Flying to the South is a provisionary title I gave to the novel of Ian Gibson and an Irish Hispanist. The official and literal title would be the wind of the south or Southern Wind (Viento del Sur).

I enjoyed this book reading it after two more complex ones. It lacks the pretension of the established writers and is therefore delivering more than expected. What would you expect from the book knowing that it is a semiautobiographical work of a Hispanist who decided to fly southwards in a plot where he is to get rid of his puritan past.

Readers who are interested in the Spanish language and Hispanic culture will find an enormous amount of thoughts and facts and impressions about Spain and its culture. But also about England and its culture. According to the protagonist John Hill the Spanish culture was one of the richest in Europe; a mix of cultures and languages Until the Spanish inquisition smashed everything away (my interpretation). It is not possible for a Hispanist to understand the culture without at least knowing some basics of the Arabic language (of which 4000 words have been imported) and also about the Hebrew language. I even agree with Hill that it is a pity the Arabic language is not taught at schools and especially in the south. A project that requires some attention.

The reader will learn a lot about Spain not only little details -- why their citizens like ham so much and that Dali was a coward and about the role of jealously - but about their language and about Hispanic poets (most of all Ruben Dario) whose work is frequently cited.

Flying to the south could be the title in English as the protagonist is changing his life; in fact he is saved by Spain. This is the conclusion at the end and as he has tried various therapies (gestalt and psychoanalysis) but nothing has helped. Unlike his brother who had an even more profound problem he is just Born in the wrong country (side) and climate portrayed by the flying goose ON the cover of the book. Parallel to this change is the change of Spain at the same time and which he reports while traveling and working. Spain is being freed from Franco and in no-time they have build a new constitution that seems to work.

Interesting to see is where this change starts; with a thorough view ON the British society with its boarding schools - public for the public who could afford it - and the Methodist way of live contrasting with the catholic South. (meaning Spain). Interwoven are some side paths where an Irish ambassador comes in and I think to reconcile Gibson's real past. Another parallel appears as Joyce' Ulysses is introduced and the large number of Spanish topics are found in the book. There too and the circle is round.

Very well written keeping in mind that it is written in authentic Spanish and including the original diversity of wordings and gothic-like details. I wonder whether natives in Spain themselves will read it and but foreigners who dominate the language somehow will like it very much. I did.