Two of the best-known writers about Spain — Lorca biographer Ian Gibson and historian Paul Preston — highly praised David Baird’s book, Between Two Fires.
It was a gripping and poignant account of the guerrilla movement which fought the Franco dictatorship in southern Spain for years after the Civil War.
Now Baird, a Shropshire-born journalist long resident in Spain, has launched his first novel.
Inspired by real-life events, Don’t Miss The Fiesta! may well make you think again if you have dreamed of seeking the simple life in rural Spain.
It’s a chilling tale about an Englishman who finds refuge in a remote village lost in the sierras. All seems tranquil enough and he falls for a delightful local girl. But soon he discovers that under the placid surface lurk sinister secrets. He has blundered into an emotional minefield — with nasty surprises at every corner.
David himself lives in a Spanish village, but — maybe for self-protection? — he denies it has anything to do with the one in his book. “The characters are all figments of the imagination and the village of Benamargo does not exist,” he insists.
He does admit that the idea originated with the strange experience of some friends who bought a remote farmhouse only to find themselves embroiled in violent family feuds.
It was a gripping and poignant account of the guerrilla movement which fought the Franco dictatorship in southern Spain for years after the Civil War.
Now Baird, a Shropshire-born journalist long resident in Spain, has launched his first novel.
Inspired by real-life events, Don’t Miss The Fiesta! may well make you think again if you have dreamed of seeking the simple life in rural Spain.
It’s a chilling tale about an Englishman who finds refuge in a remote village lost in the sierras. All seems tranquil enough and he falls for a delightful local girl. But soon he discovers that under the placid surface lurk sinister secrets. He has blundered into an emotional minefield — with nasty surprises at every corner.
David himself lives in a Spanish village, but — maybe for self-protection? — he denies it has anything to do with the one in his book. “The characters are all figments of the imagination and the village of Benamargo does not exist,” he insists.
He does admit that the idea originated with the strange experience of some friends who bought a remote farmhouse only to find themselves embroiled in violent family feuds.
“I think many people have stars in their eyes when they seek rural tranquillity. But it’s easy for a stranger to stumble into situations he does not understand.”
A tyrannical, thundering priest is one of the book’s main characters and David admits he is modelled on a village priest he met years ago — “He was an amazing character who would have been right at home working with the Inquisition.”
Before moving to Spain, David worked as a journalist around the world, from Canada to Hong Kong, on newspapers and magazines. His other books include Back Roads of Southern Spain, a recently updated guide, and Sunny Side Up – The 21st century hits a Spanish village.
***Don’t Miss the Fiesta! is on sale at English-language bookshops or via the Internet. It is published by Maroma Press www.maromapress.wordpress.com, email address: maroma.press@gmail.com).
A tyrannical, thundering priest is one of the book’s main characters and David admits he is modelled on a village priest he met years ago — “He was an amazing character who would have been right at home working with the Inquisition.”
Before moving to Spain, David worked as a journalist around the world, from Canada to Hong Kong, on newspapers and magazines. His other books include Back Roads of Southern Spain, a recently updated guide, and Sunny Side Up – The 21st century hits a Spanish village.
***Don’t Miss the Fiesta! is on sale at English-language bookshops or via the Internet. It is published by Maroma Press www.maromapress.wordpress.com, email address: maroma.press@gmail.com).
Christmas Competition
David had teamed up with Mojacar Magazine and 2 personally signed copies of his new novel are up for grabs.
For a chance of winning a copy simply tell us the answer to the following question.
In what County was David Baird born?
Send your answers to simplymojacar@aol.com The closing date is January 3rd 2010, Good Luck!
Open Every Evening Closed Tuesday
Mojacar Playa, 200 yards from Hotel Indalo
Telephone 950478008
Mojacar Playa, 200 yards from Hotel Indalo
Telephone 950478008
