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Happy as a Partridge: Life and Love in Madrid
Evie Fuller is quite simply fed up. Single, unemployed and rapidly approaching her thirtieth birthday, she finds London life is weighing heavy. When a month of free language lessons offers an escape route, she heads to Madrid for sun-soaked adventures and a crash course in Spanish culture. Will a change of scene restore her zest for life?Follow Evie as she laughs, cries and adjusts to these foreign lands - a shy English girl blossoms under the Spanish sun and discovers the hardest thing about moving abroad is deciding when to come home.
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2018
When you pick up HAPPY AS A PARTRIDGE by Kate Boyle it will transport you to the beauty, culture, and often craziness that is Madrid where you will be swept along with Evie and her new friends.
When everything seems to be falling apart for Evie she makes an impulsive decision to move to Madrid, one that shocks her family and close friends. But as she tries to settle down and find a job, Evie soon has plenty of wobbles over whether this was the right decision or not. As new friendships are formed, Evie finds herself a flat and a job teaching English which is definitely not easy, but she starts to understand the ebb and flow of the Spanish culture and the beauty of the place itself. But when she gets an offer that she cannot refuse back in the U.K., will Evie follow her heart or her head?
Wonderfully descriptive, HAPPY AS A PARTRIDGE by Kate Boyle, will open your eyes to Madrid and all it has to offer and it is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. The characters are quirky and engaging and I found myself willing Evie to grasp hold of her life and do what makes her happy. The story is well-paced with never a dull moment and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Definitely worth reading!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
When everything seems to be falling apart for Evie she makes an impulsive decision to move to Madrid, one that shocks her family and close friends. But as she tries to settle down and find a job, Evie soon has plenty of wobbles over whether this was the right decision or not. As new friendships are formed, Evie finds herself a flat and a job teaching English which is definitely not easy, but she starts to understand the ebb and flow of the Spanish culture and the beauty of the place itself. But when she gets an offer that she cannot refuse back in the U.K., will Evie follow her heart or her head?
Wonderfully descriptive, HAPPY AS A PARTRIDGE by Kate Boyle, will open your eyes to Madrid and all it has to offer and it is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. The characters are quirky and engaging and I found myself willing Evie to grasp hold of her life and do what makes her happy. The story is well-paced with never a dull moment and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Definitely worth reading!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
September 8, 2018
Novel set in MADRID that reads like a memoir
On this link the author talks to us about the city: https://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set...
You may wonder what partridges have to do with Madrid? The phrase Happy as Larry translates into Spanish as Happy as a Partridge and if you want to know what it is in the local lingo, it is: Más feliz que una perdiz – there you have it!
This is a delightful account of Evie – or Eebee as the local Spanish call her – who gives up her dull job in England, astonishing her friends and embarks on a course (which she has won) to learn Spanish in the capital. I am learning a little Spanish (albeit Mexican Spanish) myself and it was nice to glean some insights into the culture and language, with a smattering of Spanish to make it feel auténtico. You will soon learn the difference between cañas, años and anos and mejillas and mejillones. You will find out what a Pijo is (to be found primarily in the Barrio de Salamanca area of the city). You will also learn a lot about Madrid as a city, the feel and uplifting nature of the streets are beautifully captured. After all, there is a saying that “…only heaven is better than Madrid“.
Eebee finds a job, at first as the only female, teaching English at a college for mechanics. Yes, there are many lewd encounters and the double entendres (just wondering how one might say that in Spanish! Oh, my sources tell me it is doble-sentidos!) Anyway, her mettle is tested by her class of young men, who en masse seem to have little more on their mind than making her feel uncomfortable and batter her with lecherous leers. Those niños descarados! However, plucky Eebee soon gets into her stride!
Beyond the classroom she finds plenty to keep her entertained and a bewildering array of young men to date. A quick trip back to the UK gives her a brief wobble but as she lands once more in Madrid for the start of the new year, her heart soars. Will she stay for love or will she return “home” for a sensible and good job offer…?
On this link the author talks to us about the city: https://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set...
You may wonder what partridges have to do with Madrid? The phrase Happy as Larry translates into Spanish as Happy as a Partridge and if you want to know what it is in the local lingo, it is: Más feliz que una perdiz – there you have it!
This is a delightful account of Evie – or Eebee as the local Spanish call her – who gives up her dull job in England, astonishing her friends and embarks on a course (which she has won) to learn Spanish in the capital. I am learning a little Spanish (albeit Mexican Spanish) myself and it was nice to glean some insights into the culture and language, with a smattering of Spanish to make it feel auténtico. You will soon learn the difference between cañas, años and anos and mejillas and mejillones. You will find out what a Pijo is (to be found primarily in the Barrio de Salamanca area of the city). You will also learn a lot about Madrid as a city, the feel and uplifting nature of the streets are beautifully captured. After all, there is a saying that “…only heaven is better than Madrid“.
