What people are saying…
A selection of comments and reviews by readers and the media
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Just a quick thank you after reading your book 'Lauragais'. A concise, light-touch read that belies so many years of research and travel - I devoured it in a couple of afternoons during this week's heatwave. It was fascinating to travel in time through the many conflicts, personalities and events that have shaped the region. I'll be recommending it to my neighbours.
- Pierre Thomas, 2 July 2025
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If you live near the Lauragais, this book is a must. It is written in an easy style, moving effortlessly from one episode to the next. It provides a rich story of a wonderful area. I hope the author will, in future, cover the area nearer to Carcassonne, which should provide equally fascinating tales.
- Peter E, Amazon review (5 star), 19 March 2024
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Dear Colin, I wanted to thank you for writing your amazing book. I bought a copy for my dad, who is ex-army, passionate about history and lives in the Gers. He was thrilled with it and said it was the only book he has actually read twice!
- Sophie Ferrier, 16 February 2024
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I found your book Lauragais in a book shop in...the nearest town to where I have lived since 2000. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as it enhanced my limited knowledge of this region, and as it was so well-structured and is a style of writing which makes it a pleasure to continue reading. Although there were some chapters I found myself reading again as I couldn't absorb all of the plentiful information in one hit, my fault not yours. It must have been a gigantic task to research all the historic information contained in your writing and I appreciate that immensely.
- John Murray, 6 June 2023
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I have tried reading several books about ‘French life in the past - the Cathars’ etc, but found them very hard going and boring. But then I stumble across your book Lauragais on FB. Well, what a real treasure it is! So beautifully written. I love that you keep the stories so light and interesting but include so much of the history of our area.
- Juliet Fielding, 12 February 2022
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I saw your post on the Facebook page ‘Occitanie everything & anything' and bought your book immediately. I started it yesterday and have just finished it - I couldn’t put it down. Thank you for introducing me to the Lauragais. Although I’ve read a lot of books about the Occitan area, I think yours has been one of the best. I thoroughly enjoyed it especially the chapter about the pastel. Once again thank you for a thoroughly good read.
- Catherine Foster, 29 June 2021
