Mild, Mild West

At this time of year, and especially with the rotten weather we've been having, it's very easy to suffer a bit of the winter blues.  In the hope of a pick me up, I started reading 'Once Upon a Time in the West... Country' by fridge-towing funny man Tony Hawks.

'Once Upon a Time in the
West... Country'
by Tony Hawks
(Hodder & Stoughton, 2015)

In his early 50s and on holiday with the love of his life Fran, Tony has an epiphany: He doesn't have to live in London any more!  As a writer, radio show panelist and frivolous bet accepter, he can live anywhere, not just the Big Smoke.  In search of something more than the anonymity of the city, Tony and Fran make the move to Devon to start a new life.  But how will Tony cope with the sudden friendliness, expansive scenery and unexpected demands of country living?

As someone West Country born and bred who has enjoyed some of Hawks' previous work, I really wanted to love this book, but in reality it was just... OK.  Perhaps I'm just too familiar with the cliches of country life, but at times it even felt a bit banal and sitcom-like.  Tractors?  Check.  Escaped livestock in the garden?  Check.  Inept townie who has to keep asking for help?  Check.  As a pick me up, it was a meander up a gently rolling hill rather than an invigorating hike up a Devon tor.

On the plus side, it does have a micro pig.  Hard not to like a book with a micro pig.  Especially one called 'Titch'.

Overall, 'Once Upon a Time in the West... Country' is alright.  If you're after a light, episodic read, it will fit the bill, but if this is your first trundle into Hawks territory, it might be better to start elsewhere.

Now, what next..?