As a Bahraini, I bought this book out of nostalgia, and in many ways information technology truly entertained me to read a British teacher'south experiences with Bahraini locals, civilization, and education, equally well as the Arab Spring.However, reading it now, I can't help but notice the Orientalist undertones behind her perspective. The way women were described as exotic with their veils (or the italicized hijab which was referred to and then frequently), or her surprise at the lack of camels roaming the streets (in the 21st cent
As a Bahraini, I bought this volume out of nostalgia, and in many means it truly entertained me to read a British instructor's experiences with Bahraini locals, culture, and didactics, as well as the Arab Spring.Notwithstanding, reading it now, I can't assist but discover the Orientalist undertones behind her perspective. The way women were described equally exotic with their veils (or the italicized hijab which was referred to so frequently), or her surprise at the lack of camels roaming the streets (in the 21st century Gulf), or the rather annoyingly naive style in which she described the political tensions in the country, all of this was frankly patronizing and ignorant.
I understand that at the stop of the 24-hour interval this is a quasi-memoir of a British couple'due south year teaching in the region, and so it is bound to be loaded with their pre-eminent biases, but it felt quite Orientalist to read this equally an Arab and not be somewhat frustrated. two stars for the trip downwards retention lane, but no more than that.
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I found the couple very naive; the points raised in their orientation about local culture was stuff that shouldn't have been as much of a surprise to them. The teaching jobs turned out quite badly with piffling to offset that downbeat atmosphere; the stories of their colleagues' experiences were largely of the "approximate you had to be in that location" variety to me. The spillover of Arab uprisings to Bahrain was a unique feature, though contributed to the grim tone. Equally their side by side book covers life dorsum in Kingdom of spain I found the couple very naive; the points raised in their orientation about local culture was stuff that shouldn't accept been equally much of a surprise to them. The teaching jobs turned out quite badly with footling to offset that downbeat atmosphere; the stories of their colleagues' experiences were largely of the "guess yous had to be at that place" diversity to me. The spillover of Arab uprisings to Bahrain was a unique feature, though contributed to the grim tone. As their adjacent book covers life back in Spain afterwards, this 1 doesn't seem necessary for continuity. In spite of glowing reviews from fans, in all honesty I came abroad regretting I'd bought information technology. Really two.v stars, but rounding downward to
two stars would be unfair. Your mileage may vary. ...more
I read Victoria Twead'southward books about her life in a small Spanish village many moons ago just somehow missed this delight.
In Two former fools on a Camel, Victoria and Joe motility from their small Spanish village to Bahrain to take up teaching posts on a twelvemonth'due south contract.
Anyone who has read Two Quondam Fools in Espana volition appreciate the contrast in lifestyles this involves as they move from cicadas and chickens to helicopters and camels.
What follows is a well-narrated insight into a very unlike country with I read Victoria Twead'south books about her life in a small Spanish hamlet many moons agone only somehow missed this delight.
In 2 old fools on a Camel, Victoria and Joe move from their small Castilian village to Bahrain to take up didactics posts on a year's contract.
Anyone who has read Two Old Fools in Spain will capeesh the contrast in lifestyles this involves as they motion from cicadas and chickens to helicopters and camels.
What follows is a well-narrated insight into a very different country with its spoilt rich kids and vastly dissimilar rules. Merely this is more than just a simple story. Victoria and Joe have to face complications they didn't expect. They arrive in the month of Ramadan where they cannot eat or drink from dawn until dusk in the oestrus of an Arab summer. There are hateful teachers and the beginnings of the Arab spring to contend with. But they besides make new and long lasting friendships which have this young at heart couple acting like teenagers themselves.
But will the friendships be enough for Victoria and Joe to stick out the sand and the bullets, or volition they flee home to Spain at the beginning opportunity?
You will accept to read on to find out, and to savor the fabulous Middle Eastern recipes which are dotted throughout the book.
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Won't make a camel laugh Every bit I e'er finish what I offset I kept going through this turgid drivel.
What a piece of vanity writing! The author is irritating, ignorant and arrogant by plow.
Her constant references to the clothing worn by Muslim women gave me the impression she thought herself superior to them, equally she undoubtedly did to her pupils. After all, it was their fault they didn't learn. Not her'due south for being a poor, unimaginative teacher.
