Turn Left at the Black Cow: A Hollywood Family in Ireland

McKenzie, a painter, is married to Fred Astaire's daughter, Ava. In 1975, tiring of the Hollywood scene, they moved with McKenzie's two sons to West Cork, Ireland. First they encounter culture shock Gaelic-style with the lack of dependable phones, TV or even water supply. They also inherit an old mare, Violet, who will soon have to be put down. There is the pedestrian thrill of fetching fresh milk in old gin bottles, but Hollywood is never far away--Astaire himself visits and they all take a trip up to County Waterford to visit Astaire's sister, Adele. McKenzie learns that the Irish enjoy their crack--a time of fun and games--and even delivers a calf with the help of a neighbor. He introduces to the reader gardener Kevin O'Mahoney, who speaks six languages, and Garda Sergeant Dave, a part-time taxidermist. There are wonderful Astaire anecdotes, like the time he and McKenzie went to see an X-rated movie and were recognized. However, readers are saddened as they witness both Adele and Fred age and die. Fans of such classic books as O Come Ye Back to Ireland will enjoy this fantasy come true. Photos not seen by PW. (May)