Book review: A Kilo of String by Rob Johnson

I have read a lot of books by British authors who moved to Greece or stayed there for long periods. All of these books tell the same kind of story basically… about finding an old house to work on and make a home of. All of the authors experienced endless strife dealing with the language barrier, the culture shock, and the monstrous Greek bureaucracy. Yet, funnily enough, not all these books provided the same reading enjoyment.

Some were interesting, others not so much. Some were hilarious, others didn’t even manage to elicit a chuckle. And a few of them, sadly, put my country and its people in a bad light, highlighting the same bad traits repeatedly, and often blew them out of proportion in an attempt, obviously, to make a bad book with a poor story sound a little more interesting.

But these are all the other books. Rob Johnson’s book, thank goodness, falls under a category of its own.

This is why, for me, it is perfect in all respects. It is both interesting throughout and laugh-out-loud funny while recording life in Greece, its problems and infamous quirkiness, with the kind of exceptional tact and fine precision that makes for excellent journalism. This author doesn’t just know what material to put in; he is also prudent and insightful enough to know the kind of detail that needs to stay out to make his book just perfect.

Indeed, this author, who possesses an unparalleled wit, has a refreshing writing style. You’ll find no nasty rants about the Greeks in this fine memoir, no exaggeration, and no criticism about the Greek way of life. This is an enjoyable read that will take you by the hand and show you the unknown, quaint, quirky world the author and his wife have delved into, and you will live it with all your senses, as if you were there.

Very descriptive writing from an author who can deliver a line and can make every chapter just as delightful as the previous one. This book will have you turning the pages hungrily while laughing like a drain. If you enjoy books on Greek life and especially if you are contemplating taking the same plunge as the author did to make a new start in life in your Greek paradise, then this fabulous memoir is a must!

My rating

5 stars

A hilarious page turner about Greek life!

Do you love memoirs about life in Greece? Interested to read about the type of problems an expat is likely to face while living in Greece?  How about humorous books that make you laugh out loud? Check this out on Amazon today. Chances are you will love it!

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New release: A Kilo of String by Rob Johnson

Today I have a treat for you that will bring a whirlwind of enjoyment to your daily lives. I met Rob Johnson online very recently and was hooked onto his work immediately for two reasons:

First, for his delightful, out-of-the-box Amazon bio that had me in stitches: (click below image to enlarge)

 

Secondly, for the hilarious podcasts about his life in Greece that I found on his website. Just hit play on the first one. I dare you to listen to it and not laugh out loud! GO HERE for the ultimate test on your funny bone!

Rob Johnson, a Brit who has long decided to leave the cold chill of British winter to settle down in Greece with his wife, has a wicked sense of humor that I found irresistible. This is why I didn’t stop at his delightful podcasts but also added to my TBR list his brand new book, A Kilo of String, that has me howling with laughter at bedtime these days. Rob Johnson’s awesome sense of humor is evident throughout his work. I mean, the man has written a book called Quest for the Holey Snail! (and yes, it’s reminiscent of Monty Python too!) Not to mention he has convinced his dog Buster to blog about their life in the Peloponnese! You don’t believe me? Here’s Buster’s Dog Blog.

I digress, I know, but I just couldn’t help it. I am so excited to have found this wonderful author that I had to share with you my journey as I discovered him step-by-step.

And now, for the main reason that I am writing this today – to share Rob’s delightful new release. A Kilo of String is an unmissable memoir from Rob’s life in the Peloponnese in the past 13 years. Grab it while it’s still on offer!

 

Everything you never realized you wanted to know about Greece or didn’t dare to ask.

After living in Greece for thirteen years, writer and reluctant olive farmer Rob Johnson has got used to most of the things that he and his partner Penny found so bizarre at the beginning. Most, but not all. A Kilo of String is the story-so-far of this not-particularly-plucky couple’s often bewildering experiences among the descendants of Sophocles, Plato and Nana Mouskouri with occasional digressions into total irrelevances. This is a book which is almost guaranteed not to change your life, but what it will do is answer many of the fundamental questions about life in Greece, such as:

How do you avoid ordering a double tomato for your pine marten when booking a hotel room?

Should olive harvesting be registered with the Dangerous Sports Association?

Why are chicken livers useful (other than to the chickens themselves)?

Why is it a good idea to wear your underwear inside-out?

Why is playing the bassoon bad for your health?

Oh yes, and there are some serious bits too about how life in Greece has changed since the beginning of the economic crisis. A Kilo of String is loosely based on Rob Johnson’s podcast series of the same name, which is free to listen to and download at https://rob-johnson.org.uk/podcasts/a-kilo-of-string/

 

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Also, make sure to check out:

Greek myths and time travel!

“Not just another book about serial-killing monks who travel through time and wear Union Jack flip-flops.” – Unusual Footwear Monthly

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Hilarious! #memoir A Brit expat shares his #Greek experience #ASMSG @RobJohnson999 Click To Tweet

 

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