What is your opinion?
Loved It
"I was very quickly drawn into the story. This author has a gift. Even his intro hooked me, with his wife describing endless skies that went on and on and on. I've seen such skies. So has almost everyone. That is the magic of his writing. I can relate. I loved the honesty of his writing and how beautifully he expresses those little things that make us human. He makes it seem so easy! Well done, Ian."
Don't Miss This One
"The author takes you on a fascinating journey through the trial and tribulations, successes and drawbacks of an innovative 'picnic' project. He intersperses the journey with informative and colourful background material, family anecdotes and even the occasional recipe. All of this is achieved in a light, fluent style which captivates the reader and entertains from beginning to end. It is a humorous, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable book. It would benefit from a close edit, particularly towards the end of the book, just to get the very best out of it."
Cool
"Keep up the good work"
Perfect for food lovers, cooks and new business men
"This is the perfect book for food lovers, new business men and maybe even cooks. The narrative style is wonderful - a narration similar to a tasty combination between L.M.Montgomery and Bram Stoker. I started reading this wanting to reach chapter three to review - and ended up reaching page 77 (and I will probably continue because I want to see your business work!) I’m younger than most, and even so I enjoyed this too. You have a fine way of talking, narrating, and your honesty - even about lying and such - adds character and humanity to the book. I love the way you and Athena work together - you seem a nice pair - and the recipes you put in the book make it even better! I’d be curious about trying the cucumber soup - well, we’ll see. I also loved that you shared some of your expertise - for example about fresh fish or cooking cream. This is both a good memoir and a good manual with a lovely story to liven it up. Different to everything else I’ve read in a unique, enjoyable way. Well done!"
♡
"Yours books seem very interesting and different than what I'm used to reading. I will check them out because they're intriguing and captivating!"
Some Picnic
"Amazing, I admit the writer took me on a journey with him. It was Durban and surrounding areas I could identify with. His description of places had me captivated. A place like Horizons is somewhere I would love to be...BUT- the signage of snakes would send me running in the opposite direction. The writer showed his strengths and weaknesses without shame. Despite the difficult times he faced receiving something to give him and his family a new lease of life. The recipes was an added bonus I would include in my meal plan. Loved reading this book and hopefully wish to be invited by the writer for a meal. "
Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
"Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite Starting one’s own business is a major undertaking. Even if it’s a great idea, there’s a lot to consider, such as: knowing if there’s a market for this business, startup and operating costs, marketing, and much more. How about starting a business providing picnic lunches? Not just the sandwich and drink type of picnic, but the gourmet type, complete with the appropriate wine, dishes and utensils to serve the picnic. Sounds like a great idea, but also a lot of work. Savor the tastes of insalate di mare, the vinegary, lemony, garlicky, olive oily, parsley, black peppery chunks of seafood. Or the chilled cucumber soup, the tonnato, the lamb casserole, the mielie bread, and much more. No, this is not the basic picnic lunch. This is a feast for a special occasion. And what better place to offer these gourmet picnics than in one of the most picturesque regions of the world, just outside Rosetta in the Midlands of KZN, South Africa. Ian Robinson and his partner, Athena, both with experience running a small business, decided to do just that. The result is Horizons, a Gourmet Picnic business. The theme behind the name, Horizons, suggests looking as far as you can and expecting great things and so much more. Now living in the United Kingdom, the partners built up a fantastic business which they sold as a going enterprise in 2007. Some Picnic! traces the beginnings of Horizons, from the initial idea, to finding the right location, to mapping out a manageable and sustainable business plan. The author, Ian Robinson, is obviously a storyteller and his experience in the picnic business shines through this story with humor and beauty. A good read."
awesome story
"I just loved ur story...A very lovely and unique story...Love the way u describe every characters and manage ur story...keep it up..I m looking forward to read ur next story"
Very interesting
"This book was not what I expected, and that was a good thing. I liked how it flowed, some parts were funny. How you used different comparisons. A great read. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next! I loved what was said at the end of the story, how it all fit together."
Excellent
"You’re a gifted writer who knows how to enthrall a reader with your story telling abilities. Your vivid description of the South African region through Ian’s eye makes the reader feel like he is really there. Plus the story was gripping and satisfying. Keep it up!"
Real picnic
"Authors writing style is bang on , i felt like i was actually on a picnic (minus the real food) very much descriptive , ."
