Fun With Books Blog

REVIEW

Harbour Ways

Author:  Valerie Poore

Published:  February 16, 2014

Genre: True Life

I loved this book.  It was a lot of fun, but it was also very interesting to read about life on a barge, and what it takes to turn a historical working barge into a comfortable home.  

It must have been incredibly daunting as a single woman living in a foreign country to go out and buy a barge.  Not just any barge, but a historical barge that needed a lot of work, and a lot of money.  Add to this the fact that she would be doing all the work herself, and the fact that she was still learning the language.  Daunting, yes I am sure it was, but for me the reader, it had its very funny moments, as well as its wow moments.

Living on the water is certainly not for everyone, simply because of the ‘hardships’ associated with it.  But, after reading this book the hardships seem to pale in comparison to what you actually get out of it.  I think the feeling of freedom, and the friendships forged on the water will make the hardships, while not insignificant, seem more manageable because they are in a way, a shared experienced. 

I was continually amazed at the author’s courage, and her willingness to do all the work herself.  Her carpentry skills were amazing and her power tools impressive, but I would have run a mile before crawling into a 500l water tank to attach the necessary fittings.  Never, ever *shudder*. 

Other than being a great read, I think there is an important lesson to be learned.  Never give up.  Know your limitations, but push them ...... hard.  It was great to see how much Valerie Poore was able to achieve because she believed in herself and her abilities.

I especially enjoyed the photographs which accompanied the story.  I would have loved a lot more, but was thankful for the glimpses of what the author was working on at the time.  The kitchen and the bathroom were amazing.  They are tiny, and yet so perfect.

The photos of the barge moving serenely along the rivers/canals were awesome.

This is a great book.  It is beautifully written and I loved it.