Two Old Fools – Olé by Victoria Twead
This is the second of many in Victoria Twead’s Old Fools series. Having sold up everything in the UK, Vicky and Joe have relocated to a tiny village in the Spanish mountains. We hear of their adventures with colourful residents and furry friends.
With great drama, a new family moves into a nearby empty house. Vicky and Joe watch in dismay from their roof terrace. All too soon, they find themselves struggling to cope with the new neighbours’ lively children. To say nothing of their dazzling, flirtatious Aunt Lola.
Daily life
Week after week, they battle the weather during an exceptionally wet winter. But friends from the UK want to visit. The famous gin twins arrive again, bringing – among many, many other British specialities – the very first physical copy Vicky gets to see of her best-selling debut book, Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools.
A large chunk of the book centres on the variety of feral cats they find themselves landed with, which soon dominate their lives.
Vuvuzelas abound as the World Cup rages, with everyone watching the big screen TV set up in the middle of the street.
A huge crane is erected for the construction of The Monstrosity, a massive block of flats, and allows the workers to spy on the residents. But it has its use when Joe drops his camera from a bridge into the steep gully.
The mayor’s magnificent villa on the village outskirts opens its doors to everyone; planning permission was, it seems, expedited.
Emotional worries
Time and again, Vicky notices Joe’s withdrawn, contemplative mood. What is troubling him? Her attempts to broach the subject are repeatedly frustrated. And soon finding a home for adventurous Smut and cute little Beauty becomes a prime concern. Cuddly Chox they will keep. At least, that is the plan. Until Joe confesses his concerns and throws everything topsy-turvy.
Following each chapter is a simple local recipe – usually some sort of tapas, made with plenty of garlic and olive oil. This adds a culinary touch to the book.
Twead has a lively, entertaining way of bringing everyday scenes to life, playing on the differences between Spanish and British characters and cultures. Two Old Fools – Olé is light reading with delightful characters and some suspense.