote 760 days ago

AN ENGLISH Fandango: I like this. The excitement of being an 18 year old in another country is palpable. Oh, to be that age again!

Heidi
Pearl Edda

Paige Pendleton wrote 762 days ago

I very much enjoyed the light-heartedness of this. Often True Life is so weighty and emotional, and that is expected, but I find the voice in this quite refreshing. It gives it a realism that is appealing. Backed, and will read more. Well done.

Brian W Caves wrote 763 days ago

Love the idea and pitch for this, so backed on that alone. Will come back later for a more detailed read.

Brian - The Brotherhood

A. Zoomer wrote 765 days ago

I liked it alot. Many of the images are fresh and new and build on each other.
Backed.
First sentence in prologue- take away that cover the floor. Choose your words carefully (especially first sentences) and you will pull me through your adventure.
Pls don't give me cliches. "I can still remember.." stomach churns. it takes away from your unique images.
a zoomer

Philip Antony wrote 765 days ago

You know, this could be good. I did say, 'could'.

The short chapters make for easy reading, but that is not a reason for short chapters. If it needs breaking up by using short chapters, something is wrong (usually, its boring text).

Not enough dialogue in the chapters I visited.

I would drop the last paragraph in the prologue. End the prologue with the question.

Lots of detail is missing. It was a narrative of a life, but it skimmed over it. That's a shame.

I am backing, for its potential. I'd like it to be a success, but I feel it needs work.
Philip.

Valley Woman wrote 765 days ago

Si! Finally a memoir where I'm not buried in an overload of backstory. Your short chapters and light banter style of writing feel refreshing to my eyes. Plus Spain is a country that I've always wanted to visit, having Spanish DNA. I'll read a few more chapters (since they're short) and shelve. Bueno!

Patricia
All Saints' Day

Jed Oliver wrote 765 days ago

Reading this made me feel like I was on the adventure myself. That's nice writing! Backed. Jedward (Knut)

Richard Daybell wrote 766 days ago

Ah, setting off into the unknown. Deft leisurely conversational writing serving up a sense of adventure with good humorous touches.

Christina McClean wrote 768 days ago

A story potentially full of optimism and adventrue. A brave decision and a bright new future. For me the sentences flow and the prose is lyrical. I like the honesty of the mc. It gives her strength of character and will surely make her adventures that much more interesting. I like the paragraph on driving in Spain. Good observations.
Happy to back
Christina
From Under the Bed

Cait wrote 768 days ago

An English Fandango:

What a delightful read. The lively writing, and of course, the setting, makes it even more enjoyable. Oh to be eighteen and carefree, again. ;)

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

A Knight wrote 769 days ago

This is a funny, evocative and beautifully painted piece. I've had more than my fair share of jobs where I had to pretend not to hear the sigh of relief when I left, too. You lead us on a glorious journey at your side, and it is simply wonderful.

Abi xxx

KW wrote 769 days ago

Having spent close to 30 years as an expat, I can relate to this very much. Frankly, its been years since I lived as a vagabond, but life in a foreign culture has a tendency to produce more instances of unexpected wonderment than the "same old" in my country of birth. I wish more would read this so they can catch the travel bug and begin to experience more that is out there waiting to expand their perceptions. Well done.

klouholmes wrote 769 days ago

Hi Straussy, The narrator’s love of Malorca and traveling is evident from the first descriptions. So her discontent in England made me feel, once she had gotten to Spain, that traveling is for her. The anecdotes are very to-the-point and give a strong view of each aspect – the job seeking and the first encounter with a man. I think this would be enjoyed by young people; with me, it makes me want to be young again! Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Famlavan wrote 772 days ago


English Fandango

Thanks for giving us an insight into your life. I have to say as a reader I got a real sense of your character, very impressed. This is a great most enjoyable read and very well told. – Thank you.

Mooderino wrote 773 days ago

Well written and paced. Short, engaging chapters. I liked it. Backed.

DMR wrote 773 days ago

An English Fandango is captivating - who doesn't want to pursue a life of adventure?! extremely easy to read, short chapters which make you want to read on.. the type of book I'd want for my summer holiday by the pool, to immerse in your interesting experiences.. Backed with pleasure !

zan wrote 776 days ago

An English Fandango
Straussy

I was going to write that this was a "fun read" and then decided that wasn't good enough so I'll rephrase. This was an easy, enjoyable, delightful piece to get lost into. I loved your descriptions of Spain and you came across as honest, sympathetic and a character I enjoyed meeting and getting to know through this enriching book of yours. This is really lovely and entertaining and I think it suits Harper True so hope it will be picked up and I'll be seeing it on bookshelves soon.
Zan

mikegilli wrote 776 days ago

Brilliantly written Great insights into
yourself and local culture. I've been here 20 years myself.
Lots of success with it........mikegilli The Free

Wilma1 wrote 776 days ago

What a great story and a true one. I read it fixed with a mix of envy and intrieuge. I wish I had had the nerve to do the same and just go for t.
I like your writing style its esay to follow and you tell it like it is. I read six chapters and felt drawn into your journey. Backed with pleasure a very nice read.
Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley

kristinnb wrote 776 days ago

This is a fun and easy read. This is very entertaining stuff you have here. I laughed and enjoyed the ride. Backed with pleasure.