The tale was sadly lacking in the 'hilarity' promised in
Won't make a camel laugh As I always finish what I start I kept going through this turgid drivel.
What a piece of vanity writing! The author is irritating, ignorant and big-headed by plough.
Her constant references to the clothing worn by Muslim women gave me the impression she thought herself superior to them, as she undoubtedly did to her pupils. Later all, information technology was their fault they didn't learn. Not her'southward for being a poor, unimaginative teacher.
The tale was sadly defective in the 'hilarity' promised in the introduction.
The first and definitely the concluding in this sad saga that I volition always read.
The 1 star is for inclusion of the recipes even though these are someone else'due south cosmos.
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As an overseas educator who also worked in the Middle Eastward, Victoria captured the daily schoolhouse life perfectly. The madness of missing teachers, horrific student discipline, screwed upwardly schedules, riding the school van to and from school, constant school days off, not to mention the safety problems, are all things that we dealt with, also. It goes without maxim that I could really chronicle to the experiences in her volume, however I thought in that location was also much written about the idiocy of ane teacher in p As an overseas educator who likewise worked in the Middle East, Victoria captured the daily school life perfectly. The madness of missing teachers, horrific student bailiwick, screwed up schedules, riding the school van to and from school, abiding school days off, non to mention the safety issues, are all things that nosotros dealt with, too. Information technology goes without saying that I could actually relate to the experiences in her book, nonetheless I idea there was too much written about the idiocy of i instructor in particular. (I wonder if he even knew that he was beingness written about.) Victoria's descriptions of the teachers and her sense of sense of humour kept the book interesting. Y'all gotta accept a good humor to be able to live and piece of work in the Middle East! ...more
I enjoyed some of the events, but I practice not find much humor in making fun of other people, and then I found that role distasteful. Very little was written about the actual political events in Bahrain, thus I found that disappointing. A great deal was written virtually socializing with other staff members and playing barroom type pranks on i another. I didn't discover those events interesting. My favorite parts involved the stories about the students, the classroom activities, and the challenges that arose in I enjoyed some of the events, but I do not observe much humour in making fun of other people, so I plant that part distasteful. Very little was written about the bodily political events in Bahrain, thus I found that disappointing. A great deal was written about socializing with other staff members and playing barroom type pranks on one another. I didn't find those events interesting. My favorite parts involved the stories near the students, the classroom activities, and the challenges that arose in trying to teach in a very different culture. I adore the author and her husband for their brave and adventuresome spirit, just I would not leave of my way to recommend this book to others. ...more
Book 3 in the Two Onetime Fools series. There were some moments I was laughing so loud that people around me thought I was losing it (including the dog). I did really miss El Hoyo, but am then glad to take had another glimpse into life, this time taking the dauntless footstep to move to Bahrain to teach for a yr.
Thanks for another brilliant read, Victoria. You are a great storyteller :) Can't wait to see what's next! Book iii in the 2 Old Fools series. There were some moments I was laughing so loud that people around me thought I was losing it (including the dog). I did actually miss El Hoyo, merely am and so glad to accept had some other glimpse into life, this time taking the brave stride to move to Bahrain to teach for a year.
Thanks for another brilliant read, Victoria. Y'all are a great storyteller :) Can't await to come across what's adjacent! ...more than
A sort of silly book near two married teachers that need money then they go to the center Eastward every bit the Arab Spring errupts. It is part of a serial which I observe surprising because it is poorly written and not vry interesting and so I find it diffucult to understand how more books on the topic past this author could find a publisher.
Oh well, to each their ain...
I read this book considering it revolved around my school during my time there. There are a lot of funny and nostalgic moments that made me smiling. However, there were a lot of details that I personally constitute over exaggerating and (to-some-point) stereotypical.
Vicky and Joe take left their beloved Spanish home in El Hoyo, to spend a year teaching in Bahrain. Unfortunately, the children they are hoping to inspire are not too well behaved, and not too willing to learn. Thankfully, they form strong bonds with fellow teachers and lasting friendships are born.