Eebee finds a job, at first as the only female, teaching English at a college for mechanics. Yes, there are many lewd encounters and the double entendres (just wondering how one might say that in Spanish! Oh, my sources tell me it is doble-sentidos!) Anyway, her mettle is tested by her class of young men, who en masse seem to have little more on their mind than making her feel uncomfortable and batter her with lecherous leers. Those niños descarados! However, plucky Eebee soon gets into her stride!
Beyond the classroom she finds plenty to keep her entertained and a bewildering array of young men to date. A quick trip back to the UK gives her a brief wobble but as she lands once more in Madrid for the start of the new year, her heart soars. Will she stay for love or will she return “home” for a sensible and good job offer…?
October 5, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
Meet the author on location
I admit the title got me straight away! Not since my days of wandering around Granada and wondering if there were in fact partridges in there and why many people mentioned them to me, had I heard this phrase. I immediately wanted to read this book as the girl on the cover seems so happy to be there, and when I dived in, the writing made me realise Madrid was the place to be.
It felt personal, as I myself have done many of the things Evie has done – not all in Madrid but the smattering of Spanish words in the text, the sitting in one of the city’s squares having coffee and thinking you’ve arrived when really you’re having to find a flat really brings the city to life. As Evie wanders the city exploring and finding her feet, the reader goes with her. And immediately we too feel her passion and excitement. It’s infectious!
I loved the writing, it was fun and fresh and the book very easy to read. Even if you haven’t been to Spain, I think you’ll get on well with Evie and the author as this is the city seen through their eyes and it’s a treat to see it with them! Her experience of being there as an English teacher will resonate with some people and maybe inspire others. It will definitely open up your eyes to what a newcomer to a city goes through!
There’s a little bit of homesickness though to make things real and to examine what Evie might do in the end – return home to the UK or stay and make a real go of things. I was willing the best for her and wanted to give her a hug and share some of my experiences with her and get my friends round to help her gain confidence.
The author has written a lovely homage to the city she obviously loves and it’s inspired on her experiences but woven into a fictional story. It’s a perfect read for any Booktrailer and Spanish aficionado.
July 13, 2018
A great book about a life changing adventure everyone should experience. This book kept me very entertained due to the countless examples of adapting to Spanish life that I can relate to. From the feeling that your Spanish never gets any better and that surely you should be fluent by now, to the hysterical mispronunciations the Spanish make when speaking English, which Evie has to correct as part of her job teaching the mechanics.
There have been a few laugh out loud moments but my favourite was when she spots "the crazy old man cutting some serious shapes whilst listening to his headphones, oblivious to those watching and laughing".
One of the points I noted was how Evie was unimpressed with Madrid upon her arrival. Its not Paris or Rome. However, as Evie spends more time there and struggles through the difficulties of adapting to her new life, she comes to see the detail in everyday things she never noticed at first that ultimately enchants how she views her new home.
There have been a few laugh out loud moments but my favourite was when she spots "the crazy old man cutting some serious shapes whilst listening to his headphones, oblivious to those watching and laughing".
One of the points I noted was how Evie was unimpressed with Madrid upon her arrival. Its not Paris or Rome. However, as Evie spends more time there and struggles through the difficulties of adapting to her new life, she comes to see the detail in everyday things she never noticed at first that ultimately enchants how she views her new home.
July 25, 2020
A lovely expat story
At times her story seemed too good to be true. However, that may just be what life in Madrid is like. A dream. We wont know unless we go and see for ourselves! I am inspired.
At times her story seemed too good to be true. However, that may just be what life in Madrid is like. A dream. We wont know unless we go and see for ourselves! I am inspired.
July 30, 2018
Kate Boyle’s debut novel is a masterful blend of light-hearted romance, humour and a vivid and enticing portrayal of Madrid. Evie Fuller is a refreshingly honest and endearing protagonist and her adventures perfectly capture the excitement, frustrations and freedom of living and working abroad. I can’t wait for her next book.
August 19, 2018
A lovely, easy read that gives you a real insight into daily life in Madrid. Plus you’ll end up with a great list of bars, restaurants and cultural places to visit when you’re there - better than any guidebook!
September 2, 2019
OMG!
Well, I don’t know how I got to the end I just hoped something might make it worth the effort. It didn’t.
