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  • A Beer in the Loire

  • One Family's Quest to Brew British Beer in French Wine Country
  • By: Tommy Barnes
  • Narrated by: Jay Foreman
  • Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (64 ratings)
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A Beer in the Loire cover art

A Beer in the Loire

By: Tommy Barnes
Narrated by: Jay Foreman
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Summary

Frustrated by a dead-end job, fed up with renting in London and the loathsome daily commute and, to cap it all, failing to make it as a stand-up comedian, Tommy Barnes was at breaking point. But he didn’t break - instead, he made himself redundant and took off to France with girlfriend Rose to pursue his dream of brewing beer. 

©2018 Tommy Barnes (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

What listeners say about A Beer in the Loire

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enjoyable and honest

so good to have a story no violence or sex. I enjoyed the honesty and laughed.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hilarious tale of English ineptitude

I chose this book as I am about to head off on a holiday to the Loire valley and was hoping to pick up some travel tips. Well this book was no good in that department, but it was a wonderfully hilarious surprise.
The narrative is like a sweary Peter Maile and there are some great running gags throughout. Our hero is superbly self depreciating with a Homer Simpson level of ineptitude which amazingly leads to a Homer (Simpson)-esque journey of discovery and conquest.
if you're looking for a light hearted romp without the usual roller coaster ride of emotions, I would heartily recommend this book. In fact, the only thing I disagree with is the author's opinion of 90s grunge.
Big thumbs up for the narrator too. The perfect choice.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hilarious.

Had previously read the book (and his follow up), but this was a riot to listen too also!
Great narration!

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Loved it!

I found this really funny and entertaining. Great story, particularly for anyone interested in beer. It’s also narrated really well - there were a few moments where I laughed/ snorted out loud

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Familiar ex-pat tale of life in France

Unnecessary swearing spoilt it for me. Effing and blinding about beer making brought nothing extra to the story

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Great Story

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The great unique story made for really enjoyable and relaxing listening - who knew that the intricacies of brewing beer could be so charming. It was narrated really well, making the listener feel like they were actually there in the France rather than caught up in the dreary rat race of London life that was so aptly summed up and described.

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brilliant very enjoyable

brilliant so funny had to stop listening to it in bed as husband getting annoyed at me laughing out loud brilliant narration

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Bloody brilliant

Well worth a listen, was recommended this and glad I did! Onto the next book by Tommy!

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Very Entertaining

Very well written and narrated, can’t believe this is free on Audible. Will be getting your next book, Tommy. Nice one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting book.

The book is generally ok. I live in France and found the observations on France amusing. Biggest negative was all the swearing and I can’t imagine that the writer was really as hapless and stupid as he portrays himself. It was a harder read than I expected.

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