Volume 3 of their adventures is brindled with Vicky'southward witty anecdotes, and includes some very funny conversations. I particularly enjoyed reading about the children's spelling attempts, the challenges o Vicky and Joe accept left their love Spanish habitation in El Hoyo, to spend a year teaching in Bahrain. Unfortunately, the children they are hoping to inspire are non too well behaved, and non too willing to learn. Thankfully, they form strong bonds with fellow teachers and lasting friendships are built-in.
Book three of their adventures is brindled with Vicky's witty anecdotes, and includes some very funny conversations. I particularly enjoyed reading near the children'due south spelling attempts, the challenges of learning their names and keeping discipline in the class.
The frightening events of The Arab Spring force Vicky and Joe to brand a difficult decision- to remain in Bahrain for another year or return to Spain. ...more than
A year in a foreign country with near expenses paid sounds appealing, unless one is retired and goes dorsum to work at a MOST unusual schoolhouse full of trials and tribulations. Throw in the harrowing dangers of Arab Spring, a few delightful new friends and many evenings with them at an Irish pub, a large cast of strange people and customs, and Victoria's delightful sense of humour for another wonderful read. I've already ordered the next Two Quondam Fools book, as I just cannot become enough of Victoria an A year in a strange country with virtually expenses paid sounds highly-seasoned, unless one is retired and goes back to piece of work at a MOST unusual school full of trials and tribulations. Throw in the harrowing dangers of Arab Spring, a few delightful new friends and many evenings with them at an Irish pub, a large bandage of strange people and community, and Victoria's delightful sense of sense of humour for another wonderful read. I've already ordered the side by side Two Old Fools book, equally I only cannot get enough of Victoria and Joe. Their adventures are never dull! ...more
I'd give this book three.five stars. The irrepressible Tweads remain irresistible but I didn't enjoy this as much equally the Castilian memoirs. Perhaps it was the locale - you couldn't assistance but picture how uncomfortable an experience Bahrain must have been for Europeans. The culture shock never seemed to have faded and frankly, I couldn't really understand a willingness to stay at that place through the political upheavals (especially when the embassy is encouraging evacuations). I think to some degree the lack of w I'd give this volume 3.5 stars. The irrepressible Tweads remain irresistible but I didn't enjoy this as much every bit the Spanish memoirs. Possibly it was the locale - you couldn't help merely picture how uncomfortable an experience Bahrain must have been for Europeans. The civilization stupor never seemed to have faded and frankly, I couldn't really understand a willingness to stay there through the political upheavals (especially when the embassy is encouraging evacuations). I remember to some degree the lack of warmth for Bahrain actually detracted from the narrative - they didn't really enjoy themselves, and so information technology wasn't a large surprise to like this book less. I got the distinct impression they were making the best of difficult circumstances throughout. That said, the Tweads just seem similar people you can't assist but like and cheer for, and so I await forwards to reading future adventures and I appreciated the insight to Bahrain every bit a whole. I laughed out loud at Joe's trolley take a chance and the barking/biting/getting kicked in the head incident. That's just comedy. I as well quite liked the recipes in this book - I'thou a veggie then its nice to get some new lentil ideas. ...more than
I was really interested in this volume as I wanted to learn about the land and customs and all the reviews said how funny it was. I was very disappointed.It was almost a couple who were British, only had lived in Spain. They went to earn money and teach in Bahrain for at to the lowest degree a twelvemonth or maybe more than. I was really horrified at the way the school was run. The students were likewise icky to my fashion of thinking. They were spoiled and undisciplined and used to their parents buying them anything.
Some o
I was really interested in this book as I wanted to learn almost the country and customs and all the reviews said how funny it was. I was very disappointed.It was about a couple who were British, just had lived in Spain. They went to earn coin and teach in Bahrain for at least a year or maybe more. I was really horrified at the way the school was run. The students were also disgusting to my mode of thinking. They were spoiled and undisciplined and used to their parents buying them anything.
Some of the things the writer pointed out were things I had never thought of - the fact that at that place is really no countryside to enjoy. The students didn't have any pets. They thought people who were poor were of no value.
Information technology did describe the "Arab Bound" uprisings and that was interesting, although I remember I would have left the land earlier the authors did.
Unfortunately, I guess I take a unlike humor. I didn't notice the book funny and the practical jokes they played didn't really entreatment to me.
All in all, I'1000 glad I read the volume, just volition not seek out whatever others by the writer. I institute it rather depressing.
