Don't Kill the Cow Too Quick: An Englishman's Adventures Homesteading in Panama

For a first book, Malcolm Henderson exhibited a great gift for writing. I am giving this review with some amount of prejudice. I have been an expat in Panama. I have purchased his the artwork of his wife and I am a college grad with a learning disability. Hopefully this is not a spoiler review, but I feel that knowing these things about the author might encourage you to pick up the book. I would love to sit down and have a glass of wine with this couple, as would you, after you read the book. I have gotten a lot less for a lot more for my money. This book will remain of my shelf and I will encourage kindred spirits to read it! Abigayle

This book is a must read for anyone living or thinking of living in Central America. It is an informative life experience of a homesteader in Panama. The book is interesting, easy to read and humorous.

Mr. Henderson confesses to not having written before, but you could have fooled me. This book was a joy to read! Unlike many such books, this was doesn't bore its reader with endless detail but, rather, informs through selective "vignettes" which are entertaining as well as informative. I couldn't put it down. As my husband and I own property in Panama and plan to retire there soon, I admittedly had a vested interest in learning more about the country. But I think I would have enjoyed this read if it had been set anywhere in the world.

The fashionable literary genre of narrative writing about radical lifestyle changes has been greatly enhanced by this compelling and hilarious series of vignettes set in a hitherto little-known but stunningly beautiful Central American archipelago. Malcolm Henderson's impulsive decision to buy, at first sight, a house and a tropical rain forest on two neighbouring islands, sets in motion an extraordinary chan of events, supported by a cast of memorable characters, brilliantly illustrating the paradox of the western image of paradise in the 21st century. But equally, it is also a glowing testament to the respect and affection of a quintessentially English gentleman for the multi-faceted and multi-ethnic people of Bocas del Toro as they become bound together on a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. Richard Paris Travel Writer London

This is a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys reading real life stories written by real life "pioneers.." but if you are an expat living abroad, or thinking about becoming one, or ever were one, you MUST buy this book! Its informative, funny and the writer makes you feel you are right there with him, his family and friends. I am only half way through and I can't put it down!

Brilliant!This transplanted Bocatoreno captures and captivates your attention with his narrative adventures in Panama. Successfully combines comedy, tragedy and triumphantly achieves a writing style all of his own. A win/win situation for this writer and this island. A wonderful wealth of information for run-away retirees and also a wonderful lesson that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, be it writing or retiring to an island. May the inspiration that the author found in Panama lead him to write again, books not only confined to life in Panama, but by following his instincts and his unique writing style where ever that may lead.....