Comedian Tony Hawks and his partner Fran realised many an urban dweller’s dream when they left London for a country cottage in Devon. But how would Hawks – best known for his appearances on panel shows like Have I Got News For You and Just A Minute – cope with rural life where the biggest excitements are tractor runs (what it sounds like, pottering around on tractors) and bingo evenings? Rather well, according to this diverting book, which covers Hawks’ bucolic adventures, including a cycle around the Devon coast with a micro pig (well, this is the man who went Round Ireland With A Fridge). While it doesn’t contain any great insights into city vs country life, or many belly laughs for that matter, this gently humorous account raises a wry smile or two and might even make city folk consider getting out of the rat race, if only for a mini-break.
Book Review: Once Upon A Time In The West Country by Tony Hawks