Comments on: Narrow Dog to Indian River

By: Neal

Neal — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:43:58 +0000

I’ve read both of Terry Darlington’s books, and really enjoyed them. He’s a very entertaining writer, and you feel as though you’re on the trip along with them. I’ll read the next one, whatever it is!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Riggsveda

Riggsveda — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:24:41 +0000

Dry and understated in the finest English tradition, this lovely theme on discovery is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes melancholy, sometimes unexpectedly eloquent and gorgeous, and always full of beauty and insight. The narrative unselfconsciously reinforces the irrepressible likableness of the author, his long-suffering wife, and of course, the center of the system: Jim.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: TRBill

TRBill — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:05:24 +0000

Loved the first book, this one was at least as good if not better. I have spent time on a narrowboat and understand the love people have for them. This author is wonderful in his view of his own foibles and those around him. Hilariously good read…Buy the books, get a dog, go to the UK, rent a narrowboat and see the world completely differently.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Anne Ablett

Anne Ablett — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:16:00 +0000

Narrow Dog to Indian River is a further tribute to Terry’s ability to see common sights with a simile that casts an unexpected clarification of the object or scene. His powers of observation take the commonplace to a unique and beautiful comprehension.

As the pages past, I found myself not just reading but standing quietly beside Terry and Monica and observing and feeling all that they saw and said. It is wonderful read.

Often his biting satire on pompus people and decaying conditions are uncomfortably accurate as he shows us what we too often accept as acceptable. Yet even criticisms are couched in a wit that both entertains and informs. Terry does not spare himself in unveiling personal shortcomings. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Tea Time

Tea Time — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:08:36 +0000

After reading Narrow Dog to Carcasonne, I pre-ordered this book and looked forward to its arrival. I enjoyed this one even more than the first. Terry Darlington is a terrific writer and both books about his marine adventures are really fun to read. His writing is observant and clever, poetic, charming and witty. The tenderness of his feelings for his wife of many years adds a very special dimension to his travel adventure story. Few books make me laugh aloud but this one did several times! Perhaps I enjoyed this book so much because I’m a North Carolina immigrant, trapped here by my husband’s hatred of snow and love of golf. Mr. Darlington captured the essence of the Carolina tidewater and its people: generous, naive, welcoming to everyone. I hope Terry Darlington has more books in the works for us but for the sake of his lovely Monica, I hope the Phyllis May won’t cross too many more large bodies of water.
Rating: 5 / 5