A Kilo of String

Review guidelines always ask us to write what we like or dislike about the books we've read and I'm happy to say I liked everything about this book. For starters, let me just say it's not really a book about Greece, but there's a lot about Greek people, Greek customs, Greek politics and Greek idiosyncrasies. What I mean is that for those looking for travel ideas or even what it's like to live in Greece, this isn't the book for you. On the other hand, if you want to know about what it's like to live with Greek people and how to settle in and get used to the way things are done there, it's full of fascinating, funny and useful information.I laughed my socks of at many of Rob Johnson's stories about his encounters. He is both self-deprecating and honest; he's also candid about aspects of Greek life and Greek bureaucracy that don't make sense to him, but his affection for his adopted country is clear throughout. There are numerous comparisons with the UK throughout the book, so it's handy to have some of that background knowledge too. Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end and the author's humour really tickled my funny bone.But was there anything lacking after all that? Well, I would have loved a bit more about the country and scenery around Rob and Penny's new home. It would have been lovely to 'see' a bit more of the landscape in my head, but that's just a personal wish. That apart, it's a great book and well worth reading for its insights into this nation of friendly people.

There is certainly a large genre of books by folks who have moved to some foreign land, gradually making it seem less foreign through their experience. As a passionate traveler, I have a mild addiction to this sector. With the advent of electronic publishing, some of the books on offer haven't had the vetting of a good editor (or even a bad one). I've endured a few books which upon reflection were probably not worth the time invested. This is not one of them! Rob and Penny come across as people you would be glad to know in person. Their adventures and misadventures in the Peloponnese ring true and there are interesting insights to be gleaned into how the Greeks and ex-pats are coping with the country's current problems.Several of the later chapters are a bit thin, and focus on minutiae that may not be of great interest to every reader. Still they add small pieces to the puzzle of a country that certainly has its quirks. For those who have an affection for Greece and Greeks, the book will be entertaining. The greater mystery of what the Johnsons are doing with 420 olive trees and less than an unswerving calling to harvest them may have to wait for a sequel. They certainly have staked a claim in a non-touristy area of Greece that merits reflection. I wish we were told more about their neighbors. But wanting to know more suggests there is more to be written by an entertaining author.

This story is likeable, although I haven't finished it yet. I appreciate the author sharing his adventures as he begins his life in Greece, but I wasn't drawn in. I laughed at a few of his experiences as I can relate to them from my own visits throughout Greece. Perhaps it is just the stylistic differences between the author and this reader.I would recommend this book to those who want a bit of insight to a foreigners experiences when transitioning to a colorful country like Greece.

A delightful memoir of author Rob Johnson and his wife Penny’s courageous (some might say crazy) move from the UK to Greece to run an olive farm. (It is also very educational for those of us who thought olives grew in jars or just magically appeared on martini glasses.) Armed with a pocket English-Greek dictionary/phrasebook and knowing very few Greek words, it is a clash of cultures where Rob describes the differences in funny detail. From Belching Bertha, the first generator on the farm, to Greek merchants, Greek bureaucracy, and Greek television, the hilarious differences shine through as well as the Johnson’s love of the island of Greece. Rob even tried to start his own Greek cricket team (his dream was that eventually they would move up the world rankings to rival the likes of India and New Zealand) but it turned out to be an epic failure of Greek apathy.So join the Johnsons on their adventure. (As an added bonus, hear Penny’s mum pronounce the Greek word “thespinés”.) Highly recommended book. You won’t be disappointed!

This is a wonderful memoir about two Brits who decide to move to Greece. Ahh, you've read others with the same theme. Well, if you want to laugh yourself silly and also gain some knowledge about the Greeks, then I think you'll find this book to be refreshing. Just the part where the author describes house hunting and giving the term run down a new meaning left me laughing so hard I would have spat out my dentures, if I wore them.

Funny, quaint, cute, snarky. I enjoyed reading a first hand account of these Brits relocation to Greece and the ensuing difficulties and rewards.

Boy oh boy does this guy like to talk. Some of the talk is amusing! Some of it -- a remarkably small proportion, in the early chapters -- is about living in Greece. But to get a continuous story you have to do a lot of skimming. In fact the opening of Chapter Five, "It goes without saying (but I'm going to say it anyway)..." could pretty well summarize my experience of the book.

Is a hilarious story about the trials and tribulations of an ex-pat in Greece trying to establish home ownership and actually succeeding. The author has captured the flavor and the richness of the country and its people.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it both informative and funny. Brits really can be hilarious, even though I don't understand many of their expressions.

Didn't want to finish this book as it was so funny. LOL moments.

This had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion, just what the Dr ordered.A very down to earth view of moving to Greece providing insights into the Greek culture, the people and the economic climate. More about living amongst the people than travel ideas. I have never been to Greece but having been an Ex-Pat in Spain for the last twelve years I can relate to a lot of this, especially the paperwork and the need for it in triplicate.With quite a lot of Olive trees (420) to their name Penny and Rob have a lot to learn about the harvesting of this lovely fruit, it is a back-breaking, arm-aching process. Now after a number of years knowing the ritual Rob looks on it in dread.The author has an easy way with words and loves his anecdotes, he seems to have one for most occasion. I love the washing machine one, very funny and bet it was fun to watch him hoping from the machine to turn the water on.I would have liked to hear more about the local countryside and scenery around where they live but all in all a very enjoyable book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, thank you Rob.

I started off reading Rob’s trilogy of books, then discovered he’s written more. They never fail to disappoint. He has a great sense of humour and an easy writing style.

Just finished reading a Kilo of String, and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable book. It was very well written, and the author has a fabulous sense of humour that kept me chuckling throughout the book. Would definitely recommend.