The Last Shepherd’s Dog #
John Sunderland #
From the author of On My Way to Jorvik comes another unforgettable memoir — this time set in a hidden Spanish village where everyday life feels both magical and real.
When John, an English designer, and his American wife Kathy leave behind their busy New York City lives, they discover Tàrbena — a remote farming village hidden in Spain’s Costa Blanca mountains. Here, everyday life feels timeless, curious, and often surreal.
A neighbor presents a giant potato as a token of friendship. Pixies appear to decorate the streets overnight before fiesta. A shop full of groceries has nothing for sale. And Pascual, the last shepherd’s dog, becomes the couple’s reluctant but loyal companion when they are compelled to adopt him after the shepherd dies. He teaches them the ways through the mountains and village.
Through prose, poetry, and illustrations, John shares stories first written for his lighthearted Facebook posts, Tàrbena Times — hilarious, moving, and full of wonder. They paint a portrait of village life shaped by ancient traditions, rugged landscapes, and the resilience of its people.
Blending travel memoir with a touch of magical realism, The Last Shepherd’s Dog is a celebration of Spain’s hidden corners — where the Mediterranean sun warms olive and almond terraces, wild boar roam the hills, and history whispers from every ancient stone wall.
If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad, finding beauty in simplicity, or discovering magic in everyday life, this heartwarming memoir will take you there.
John Sunderland is also the author of On My Way to Jorvik, a humorous memoir about his unconventional journey from Yorkshire schoolboy to radical museum designer.