'I am not a high shopper,' said La Senora. 'In fact I may even call myself a medium-low shopper. I only buy what I need. The trouble is, I need everything.'
The truth of these words all too soon becomes apparent to John Lane after he arrives for a six-week stay as adviser to the Ladies' Health Care Clinic, Lima, a private clinic built by La Senora Pandora del Teodosia Zapallo-Chupado Palermo Bonomini to provide an appropriate setting for her highly qualified husband Dr. Hermogenes. 'Our clinic is mainly for the expecting woman,' La Senora explains. But alas, as yet there is no lift between the delivery room and the wards, so business is limited.
As the Clinic staggers from financial difficulty to total insolvency, the author finds himself caught up in the rhythms of Peruvian life, attending bullfights with Dr. Hermogenes who is an aficionado, accompanying La Senora to the weddings and funerals of her large extended family and on her whirlwind shopping expeditions to various interesting parts of Peru, while in the background the chaotic Presidential elections rumble on. Punctuated by increasingly desperate attempts to refinance the Clinic, his stay extends for beyond the original six weeks.
John Lane's hilarious account of life with the irrepressible Senora and the unconventional staff of the Clinic opens a unique window on Peruvian society and politics.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
John Lane spent 35 years in the Royal Navy where he saw operational service in Malaya, Aden and North Borneo and commanded naval establishments in Gibraltar and Oman. After leaving the Navy he served as a Senior Hospital Administrator in the Gulf War, and has worked for the Ryder Cheshire Foundation, and for the International Red Cross in trouble spots across the world. In 1992 he was head of mission for the HALO trust in Afghanistan. He was awarded the OBE in 1985.
Review:
"Writing in a wonderfully jovial style, Lane creates a highly perceptive and very funny depiction of Peruvian society" -- The Geographical Magazine 20030601 "It is a hilarious commentary on life in Peru" -- Times Literary Supplement 20030601 "It is refreshing to find a writer with the breadth of experience of John Lane ... Lane has a confident and original writing voice ... he is certainly a fine comic writer, and I hope that, in between global troubleshooting, he will find time to write more books" -- Miranda France, Telegraph 20030524 "A delightful account of living in Peru" -- The Field 20040101 "A unique window on Peruvian society and politics" -- Winning Breaks 20040101 'A quirky, jovially funny memoir.' -- The Times 20040124 "Written in a hilarious style, this is a unique look at Peruvian politics, society and culture." -- Liverpool Echo 20031227
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherJohn Murray Pubs Ltd
- Publication date2003
- ISBN 10 0719562090
- ISBN 13 9780719562099
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages304
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Rating