“Not Joined Up” Surviving Retirement on the Costa del Sol by Carole Hart

“Not Joined Up” is a novel set in the little seaside town of Orilla del Mar, in the Eastern Costa del Sol.

It tells of the interwoven lives of a mixed bunch of British ex-pats as they struggle with the many bewildering aspects of living in Spain. We meet Brian and Lynne who have taken over the El Marinero bar where the regulars are only too happy to initiate them into the lifestyle.

Their customers include, amongst others, Pat, newly widowed and looking for companionship, know-all Mick (known as “Mr Wikipedia”) and his nemesis Malcolm, and Julie who is desperate to integrate into Spanish life.

Not to mention the mysterious Trish. Covering the rain, the heat, the World Cup, volunteering in a Hospice shop, Spanish lessons and quiz nights, Not Joined Up covers the full spectrum of the British abroad.

Funny, detailed, and at times, poignant, Carole Hart paints a colourful picture of life on the Costa, that sheds new light on the realities of the Spanish dream.

Available as Kindle Download (from Amazon.com)

Other books by Carole Hart available from the same sources:  Leaving England, an autobiographical tale of running a small B & B whilst discovering Cornwall, its traditions and its people.

Book Review by Gabrielle Devon