Evie was certainly a mixed up confused character. The writers description of Spanish men was extraordinary. Quite insulting. Certainly in all my years of travelling around Spain I haven’t encountered such behaviour. Evie didn’t come over too well either. A sex starved 30 year old who hit the sack very readily after alcohol fuelled nights out. Lots of them.Then she meets a “nice” Spanish man who she declares to be her boyfriend. She’s torn between life in Spain or returning to London. Boyfriend asks her to stay with him. What does she say... she doesn’t, that’s it, end of book. Sorry for the spoiler but that’s a cop out. Don’t waste your time or money.
Well, I don’t know how I got to the end I just hoped something might make it worth the effort. It didn’t.
Evie was certainly a mixed up confused character. The writers description of Spanish men was extraordinary. Quite insulting. Certainly in all my years of travelling around Spain I haven’t encountered such behaviour. Evie didn’t come over too well either. A sex starved 30 year old who hit the sack very readily after alcohol fuelled nights out. Lots of them.Then she meets a “nice” Spanish man who she declares to be her boyfriend. She’s torn between life in Spain or returning to London. Boyfriend asks her to stay with him. What does she say... she doesn’t, that’s it, end of book. Sorry for the spoiler but that’s a cop out. Don’t waste your time or money.
October 28, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Happy as a Partridge: Life and Love in Madrid
Author: Kate Boyle
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 20 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 14 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
20 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A fun way to find out all about Madrid. A sweet story, perfect for this genre. Light, fun, entertaining.’ Male reader, aged 47
‘A wonderfully fun holiday book. I enjoyed her lessons, the men being typical men. A little stereotyping there but that’s okay. I enjoyed trying to work out if she’d go for the job in UK or stay in Madrid. Simply written with excellent descriptions of setting.
‘This novel filled me with excitement. I don’t know Madrid very well so it was fun to experience it through this character’s eyes. With the light, easy to follow writing style and the author’s excellent ability to develop her central character, this is a gem of a book.’ Female reader, aged 48
‘I’d recommend this novel to anybody who’s thinking of heading off on an adventure.’ Female reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A fun, sweet story of travel, love and adventure all set in wonderful Madrid. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Happy as a Partridge: Life and Love in Madrid
Author: Kate Boyle
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 20 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 14 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
20 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A fun way to find out all about Madrid. A sweet story, perfect for this genre. Light, fun, entertaining.’ Male reader, aged 47
‘A wonderfully fun holiday book. I enjoyed her lessons, the men being typical men. A little stereotyping there but that’s okay. I enjoyed trying to work out if she’d go for the job in UK or stay in Madrid. Simply written with excellent descriptions of setting.
‘This novel filled me with excitement. I don’t know Madrid very well so it was fun to experience it through this character’s eyes. With the light, easy to follow writing style and the author’s excellent ability to develop her central character, this is a gem of a book.’ Female reader, aged 48
‘I’d recommend this novel to anybody who’s thinking of heading off on an adventure.’ Female reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A fun, sweet story of travel, love and adventure all set in wonderful Madrid. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
May 8, 2021
Such a feel good, easy read, that transports you into the culture, life and love of Madrid.
This novel almost reads like a memoir and you're swept along with Evie to her new life in Spain and feel like her new friends are your friends too.
The perfect summer or beach read.
Highly recommended for when you just want to be transported to another country, which is all of us right now during this pandemic
This novel almost reads like a memoir and you're swept along with Evie to her new life in Spain and feel like her new friends are your friends too.
The perfect summer or beach read.
Highly recommended for when you just want to be transported to another country, which is all of us right now during this pandemic
July 26, 2022
I thought it was a novel, but read more as a memoir, with no clear storyline, way too many characters to follow who is who and the worst - quite patronising attitude towards Spaniards. You can feel the love of the author towards the city and its slow life and I definitely considered going to Madrid, at least for a while, but I couldn’t recommend it with clear conscience. Very well written and fast-paced though!
March 28, 2020
Sex and the city meets Madrid.
I was looking for a book about Spanish life in the 21st century and this book delivered. Sex in the City set in Madrid. An enjoyable read although a surprise at the end that left me wanting more .
I was looking for a book about Spanish life in the 21st century and this book delivered. Sex in the City set in Madrid. An enjoyable read although a surprise at the end that left me wanting more .
October 15, 2022
I enjoyed this cute rom-com about a British girl who moves to Madrid.
I will be traveling to Spain soon, so I wanted to read something that would fill me with a Spanish setting and vibes. This book transported me to Madrid and I instantly felt like I was there. The rom-rom side of the story was a little flat for me, but that’s okay. I was here for the Spanish vibes anyway. 😉
I will be traveling to Spain soon, so I wanted to read something that would fill me with a Spanish setting and vibes. This book transported me to Madrid and I instantly felt like I was there. The rom-rom side of the story was a little flat for me, but that’s okay. I was here for the Spanish vibes anyway. 😉
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews