Peaks and Troughs: In at the Deep End, High in the Hills

Description

As 1970 dawns Jack, brother Nick and his family set off from swinging London to fulfil their dream of living off the land in the wild unforgiving hills of North Wales. They know nothing of farming or what battles lie ahead with the weather and their neighbours, or the ingenuity needed to survive. But armed with the Farmer's Weekly and protected by their youthful idealism and sense of the ridiculous they begin their adventure. Peaks and Troughs is a warm-hearted, humorous and inspirational tale of life in all its drama - birth, death, tragedy, comedy, disappointment and hope - with the star player being one Rattlerow King David the 57th, a prize boar whose prodigious sex drive literally saves Nick's bacon.

Nick Perry spent his childhood in Dorset, out in the countryside daydreaming most of the time. He was educated at Parkstone Sea Training School before leaving for London where he worked for ATV Television. He travelled around Europe moving from job to job until he came into money. On impulse he bought a hill farm in North Wales, some experiences of which form the backdrop to Peaks and Troughs. He lives with his wife Arabella in the Wiltshire countryside where he spends time writing, walking and listening to classical music.

'I think it is beautifully written, very evocative, very engaging, not judgemental ... I'm enjoying it so much, very warm hearted' - Jonathan Ross; 'Peaks and Troughs is a young man's book, written plainly, without philosophy or grand rationalisation, without rancour, without nostalgia, and without that deadly ironic humour which older men often bring to their younger selves. It's a simple book, whose narrative contours seem to match the experience it relates and the landscape in which it happens. A perfect Christmas present' - The National; 'a fun and light hearted account of village life in a rural setting, and there are many occasions where you will laugh. As well as rooting for these brothers to succeed'; 'I found this read enchanting, evocative, warm and honest. With a steady infusion of personality I was immersed into the life of pig and sheep farming in North Wales' - Radio 2 Book Club reviews