What makes a couple of middle aged, career civil servants want to step off the promotional ladder; abandon job security, good incomes, friends, family and their cat to move from the UK to a small island off the coast of West Africa?

Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint that moment when the daydreaming, the alcohol-fuelled conversation and the fantasizing turned the corner between speculation and reality. Like a slow leak, drips had begun to appear in the canvas of our busy lives and as the months passed by, the drips became a dribble, then a trickle and before we fully realised what was happening, we were being carried on a tide of change that washed away everything we had ever known and deposited us in the Canary Islands with no jobs, no income, no prospects and not a clue what anyone was saying.

 

The Setting

North Tenerife at the foot of Spain's highest mountain.

 

The Characters

Their world is dominated by an eccentric neighbour who hints at a double life as an espionage agent; the Disney Gang; and a white cat with no tail, an Eric Cantona attitude and a penchant for torture..

 

The Story

An arrest and a sudden death turn their world upside down and open the door to a series of seemingly unrelated incidents. As Jesus takes up residence in the bottom of the garden and Paradise begins to unravel, the shocking truth is finally uncovered.

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"Reading the Banana Road, is a bit like reading a 'Corfu Durrell book' in that the writer creates a picture in your mind of the place, the animals and the characters that surround the life of Andrea and Jack. The later stages of the book read like a thriller that you can't put down ("I'll read just one more chapter") as you wait to find out if the climax to the book mean the couple lose everything. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the follow up."

Mrs Sandra WilkesAmazon review

“The Banana Road is an engaging and lively account of what it’s really like to up sticks and move to Tenerife. A fascinating cast of characters, both human and animal, make for an entertaining read that will appeal to anyone who’s ever drifted off in the sunshine dreaming of extending their holiday on this subtropical island.”

Helen OchyraAuthor of Scotland Beyond The Bagpipes

'Andrea Montgomery is inspiring, bold and courageous in her life and in her writing. This is a remarkable story, told with wit and warmth. You won't be able to put 'The Banana Road' down once you start it.'

Helen MortAuthor of Black Car Burning

"I decided to read 'The Banana Road' on our trip to Spain. I started reading it on the ferry and have just finished reading it around the pool! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Jack and Andrea's up's and down's, high's and low's of living and working in Tenerife. What a fabulous read, thank you."

KasAmazon review

"A compelling account of what life can be like when you up sticks and go for broke. Full of humour and emotion. I could barely put this book down, I always had to read just one more chapter."

ScottAmazon review

"An hilarious tale of the ups, downs and inbetweens of moving to Tenerife. This book tells a story of a very different side to one of the most popular holiday destinations. The experiences and characters have to be read to be believed. One of those books you will find hard to put down."

BJW85Amazon review

"Nice entertaining easy read. Where is part two? Look forward to hearing about what happened next in Portugal and wherever!"

realfirewoodAmazon review

"I love Tenerife and I’ve often thought about moving there and so this book brought out a huge range of emotions following the exploits of Andy & Jack as they embark on their adventures in Tenerife. It is well written, in easily absorbed sections that take you through the various exploits from their first tentative steps on the island.
Love it and well worth a read."

StereoMikeyAmazon review

"The compelling tale of Andrea and Jack's struggle to earn a living after taking the brave decision to give up well-paid jobs in the UK and move to Tenerife. A delightful and easy read that keeps the reader engaged and entertained throughout. An essential lesson for anyone considering a move abroad and expecting it to be easy! Highly recommended."

El DavisAmazon review

"To say compelling is an understatement - I couldn't put this book down as Andrea's brilliant writing style took us through the ups and downs of her & Jack's life in Tenerife. Full of emotions this book is a must.
Well done Andy."

Linda Fraser-WebbAmazon review

"I read this book in just a few sittings...a rare occurrence for me! It is well written, with humour and heart. Andrea tells a good story and I for one look forward to more of the lives of the Montgomerys. Recommended"

Colleen KeyesAmazon review

"Discover the Real Tenerife as the author takes you on their day to day escapades living abroad on the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. A must read for those considering a move and new beginning in a foreign unfamiliar country.
A realistic yet witty and fun account of getting settled, meeting the locals and earning a living to survive in this new unchartered territory. The author makes you feel like you're along for the ride, experiencing their journey with them!"

Robert TellierTravel Blogger at gr8traveltips.com

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