Book Signing at Five Fingers Bookshop

Over fifty bookworms braved a chilly but sunny afternoon last Saturday to join former TRNC President Rauf Denktas to chat with local author Adrian Fleetwood at the launch of his narrative "Getting a Life in North Cyprus".

For bookshop owner Libby Main, seen in our picture with Mr Denktas, Fleetwood and wife Meryl, this was the second successful book signing event at the shop in as many months. In early October Libby had arranged for ex Royal Army Medical Corps pharmacist Harry Blackley to launch his novel "Love and Death in Cyprus", a tale of love found and lost, with the troubles occurring in Cyprus during the fifties as a backdrop.

As previously reported in the Cyprus Observer, Adrian, a former senior marketing executive in the UK electrical appliances industry, has provided us with an account of his and his wife's experiences following their decision to retire to North Cyprus.

Many of us who have trodden the same path will be able to relate to some of the events, incidents and encounters that happened to the Fleetwoods as they bought the land in Ozankoy and built their house. We have all perhaps suffered the broken promises, lack of punctuality, poor workmanship and sloppy approach to project management by many traders and workers.

But, as he points out, we have conversely become charmed by the indigenous population most of whom have welcomed us immigrants into their midst; we have become seduced by the lovely countryside of which, despite rampant building developments in certain popular areas, there remain vast natural areas to explore. As Adrian explains, We were also attracted by the economy of the island and of course, the fabulous North Cyprus climate. But "Getting a Life in North Cyprus" is not targeted at the people who are already here; although I hope they enjoy the read, perhaps get a few giggles from reading about situations we endured which they may also have undergone. Essentially, my book is for people who may be considering getting a life here. It seems that there are many books about moving to Spain, Portugal, South Cyprus and some of the new emerging locations such as Romania or Croatia - even China where there are nearly a million ex-patriates, but there is nothing for people to read about living in North Cyprus. My book fills that vacuum.

Getting a Life in North Cyprus by Adrian Fleetwood, published in Nicosia by Rustem Publishing is available from Five Fingers Bookshop Ozankoy and good booksellers across the island.

ISBN 975-9944-968-013.

^ Top of Page