Author Robert Fear portrays his youth as, Fred, fulfilling his dreams of traveling and working in Ibiza after a prior two-week holiday with friends. Replaying scenes from the 70s was a poignant reminder of the carefree times afforded to the young. Eating, drinking, working, fighting, and having fun.
Robert paints a richly textured picture of the sights and sounds of tourists on the island over the season. His memories of friends he made, lessons learned, and opportunities he created are vibrant.
The writing is appealing in part due to the amusing anecdotes, along with the entertaining style. Young people want acceptance and confidence in themselves. One of his forays into love and play was shared with when he met a nursing student, Cathy.
“The girls smiled as I continued, ‘Friends found it difficult to understand why I wanted to give up such a good career and risk it all by coming here. My parents tried to dissuade me, but my mother supported me, once she knew I had my heart set on it. It confused my younger brother and sister, though, and most of my friend.’
Cathy gushed, ‘It’s a brilliant thing to do.’
I sensed her sexy body close to mine and became aroused.
Monica looked at her empty glass. ‘Anyone want another drink?’
We nodded in agreement. Monica and Janine made their way to the crowded bar for refills.
Cathy whispered in my ear, ‘I hope you don’t think I’m being forward, but it’s my last night, and I’d love to spend it with you. The other two are heading off to the disco in a while. My roommate, Ann, is with her Spanish fella, so we can have the room to ourselves. Are you up for it?’
My eyes widened. I stuttered, ‘Sounds fantastic.’”
One specific inclusion that caught my attention was the letters. These messages sent to and received from family and friends were charming. In those times, letters helped people keep in touch and share their experiences. No instant messaging, social media platform posts, email, or cell phone calls were available. The Internet wasn’t even on DARPA’s drawing board yet so if you wanted to talk to someone you either waited by the phone, went to see them in person, or wrote a detailed letter. Seeing the letters and cards coupled with Fred’s reactions to them added to this delightful memoir.
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A time capsule unearthed from the summer of 1977
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Summer of 77, Beaches, Bars and Boogie Nights in Ibiza’. It didn’t disappoint. I’ve heard so much about Ibiza, but I was unable to visit when I had the opportunity while living in Germany in the 80s. It was the legendary go-to place for people who wanted to get wild and party. It sounded a lot like spring-break in Cancun Mexico, albeit more sophisticated. Robert aka Fred shows us that even back then, there was a world of adventure just outside your door and slightly left of your comfort zone.Reading Robert Fear’s memoir confirmed for me that all I’d heard about Ibiza was true. The narration of his own two week holiday with his friends was descriptive and stunning. His return to Ibiza alone to work for 6 months integrated him into the scene and now we know more about the backend stories of the events. He immersed himself in the Ibiza culture; I think that’s the best way to really know the place and the people.What happens in Ibiza stays in Ibiza, right? Luckily for us, this book is an honest accounting of Fred’s work, his finances, and his affairs. It’s possible to live the Ibiza experience vicariously through Fred’s intimate storytelling. His letters from home were grounding. His recounted details were colorful and intriguing by contrast. Both were engaging and well written. His book is a time capsule unearthed from the summer of 1977. I love the familiar songs and the bands he mentions that I haven’t thought of in a long time. It brings out the melancholy and nostalgy of those years. I highly recommend this ‘coming of age’ memoir. Fear’s book shows how that even in these times there is an alternative world of opportunities, travel, and exploits when you pursue your dreams!
Top reviews from other countries
HM Holten
Beaches, Bars, and Boogie-Nights in Ibiza
Reviewed in Germany on August 20, 2023Felixport
A great travelogue imbued with humility and a charming simplicity...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2021
