Andalucia in writing

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Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

Andalucia in writing

Hi all

I just thought I would share some info about a book I am reading, it is by Laurie Lee and is called A Rose for Winter. It is an autobiographical work about the author's travels around Andalucia when he returns to the region following the Spanish Civil War.

The descriptions of Andalucia are so evocative. Flamenco is described vividly, and there is some fascinating background to some of the monuments of that region, eg the Alhambra, that I wasn't aware of. The author is obviously enamoured with Spain and it really shows. The main themes are religion, flamenco, gypsies, bullfighting, sex, food and death... a great read!!

It's an old book, printed in 1955. Those outside of the UK may not be familiar with Laurie Lee, quite a famous English author ('Cider with Rosie') who was born in Gloucestershire and died in 1997. This is the first book of his I have read.

I'd recommend reading it if you haven't done so already. If you have, what did you think?

Anyone got any other literary recommendations. The only other book about flamenco / Andalucia I've read is Jason Webster's 'Duende' and Robin Totton's book. Oh and 'Driving over lemons' which was written by the former Genesis drummer whose name I forget (amusing but sheep shearing gets a bit dull after a while). Would like to read some more fiction / autobiographical works with an andalucian theme.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 15 2006 9:43:10

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: Andalucia in writing (in reply to Romanza)

Another recent one is Websters follow up to Duende:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0552771244/qid=1150366570/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/026-3951932-3681242

Haven't read it yet, though it sounds like its in a similar vein ie fact and fiction mixed up.

I did 'Cider With Rosie' at school

_____________________________

Spanish Guitarist in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 15 2006 10:19:51

Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

RE: Andalucia in writing (in reply to Romanza)

Oh I didnt realise he had written a follow up, mixed reviews I see..!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 15 2006 10:47:16

nhills

Posts: 230
Joined: Jul. 13 2003
From: West Des Moines, IA USA

RE: Andalucia in writing (in reply to Romanza)

Hi!

One that I enjoy is "Returning to A" by Dorien Ross. A novel about a woman learning flamenco guitar in Moron de la Frontera. With Diego del Gastor, Chris Carnes, etc.

The classics are the Pohren books - particularly, "A Way of Life" if you want the atmosphere.

Cheers,
Norman

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 15 2006 13:02:40