Brian Viner and his family had enjoyed much about their nice little middle-class patch of north London, but gradually realised they were suffering from a severe case of 'metropause' -- the desire to swap the hassles of London life for the serenity of the countryside. After a long search they found the house of their dreams in rural Herefordshire. But is country life all it's cracked up to be? More importantly, where *does* one go to get a decent cappuccino? 'A Year in Provence' with less sunshine but more laughs, TALES OF THE COUNTRY is a wonderfully entertaining and heart-warming account of the Viners' adjustment from town to country. Focusing on their first year in Herefordshire and the attendant misadventures with mice, ponies and septic tanks, not to mention some sceptical locals, it is a terrific blend of humour and memoir. Full of anecdote and character, and beautifully written, TALES OF THE COUNTRY is a superbly beguiling book about what is really important in life, and the joys and trials encountered along the road towards it.