It’s not every day that eager cries of “Gaumarjos” and the clink of Champagne flutes echo through a Welsh bookshop. But they did on February 17 when I launched “The First Toast is to Peace, Travels in the South Caucasus” out into the wide world.
About two dozen people turned up for the party at Book-ish, a book shop in my home town of Crickhowell in South Wales.
We had Georgian-style toasting. We had Champagne, Saperavi and Mtsvane wines from Georgia and Caucasus canapés. A friend who worked a long time in publishing wrote with thanks for a “really fabulous party – much the jolliest book launch I have ever been to”.
I was the first tamada (toastmaster) and naturally I intoned “Mshvidobas gaumarjos” – to peace.
A big thank you to my daughters Megan and Rachel, the illustrators of the book, and to friends for making it to the celebration.
Thanks too to Book-ish and to Welsh chef Zoë Powell for cooking up a Caucasus storm at my place after the book shop event ended.
”The First Toast is to Peace” is available from a number of websites, but if you cherish small book shops please support Book-ish. I also commend buying from my publishers at silverwoodbooks.co.uk.
South Caucasus Notebook 
Great launch, great book!
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Thank you Jo! I felt that family and friends gave me great support. Noson wych.
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What a delight it must have been to launch your book in such a unique and intimate setting. I like the idea of your wide travels being celebrated in a small community in Wales in a language exclusive to an even smaller group. It was great to meet you in Estoi (another small town) and I’m looking forward to reading about your ‘decantations’ myself. I shall now read some of your other posts here.
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It was an enjoyable book launch! Yesterday it was a real treat to meet you and Koos in Estoi. 🙏
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