Kristin
Demon in the Knight

nakiacap wrote 777 days ago

Bravo! The humor is great and the characters are entertaining. Backed with pleasure.

j.f.johns wrote 781 days ago

Straussy! you have made me laugh with this story to a point I had to stop reading!I've read like 10 chapters and I'm going to read them all!!!! its greatt! Love how you explain the pronunciation of the spanish names! and you're right in everything you say, from the crazy taxi drivers, to egocentric males, the nut bus drivers! everything hahahaha!! it made me feel at homexDD (I'm spanish so you can understand why xD)
I'm backing your book!!
Mucha suerte!=D

Barry Wenlock wrote 781 days ago

Hi Straussy -- this is excellent travel writing as well as being a fascinating journey through your life. Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Beval wrote 781 days ago

A completely engaging read. I liked the nice easy style and was sucked straight into the narrative, in fact I was at chapter 10 before I knew it.
A delightful view of a Spain the package holiday maker doesn't see.
Backed with pleasure

Burgio wrote 781 days ago

This is a good read. Everyone wonders at some time what it would be like to drop everything and take off for a different country - so I think you'll find a wide audience for this. People reading it will wish they were you. Your descriptions of Spain are a strength of the book; they're almost poetic; it's clear you appreciated the beauty of the country. I'm adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

gillyflower wrote 782 days ago

This is a very enjoyable book. You introduce yourself to the reader as you are leaving Spain amid the tears of your friends, then you go back to your reasons for leaving England; and before very long we feel that we know you really well. As an eighteen year old (one of the laziest, most bored and least motivated of the junior receptionists the medical centre ever had, you tell us) you felt more frightened at the idea of going on living in your bleak surroundings than of going to a foreign country. You efforts to learn Spanish seem to have succeeded very quickly, as before long you could hold a conversation even with the toothless, thick-accented Rafa. Your narrative voice is fluent, very amusing, and fast moving. You tell us some funny stories, such as the one about the over enthusiastic waiter who burst in on you in the ladies; and you have drawn a great cast of characters whom we enjoy meeting. Your setting is, of course, a major factor in the attraction of this delightful book, and you give us lots of beautiful description, such as, 'a gloriously ethereal moonlight dappling the waves of the bay,' which make us long to be there. Mind you, it would have to be without the mosquitoes. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

Pat Brehony wrote 782 days ago

Hi Straussy,

I'm happy to put 'An English Fandango' on my watchlist. Hope to get back soon when I have delved a bit more into your work. The pitch draws me in, as a wannabe long-haul traveller.
Cheers.
Pat

soutexmex wrote 782 days ago

Being Authonomy's #1 commentator. Spend some time on your pitches I cannot overemphasize how you need to master this basic sales technique to grab the casual reader. That's how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. SHELVED!

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

hot lips wrote 782 days ago

I love biography and this is beatifully written. The pitch is super, the prologue is suitably short and to the point and already I am bonding with the author. In the first chapter proper, I bond even more stongly with this excellent rebel with no formal exam results. Love it, BACKED it.
BADD

missyfleming_22 wrote 782 days ago

This is so much fun to read. You've written this in such a friendly manner, like you're talking to a friend. You're a great storyteller. It sounds like it was such a wonderful experience. Great book and I wish you luck with this!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

David Fearnhead wrote 782 days ago

As a fellow sufferer of the itchy feet, I too have spent most of my adult life hoping countries and waiting till my visa expires. So I had an instant connection to your book. It's told in a very good voice, the pitch is just right for this kind of story, you don't sell yourself, it's just honest and with a self-deprecating humour. I don't often say this but I genuinely think that I'd be happy to buy this book. Nice work.
David
Bailey of the Saints

Susan McKinney de Ortega wrote 783 days ago

An enjoyable travel read! Well-done.
Susan
Flirting in Spanish

D. J. Weisbeck wrote 783 days ago

Clear writing and I do want to know where it all began. Will be back for more. Gracias.

SusieGulick wrote 783 days ago

Your are amazing, Straussy. I love you. :) Thank you. :) :) May your book to the top. :)

SusieGulick wrote 783 days ago

Dear Straussy, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed my book. :) Since I have already backed & commented on your book, I came to your "comment" page to help it advance even more. I will also put you on my watchlist to help it move up. To help my other book to advance, would you please back & comment on my unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories" Thanks, Susie :)

Peculiar wrote 783 days ago

Hi Straussy As a person who has lived in Spain, the Costa del Sol for two years and the Costa Blanca for 12 I enjoyed your views and comments on the Spanish way of life. It's a good story and you write well. Your dialogue is particularly realistic. Well done. No hesitation in placing it on my shelf.
Colt

Phyllis Burton wrote 783 days ago

Hell Straussy, This is a truly enjoyable read. Your writing put me firmly in Spain: the warmth (after a really cold winter in England) grabbed me and made me wish I was there too. The smells, the whole ambience was enticing my soul, even if I couldn't be there in person. Can't find anything to criticise and I just kept turning the pages...I wish you every success with this and have no hesitation in backing it. Good luck. SHELVED.
I would be grateful if you would read some of my story please.

Phyllis
A Passing Storm

SusieGulick wrote 783 days ago

Dear Straussy, What a story! :) I can hardly wait to see the ending. I love that your story is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & dialogue which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm BACKING/COMMENTING on your book to help advance it. :) Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to BACK/COMMENT on my TWO Books, ... "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" ... and the UNEDITED version? ... "Tell Me True Love Stories"
Thanks, Susie :)

snave wrote 784 days ago

Ah so thats flamenco - brilliant opening and your style is strong, keeping the reader turning that other page again and again - backed.

Melcom wrote 784 days ago

One of the best places on earth, Majorca/Mallorca, wanted to move there myself but ended up in France, don't ask me why!!

You have a great story to tell and you sure do tell it well. It hop, skips and jumps across the screen, if that makes sense.

Thoroughly enjoyable read and happily shelved

Melxx

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