Symi 85600

I loved this honest and highly amusing account of leaving it all behind and heading to a Greek island. James has a brilliant command of the English language and makes it altogether much more fun than English language ever was at school! If I was to follow in James and Neil's footsteps then this is the book I would tuck under my arm and head to Greece with. I cannot wait to read it again.....and again.....and again.....I want to be buried with it - which may well be sooner than I think since I nearly died laughing during some of his witty observations!

As regular visitor to Symi since 2005, loved this and recognised lots of locations and locals. Very witty style. If there is a more recent record of later years i woul buy.

This Book is accurate ,informative and very very funny.I loved it.Go and visit this island,Symi,it is the best in the Dodecanese.

A look at life on a very special Greek island will appeal to many people

Symi 85600 was one of the first of James Collins' books I bought & I was fortunate to even have it autographed by the author himself.What I love about this book and one of the reasons for having read it at least 4 or 5 times so far, is that it's a very personal story, and a very humorous one. It instantly takes me back to this wonderful island, which I try to visit at least once a year.James has a very perceptive way of seeing things and remembers all those odd quirks that happen, but you can never remember why were so funny, when you have to repeat them to others. It's both funny and heartwarming to read.If you've been to Symi you'll love it and be reminded, what it is about the island that makes it so special. If you haven't yet, this will definitely help you see what you're missing out on. Buy it. :)

I bought this book whilst on holiday in Symi and decided to save reading it until I was home. This book brought memories of my holiday alive as the place descriptions were so accurate I could believe myself there. It gives a humorous account of 2 Brits moving to Symi and all the ups and downs that come with moving to a tiny island. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics that James and Neil got up to. I am hoping to go back to Symi one day and will certainly be asking James "what do you do in winter". To understand what is behind my question you will have to read the book.

A must read if you've ever thought of moving away from it all and starting afresh. James writes accurately about the trials and tribulations of living on a small, beautiful Greek island with humour in such a way that not only can you not help but fall in love with the island AND James but makes you wish you could do it too despite knowing the pitfalls that go with it.Also by James and his partner Neil Gosling, 'Carry on Up the Kali Strata', further tales of life on a small island.Look out for James' fictional story, Jason and the Sargonaughts, a laugh a minute.

Yep indeed. However Amazon continue to avoid taxes. I never had the chance - it was always taken from my pay. All VAT is paid at the point of sale. Amazaon have millions but won't pay their fair share of taxes, no wonder we're in a mess. If you agree please point this out in your reviews