A Piano in the Pyrenees: The Ups and Downs of an Englishman in the French Mountains

I found this book fascinating, as Tony Hawkes' experience almost exactly mirrors my own, although I live in the Limousin area of France. Maybe the French aren't quite as friendly here, but the builders and buying processes are exactly the same!

Bought this for a drive through France. It made the journey fly by. Great narration which was both funny and moving. Highly recommended

Listened to this on the long drive down through France from Calais to Biarritz - it was perfect entertainment, but it was almost too entertaining, and I nearly crashed twice due to laughing so hard I could barely see... Best enjoyed while not behind the wheel! But Tony Hawks certainly captured every ounce of comdey to be had from Brits in France, so when you need cheering up, download this and sit back and enjoy.

I was planning to buy a science factual book, but inadvertently came across this. I have always liked Tony Hawks on Just A Minute and bought this on a whim. What can I say? He reads it so well and there are some real laugh aloud moments (not great when you walking down the street!) I found myself having to ration my listening, so the book didn't finish too soon. I felt I was there with him through all the ups and downs and enjoyed his characterisation of all the people in the village. I am now going to buy Round Ireland With a Fridge, even though I have already read it in print. "Monsieur Tony, when are you going to read some of your other books for us?

Those who are looking for profound insights into French culture may feel a little let down, but this is a very honest review of Tony's experiences in France. It's well written and read with some side-splitting moments that ought not to be read while eating or drinking.

I don't laugh out loud easily, but this talking book caused me to do so a lot. His humourous observations are kind, not cruel and his reading style enhances this. His vocal impressions of his French neighbours intersperse the monologue well. It makes you want to visit this French village. I particularly liked the chair lift 'episode' towards the end. There are enough characters in the book, but not so many that you get confused. I hope Tony records a new book soon.

I really enjoyed this. Hawks' down to earth style and insights into the difficulties of buying a property abroad and trying to fit into a new community were both captivating and hilarious.

I listened to this on holiday this year and my poor husband said I was an embarrassment for laughing out loud whilst reading it.
Very funny book

Big fan of Tony Hawkes, who in my opinion is much underrated. This book is a good deal more mature than his earlier works (I loved Round Ireland with a Fridge) and it brings a new romantic side to his accounts. Still very funny but also quite touching.

More please Tony!

Having decided to join audible books via the amazon link, and getting a free credit ,I was unsure as to which book I wanted to listen too. Looking through the list I came across this book by Tony Hawks and having heard about his trip round Ireland with a fridge thought this might be a good first listen, and how right I was.

This was the first book of Tony's I had read or listened too. it is light hearted, very amusing and kept me listening intensely throughout it entire telling. His description of events from the very start with his mates at football and drinking occasions through his van troubles and "hotel" experiences (very true) to the settling in to the rural community life and actually using the "piano" referred to in the title, all bring a warming feeling to ones heart, and helps to re-live similar hotel and rural events I had.

The authors own reading of his story also brings a very personal touch to this story and helps to tell it in such a wonderfully descriptive and "personal" way that the book is bought very much to life.

A truly wonderful read and well worth the wait for the slightly odd way of breaking it into 2 downloads for my kindle.