The world of the gypsy
 

Bury me Standin is a wonderful book for learning about the gypsies. Written by Isabelle Fonseca.
Amazon has many other books listed an this greatly misunderstood group of people.
Right now, I'm re-reading the mystery thriller "Caravan to Vaccares"by alistar MacLean. it's more fun a second time around because I can identify some locations such as the "Ousteau de Baumaniere," in Les Baux and other locations in the Alpilles.

Thanks for reminding me about this book, cigale. I think it's a fascinating subject and it's on my list.

Thank you for the recommendations, esp. the MacLean book. I read a lot of mysteries and have a hard time finding many written about that part of France that I like so well.

Fonseca is, presumably, a Portuguese name. Do they have gypsies in Portugal?

The reason I know it is Portuguese is that it is a common name in Sri Lanka, where the Portuguese abounded in the 16th century or so. Hence: Fonseca, Da Silva, etc.

Mixed race ("burgher") Sri Lankans often have Dutch or Portuguese surnames. Witness Michael Ondaatje, Canadian author of The English Patient.

tedgale, yes it is a portuguise name. I have a friend in Brazil, a well known writer there named Jose Fonseca. There are alot of gypsies in Portugal you will see if you google.
Meanwhile here's an interview with I.F.

http://www.worldmind.com/Cannon/Cult...s/fonseca.html

Thanks for posting the article and for reminding me to put this book on my reading list. I love the Gipsy Kings' music and have wanted to learn more about the people.