Book description
Robin Shelton and his mate Steve were complete neophytes when they
decided that having an allotment might save them a bit of money. But
what had seemed like a good idea over a couple of beers seemed rather
more daunting when faced with a weedy patch of ground. Still, both men
were at a crisis point in their lives and the allotment represented
their desire to achieve something concrete. They persevered and, despite
the weather and confusing advice from their elderly allotment
neighbours, managed to plant and grow a successful crop of vegetables.
As he writes about their year in the allotment, Robin describes his own
personal journey. When he takes the allotment on he is divorced, broke
and suffering from depression. Working on the allotment brings back
happy memories of his father, who died when Robin was sixteen, and also
draws him closer to his own two sons. Gradually Robin finds stability
and a sense of purpose in his life. His and Steve's tale is funny,
moving and enlightening - a book for anyone who's ever bitten off more
than they can chew, but muddled through anyway. "Their struggle to
plant their crops against the baffling advice of fellow allotment
holders is funny and moving. Our heroes finish the year wiser, saner and
with an impressive array of veg." Daily Express "A comforting
antidote to the glossy perfection of gardening on the telly."
Evening Standard
Robin Shelton worked as a jewellery designer and teacher, before
taking up writing full time. He lives near Winchester.
