The Road to Andorra

by Shirley Deane

There are few blithe spirits left in this burdened world, but Shirley Deane is one of them. Who else would find herself in Andorra, a small republic high in the Pyrenees, because her son's eye was caught by a minute and unlettered spot on a map? And, who, at the summons of her artist husband, would pick up and head for the sun-drenched Balearics (Ibiza to be exact) because of the chance offer to run a pig farm? The answer can be found in this entertaining and perceptive book which is a glowing account of two different ways of life, Andorran and Ibizercan. It is in Ibiza that the author learns she and her family have been expelled from Spain because her book "Tomorrow is Manana" had displeased the authorities there. So once again they are on the road to Andorra with the tacit understanding that one in flight becomes one of Andorra' own.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir, Travelogue, Spain

186 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Sandra The Old Woman in a Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the only English-language book available to me for my Around-the-World reading journey’s stop in Andorra. It’s a 1960 travel memoir written by an Australian author while on an extended stay on the Iberian peninsula with her artist husband and two young children. I wasn’t expecting much, but I was very pleasantly impressed. The book is written in a chronological series of “Erma Bombeck” style essays describing some pretty outlandish experiences. The physical descriptions of the landscape, buildings, and people were fantastic and I loved the intricate details included by the author. Of course, the material is dated back to the mid 20th century when Andorra had 1/10th the population it now does, but I bet a modern visitor would still recognize many of the things Deane describes (there are a few cringy statements that reflect the era but not too many). As to the author’s personal experiences - well, I’m not sure if I would find her delightful or a real pain in the derrière IRL, but her ability to take me to Andorra (and Ibiza) is much appreciated. If you are on your own ATW reading journey I hope you can find a copy of this book. My library had it, but it’s one I fear they may dump sometime soon so I think I’ll put a postit note inside asking them to keep it forever.

[Nicole C. (using StoryGraph more these days) · Rating 4 out of 5]

[This is part of my Around the World Reading Challenge, begun in 2014/2015].

An exception to my own rule, as I was unable to find any Andorran authors with works translated into English.

Andorra is an interesting little country, a veritable dot between France and Spain. It is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the United Nations. It is actually run by co-princes, which consist of the Bishop from Spain and the President of France. Andorra is generally known for its skiing and has a giant indoor spa which looks AMAZING and I want to go to there. It also was the country longest at war with Germany during the World War I era, even though they never actually fought, as Andorra has no military except for an army that is more decorative than anything else. Apparently, they were not included in the Treaty of Versailles.

Anyway, the book is delightful. It actually talks about Ibiza in Spain, as well, as Shirley Deane and her family end up traveling there and spending some time over the border, as well. With a keen eye for detail she paints a wonderful picture of the locals and their customs. The literal road to Andorra is quite rough-hewn, and their adventures to even get TO the country (and back, after they were booted out of Spain due to Mrs. Deane's previous book) are quite crazy!

This has been the most enjoyable book in my journey across the world thus far.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected the tiny, remote country of Andorra to be such an enchanting place. Indeed, it is one that begs to be revisited for the road to it is filled with quaint picturesque villages, pig-less pig farms, a giant lovable, but slightly prejudiced dog and a very colorful cast of characters ranging from incredibly quiet to drunkenly eccentric. Shirley Deane's memories of life in this 175-mile mountainous country and the even tinier Spanish island of Ibiza are often hilarious and always interesting and entertaining--even her accounts of the history of these little known places kept my attention (and I hate history!). There is nothing special about Deane's writing, but it cannot be faulted either and she does an excellent job of bringing her characters to life. In fact, the simplicity of the book and the fact that she wrote it as the events occurred are probably some of its greatest strengths. I am very glad I decided to include this book on my around-the-world list, because it is my favorite stop on my armchair travels so far.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book about Andorra and Ibiza in the 1950's, when both places were still very traditional. Very nicely written and descriptive.

[Amanda Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A descriptive book of life in Andorra and Spain in the 1950s. It perhaps would feel more relevant if I were reading closer to that date, as I’m not sure how much of the traditions described are still in place.

It did make me want to visit Andorra! It sounds like a charming place and not a tourist destination.

Finished both of my Andorra reading goals!

[Julia Panter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Andorra - ?