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3.5 stars, I liked information technology a little less than the other 2 books. At the cease of the book Joe says they didn't like their year abroad, and that's quite obvious from the kickoff. There's more complaining, and a bit more of a negative or pessimistic feel. What I loved and so much about the outset 2 books were the funny situations Vicky and Joe got into in Spain, all because of cultural differences and linguistic communication difficulties. In this third book, the other people they collaborate with are as well Westerners, and t
3.5 stars, I liked information technology a little less than the other 2 books. At the cease of the book Joe says they didn't similar their year abroad, and that's quite obvious from the starting time. There's more complaining, and a bit more of a negative or pessimistic experience. What I loved so much about the first two books were the funny situations Vicky and Joe got into in Spain, all because of cultural differences and linguistic communication difficulties. In this third book, the other people they collaborate with are likewise Westerners, and though they did end up in situations that were (supposed to be) funny, it didn't come close to what I'm used to. Also, they met some Western people in Bahrain whom they didn't like and those people are oftentimes made fun of, which wasn't very squeamish.
Still, I enjoyed catching up with Vicky and Joe again, and it was interesting to read about the political issues going on in Bahrain and how they were experienced by people who were there. I can't await to meet them again in Spain though!
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Another brilliant read from Victoria, I read this in a day and I am sure I will revisit information technology again as I have the previous two books.
I did wonder how different information technology would exist moving from the El Hoyo I take come to know and love, but Victoria writes so well that y'all instantly feel like you are with her on the journey. I really did laugh out loud on many an occasion simply it was also very eye opening regarding the troubles lid were encountered in Bahrain.
Cheers once more for a vivid read and I will exist looki Another vivid read from Victoria, I read this in a solar day and I am sure I will revisit information technology again as I accept the previous 2 books.
I did wonder how unlike it would exist moving from the El Hoyo I take come up to know and beloved, but Victoria writes so well that you instantly experience like you are with her on the journey. I really did laugh out loud on many an occasion but information technology was also very middle opening regarding the troubles hat were encountered in Bahrain.
Thanks again for a brilliant read and I will exist looking forward to reading more than from Spain. ...more
Not content with retiring to a 'crazy mount hamlet' in Almeria; Victoria and Joe decide to brush off the Castilian cobwebs and move to fifty-fifty warmer climes to spend ane terminal twelvemonth teaching children in Bahrain. Swapping mules, chickens and kittens for camels, parrots and terrapins,Live vicariously, plunge yourself into 'Two Old Fools on a Camel', meet her larger than life characters and eavesdrop in on her faultless dialogue.
Only Victoria Twead could pull something like this off - what's next? Koa
Non content with retiring to a 'crazy mount village' in Almeria; Victoria and Joe decide to castor off the Spanish cobwebs and move to even warmer climes to spend one concluding year instruction children in Bahrain. Swapping mules, chickens and kittens for camels, parrots and terrapins,Live vicariously, plunge yourself into 'Two Old Fools on a Camel', run across her larger than life characters and eavesdrop in on her faultless dialogue.
Only Victoria Twead could pull something like this off - what's next? Koalas, Crocs and Kangaroos?
...more than A fine theme. A yr teaching in Bahrain. And the parts about Bahrain, instruction in a private school for immensely wealthy students-- not always easy, and the Arab spring every bit it evolved in Bahrain were wonderful. The third or so of the volume describing evenings spent in the local bar with a retelling of jokes and anecdotes -- not so much. "yous had to be there" I await. Information technology all became quite boring read soberly. As well bad there wasn't more than on the Bahrain experience. Rather disappointing in all. A fine theme. A twelvemonth pedagogy in Bahrain. And the parts about Bahrain, pedagogy in a private schoolhouse for immensely wealthy students-- not ever like shooting fish in a barrel, and the Arab spring every bit information technology evolved in Bahrain were wonderful. The third or and then of the volume describing evenings spent in the local bar with a retelling of jokes and anecdotes -- not and then much. "you had to be there" I expect. It all became quite dull read soberly. Likewise bad there wasn't more on the Bahrain feel. Rather disappointing in all. ...more
I stumbled upon Victoria Twead's real life trilogy, and have loved all the adventure! Now I'm on the scout for memoirs from ordinary people living extraordinary lives, and having a wonderful fourth dimension in my travels with them! I love this genre so much more than fiction. This is a marvelous version of the non-fiction I almost always read! And it is all thanks to 2 Erstwhile Fools, to whom I am very grateful! I stumbled upon Victoria Twead's existent life trilogy, and have loved all the take a chance! Now I'chiliad on the lookout for memoirs from ordinary people living extraordinary lives, and having a wonderful time in my travels with them! I dearest this genre so much more fiction. This is a marvelous version of the non-fiction I almost always read! And information technology is all thanks to Two Erstwhile Fools, to whom I am very grateful! ...more
As a fellow instructor, I loved this volume. Victoria has captured the chaos of pedagogy and interacting with many different personalities in a very strange country. It is the pocket-size details that capture the reader such every bit gathering at smokers corner and parent interviews of which Mahammed. Victoria includes you in her world as a friend observing with her.
