Driving Over Lemons

Chris Stewart, a former Genesis drummer, chronicles his move from England to a remote farm in Spain's Alpujarra mountains. His memoir recounts the purchase of a dilapidated property called El Valero and his efforts to create a new life there with his wife Ana. The narrative follows Stewart's interactions with local farmers, shepherds and village inhabitants as he learns to navigate rural Spanish customs and agricultural practices. His status as an outsider and lack of farming experience lead to challenges and misunderstandings while renovating the property and establishing an income. The book provides descriptions of daily life in the Alpujarras region, from water rights disputes to traditional festivals and the rhythms of the agricultural calendar. Stewart details the physical work of farming, the influence of weather and seasons, and the complex relationships within the small mountain community. The memoir explores themes of cultural adaptation and the search for authenticity in an increasingly urbanized world. Through Stewart's experiences, the book examines the rewards and difficulties of choosing a radically different way of life.

Readers describe this as a light, entertaining memoir of rural Spanish life that doesn't dig too deep. The conversational writing style and humorous anecdotes make it an easy read. Liked: - Vivid descriptions of the Alpujarras region - Encounters with local characters and customs - Practical details about renovating an old farmhouse - Stewart's self-deprecating humor Disliked: - Lack of emotional depth - Limited character development of Stewart's wife Ana - Some found the narrative meandering and repetitive - Cultural observations remain surface-level Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Like sitting with a friend telling travel stories over drinks" Critical review: "Pleasant but forgettable - another 'Brit moves abroad' story that doesn't offer fresh insights into Spanish culture" - Goodreads reviewer

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle A British expatriate documents his experiences renovating a farmhouse and adapting to life in rural France.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes An American professor purchases and restores a villa in the Italian countryside while discovering local customs and cuisine.

Extra Virgin by Annie Hawes Two British sisters purchase a rustic farmhouse in Liguria, Italy and navigate olive farming, local traditions, and village life.

Three Ways to Capsize a Boat by Chris Stewart The author chronicles his adventures as an inexperienced sailor in Greece, learning seamanship through trial and error.

The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen A naturalist travels through the Himalayas, blending observations of landscapes and cultures with personal reflection.

🍋 Chris Stewart was the original drummer for Genesis but left the band before their first album was released. He was just 17 when he joined and was replaced by Phil Collins. 🏠 The author bought his Spanish farmhouse (El Valero) in the Alpujarras region without electricity, running water, or access road—and his wife was pregnant at the time. 🌳 The book's title comes from the abundance of citrus fruits in the Alpujarras region, where locals would drive over fallen lemons rather than stop to pick them up. ✍️ The success of "Driving Over Lemons" led to two sequels: "A Parrot in the Pepper Tree" and "The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society." 🇪🇸 Before moving to Spain, Stewart worked as a sheep shearer, traveling through Europe and New Zealand, and even set a world record for sheep shearing in England.