Peacocks in Paradise by Anna Nicholas
The long-awaited seventh title in Anna Nicholas’s humorous travel series about how to live the dream in a Mediterranean country. The author explores different local cultural themes in each title.
Anna delves into the island’s authentic heartland, exploring nature reserves, bird sanctuaries and paprika, fruit and almond farms. On her travels, she meets the makers of siurell whistles, palm leaf baskets, hot sauces and ensaïmada pastries, and revels in visiting local producers of wine, craft beer, gin and brandy – and Mallorca’s famed herbes liqueur.
Meanwhile, she and chum, Alison, are tackling all 54 Tramuntana peaks over 1,000m, enduring the arduous overnight Guell hike to Lluc Monastery along the way.
Back home in Soller, new kittens and abandoned ducks abound and just as peacock, Jeronimo, swoops in, Anna hears of Josephine, a lonely peahen. Could love be in the air?
About the author.
ANNA NICHOLAS is of Celtic origin & has lived for 18 years in rural Mallorca. An inveterate traveller & experienced freelance journalist, she regularly participates in humanitarian aid expeditions overseas with British explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell, CBE and is a Fellow of the RGS. She ran her own PR company in Mayfair, London, for 20 years, was a Guinness Book of Records adjudicator alongside the book’s founder, Norris McWhirter, CBE, and as a rookie press officer at charity Help the Aged, handled events for Princess Diana. She runs an international marathon annually for her favourite causes.
Review
‘Peacocks In Paradise’ is a joyful book to read, especially when most of the world is unable to travel at the moment. It projects a ray of sunshine into your room and you bask in it's joy and love. For that is what Anna is trying to show in this series, her love for her home, community and the island in general. Most of us travel to escape our everyday lives and Anna allows us to do that through her books. This is the first I have read in her travel series but it won't be the last. I was introduced to her work through her crime series but I was desperate to read this one. I wasn't disappointed.
There is a peacock and he is lonely. Anna wants to get him a peahen alas her husband doesn't want any more animals, he says they have enough…… Ah well, most husbands know what is going to happen, yes?! I adored reading all about the animals, especially the frogs and toads! I am totally that person who talks to animals, my poor dogs. But what I loved about this one was the showcase that is presented to the reader about the nature of the island - almonds, olives, turtles, vultures, environmental efforts, gin and much much more. Basically, for those who dont like sitting on a beach on holiday, this is a complete tour itinerary. It has made me want to go and travel to Mallorca so much. If we ever get on planes again.
Anna’s life sounds jam-packed and full of love and friendships and respect. I got tired reading it as the energy pulses off the page. I can't even walk up a hill and yet here she is climbing all the mountains in Mallorca in one year! But it's this energy that makes the book. I don't think you could separate Anna and this book are they are intertwined to such a successful degree and I want to know if we get baby peacocks in the next one as I for sure will be reading it.
Also, this book is a blogger milestone for me, as part of my review for her crime series has been printed in this book! This is the first time that this has happened and I couldn't be more honoured. 💜💜💜💜
