In the Garlic by Valerie Collins and Theresa O'Shea
In the Garlic - estar en el ajo means to be in the know, be clued up, to know the score.
This is not a language learning book but it will certainly help, inspire and disillusion you all at the same time.
If you think that you will never master the Spanish language then read this book and you’ll understand why that may be so. The ambiguity of the language, the sheer scale of the country and its colloquialisms make it difficult to use the language and to really get to grips with it will provide a lifetime of challenges.
Valerie Collins who lives in the north of Spain and Theresa O'Shea who relocated to the south manage to put into words the sometimes rather obtuse and long-winded meaning of some choice Spanish words and phrases.
Both of these Englsh expats have battled and still do battle with their adopted language, which can vary as much as the regions they´ve chosen to live in.
This book will make you groan, laugh and pull your hair out on almost every page. Read some of their embarrassing mistakes and the confusion of others, preferably before you make them yourself. I know that one well, I made many errors myself - and still do!
Humorous and informative every ex-pat living in Spain or thinkging about relocating there should read this book more than once. I did.
It would make a great present for anyone who has, is thinking of or just loves Spain with all its idiosyncrasies.
This book was sent to me as a free review copy and is available to buy via the amazon link below or via the publisher Santana Books.
For more of my reviews on books about Spain see Spanish Book Reviews.