A lot of this seemed to be more than of the "I guess you had to be in that location" kind of story. Things tended to either ramble or digress quite a bit besides. I was hoping for more on what was going on in Bahrain, merely there wasn't much of that. There were also quite a few references to people in Spain that must accept been referenced in earlier books, but were brought upwards out of the blue in this i. A lot of this seemed to be more of the "I approximate you had to be at that place" kind of story. Things tended to either ramble or digress quite a bit also. I was hoping for more on what was going on in Bahrain, merely at that place wasn't much of that. At that place were likewise quite a few references to people in Spain that must accept been referenced in earlier books, only were brought up out of the blue in this 1. ...more
Vicky and Joe Twead decide to accept pedagogy positions in Bahrain for a year, and this book describes that experience. What makes this more unique than usual is that they are in Bahrain during Bahrain'due south Arab Leap in 2011.
This is the third book in a series of the Twead's life in retirement, and I enjoyed this volume. Vicky and Joe Twead determine to take teaching positions in Bahrain for a twelvemonth, and this book describes that feel. What makes this more unique than usual is that they are in Bahrain during Bahrain's Arab Bound in 2011.
This is the third book in a series of the Twead'south life in retirement, and I enjoyed this volume. ...more
Victoria Twead's unique memoir takes place on the isle of Bahrain, which becomes its own character in this yearlong teaching foray at an American schoolhouse for well-to-exercise Bahraini students. In addition to this informative narration, the volume is filled with yummy Arabic recipes courtesy of Nadia Sawalha.
I recollect this was one of the first books I bought for my kindle when I first got information technology and I have simply finished it. I don't think of it so much every bit a book but every bit the author found someone who would pay them to publish their journal. I think this was 1 of the first books I bought for my kindle when I kickoff got it and I have but finished it. I don't think of it and so much equally a book but equally the author plant someone who would pay them to publish their periodical. ...more than
A great adventure of the British retirees, settled in Spain, in a Bahrain private schoolhouse during the Arab Spring. Feels like post-obit sometime friends!
My Mom ordered this one and while it was an interesting glimpse into the lives of teachers in the Arab world, information technology really was non worth more than the $1.99 paid for it.
I expected a travelogue, non a day to day journal of the problems of didactics in Bahrain.
This new adventure for Joe and Vicky is very challenging. They take decided they need to build up their retirement nest egg and accept very well paying teaching assignments in the Kingdom of Bahrain at a private school catering to wealthy families. Lots of cultural differences to get used to, 24-hour interval to twenty-four hours living challenges, major teaching claiming because the children of wealthy Bahrainis are very spoiled and have no interest in working to learn. All that is similar to the prior books. Interestin
This new adventure for Joe and Vicky is very challenging. They take decided they need to build upwardly their retirement nest egg and take very well paying instruction assignments in the Kingdom of Bahrain at a private school catering to wealthy families. Lots of cultural differences to get used to, mean solar day to twenty-four hour period living challenges, major teaching challenge because the children of wealthy Bahrainis are very spoiled and have no interest in working to learn. All that is similar to the prior books. Interesting characters, and that is putting it mildly. But this is the cusp of the Arab Spring uprisings all,over the Center Due east. And the rest of the volume includes and so many starting time paw observations and experiences during that terrible fourth dimension of protests, violence, military response, and destruction.
