Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #143130 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Anyone contemplating running a fruit farm in Spain would do well to read Peter Kerr's Mañana, Mañana, which describes how he left Scotland with his wife and two wary sons to set up a little valley farm growing oranges in the Mallorcan countryside.

Far from being an idyllic option in "tranquilo" surroundings, the family have to work hard to survive and the gaps in their accumulated knowledge soon become apparent. Of immediate concern, for instance, is their seemingly healthy orange orchard which turns out to be riddled with diseases. Thankfully, however, the Kerr's wise neighbour Pepe--who aligns all farming tasks to the phases of the moon--intervenes and strips down the trees so that they and the family's fortune again become viable. Indeed, there is no shortage of well-meaning advisors to guide the Kerrs through and past the pitfalls they encounter: cackling, good-natured Maria with her increasingly strange selection of old wives tales (does burning donkey manure really keep away mosquitoes?); Jordi, who prides himself on his alcohol intake and knowledge about the local traffic police; Scottish Jock, who can lead them through the convoluted "Mañana, Mañana" attitude of the bureaucracy.

Throughout, as in his previous book, Snowball Oranges, Kerr excels in his character descriptions. He populates the book with vivid and likeable personalities and the family's relationships with these colourful people are often the cue to lively and hilarious adventures: rampaging pigs, eventful boat trips, dogs with strange fetishes. The expected malapropisms are genuinely funny and unexpected too--all contributing to a narrative with a generous helping of laugh-out-loud moments.

However, what really distinguishes Mañana, Mañana, apart from its well-drawn and interesting characters, is its honesty and realism. The sunshine and fun is balanced by some dark moments when the family wonder if they have done the right thing and, consequently, the writing never seems smug or self-assured--just a record of a likable family trying to make the most of a new way of life. Not forgetting that all the while the beautiful and majestic Mallorcan countryside lies in wait in the background, ready to charm the reader just as it has the Kerr family... --Christina McLoughlin

Writer's Forum, October 2007
"Scotland's top travel writer"

Monocle Magazine
Kerr has an ability reminiscent of D.H.Lawrence to capture the overwhelming oppressive feel of physical fatigue on a hot day.

Customer Reviews

A Modest Author
This is not the typical style of travel book I enjoy reading but I was glad I tried this one. Perhaps it's something to do with the way men write about their new lives as compared to women, but rarely do I finish a book of this kind unless it's written by a female or is about my most loved country, Italy.
I have little to add to the previous review but it is an honest book and once again I commend the whole family for their bravery. It is a huge step to take particularly with two sons, and with so much to learn about the basic necessity of earning a living ! (I trust the books have helped ?)
It's a very good book to read prior to a visit to the island, as there are one or two valuable insights which will make your visit more enjoyable. I think Snowball Oranges is slightly better for gleaning information about the Mallorcan way of life but do read at least one.
I would very much like to know more abot Ellie and what her real role is in this new venture so perhaps a third book will be forthcoming ?
I have no hesitation in commending this book to anyone vaguely interested in escaping the British way of life, whether physically or mentally !
My appetite has certainly been sharpened for my forthcoming visit to the Island.

Another Fine Book from Peter Kerr
I read Kerr's Snowball Oranges last summer which dealt with his family's first (winter) months in Mallorca. Manana Manana sees them adjusting to the lifestyle and the relentless summer heat, and getting closer to the locals. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will transport you to the Mallorcan countryside - the author is extremely adept at playing with all of your senses to bring you the sights, sounds and smells of the Mallorcan countryside; hard to describe (unless you are the author of course), but there is a real mediterranean atmosphere throughout the book. Once duly transported, you are treated to the series of events and scrapes that the Kerr's seemingly enjoy/endure with differing degrees of relish. Mostly a riot, but peppered with some genuinely touching moments.

I highly recommend this book - if you have time, read Snowball Oranges first (subsequently reading Manana Manana is a bit like being reunited with old friends), though it isn't a prerequisite as the author is careful to provide background information from the first book where required. I'm now going to try and get my job relocated to Mallorca (as if......)

A Mallorcan breath of fresh air
I read this back to back with the brilliant Snowball Oranges whilst actually on holiday in Mallorca. The tales of Peter Kerr and his family in the wonderfully simple and genuine Mallorcan countryside are hilarious, touching and very informative. Plenty of colourful phrases to be learnt too. Loved it!