Almost of the other teachers recruited from the US, Great britain, Ghana, Lebanon, etc., have gone dwelling house on the strong communication of their Embassys.. But the Tweads feel obligated to stay out their yr-long contract because there are then few teachers left and they are probably the most capable and well-liked.
This book lead me to do some reading well-nigh those events, the history and current results, which are non at all good. It broadened my noesis and perspective about what is happening in the Centre Eastward
A strong volume.just very well recommended.
...more than This is the second book I have read by this author, the first being 'Chicken, Mules and Ii Quondam Fools. Ane thing I like about Victoria Twead is her ability to portray the characters she meets in a very clear visual way with plenty of humour. Seeing the photos of the characters after reading the book, they were exactly how I perceived them to be. I actually enjoyed learning about Bahrain through the author'south optics and trust her and Joe to be in that location during the Bahraini upraising of 2011. Information technology was intere This is the second volume I accept read by this author, the commencement being 'Craven, Mules and Two Old Fools. I thing I like about Victoria Twead is her ability to portray the characters she meets in a very clear visual way with plenty of sense of humor. Seeing the photos of the characters later on reading the volume, they were exactly how I perceived them to be. I really enjoyed learning about Bahrain through the writer'south eyes and trust her and Joe to be there during the Bahraini upraising of 2011. It was interesting and alarming getting the author'southward version of events, thankfully from a safe altitude. Fifty-fifty the claiming of trying to teach reluctant wealthy Arab students doesn't seem to effect the author'southward upbeat spirit too much. Including some of their attempts at writing in English, complete with all their spelling mistakes, I found quite endearing. I have never really been interested in visiting Bahrain and afterward reading well-nigh this adventurous couple'southward year expating in this desert city with hardly a camel in sight, I don't blame Joe wanting to return to their love Spanish village of El Hoya at the earliest opportunity. Even the loss of all but one craven and existence surrounded by dead plants is not enough to dampen their joy of existence dorsum dwelling house again. I look forwards to reading more of Victoria'due south books about their fun filled life and the people they meet along the way. ...more
I loved the Victoria Twead's first two books about her life in a small Andalusian village, and so I was eager to hear well-nigh the adventures she and her husband Jim had when they decided to take a twelvemonth to go teach in an American school in Bahrain. But while Twead writes with the same cozy style, there was barely a page - and certainly non a chapter - when I didn't desire to smack someone. The people at the schoolhouse are simply plain horrible and the students are worse. Mayhap she played it up for comic event I loved the Victoria Twead'due south commencement 2 books about her life in a minor Andalusian village, so I was eager to hear about the adventures she and her husband Jim had when they decided to take a year to go teach in an American school in Bahrain. But while Twead writes with the same cozy style, there was barely a page - and certainly non a affiliate - when I didn't want to smack someone. The people at the schoolhouse are simply plain horrible and the students are worse. Possibly she played it upward for comic effect, only it just didn't piece of work for me. Then there is also a fair amount of time spent to what happened in Bahrain during the "Arab Spring" movement, which occurred while they were in that location. While she does talk about the government's actions in firing on protestors, there really isn't a big sense of outrage either. The "we're but visiting" vibe doesn't sit well. ...more
I was looking forward to reading Two One-time Fools on a Camel as I had enjoyed the starting time two books past the author, about life in a Spanish hamlet. This volume is unlike from the first two in that information technology is faster paced, is more serious, and takes place in Bahrain, a identify I know nothing about.
However, even though it has less humor, the sharp wit of the author is evident throughout the book, and once again the descriptions of people and places brings them to life.
The book is very well written, hard t I was looking frontward to reading Two Onetime Fools on a Camel as I had enjoyed the first two books by the writer, about life in a Castilian village. This book is different from the beginning two in that it is faster paced, is more serious, and takes place in Bahrain, a place I know nothing about.
However, fifty-fifty though it has less sense of humor, the sharp wit of the writer is axiomatic throughout the volume, and once once again the descriptions of people and places brings them to life.
The book is very well written, hard to put downward once yous commencement, and non but is it an first-class read it is likewise educational, and I learnt much about Bahrain and Arab culture.
Highly recommended, this book takes the Old Fools' serial to a whole new level of splendid writing. I tin can't expect to read the next one in the serial. ...more
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