The Good Life, France by Janine Marsh
What a couple discovered, that fateful day when they drove up to a ramshackle stone farmhouse in a forgotten section of Northern France, was to change their lives forever. From the first hours, the author and her husband (who had just crossed the English Channel) share their adventures in a series of books that begins here. For anyone who wants to travel to France and better understand the countryside and its people (or neighbors, in Janine’s case) this book is required reading. Her inimitable advice to fellow Brits and the rest of us, is invaluable. For starters, Janine and her husband performed all the renovations on their farmhouse themselves, a daunting prospect in the best of times. What you’ll discover is one couple’s battle with the elements, a barnyard of delightful animals (many named after celebrities) who soon take over their garden landscape. The neighbors, locals from all generations, contribute many stories to the narrative of each chapter. The customs, color and delights of both the gastronomy and traditions of country life are shared with a sense of humor and realistic details. French “Joie de Vivre” lives in all the pages of this lovingly created book.
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My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life by Janine Marsh
The first book was so successful, you can now continue the story with Janine’s latest book joining the collection entitled “My Four Seasons in France” published in 2020. Janine’s local reputation as “the Pig Lady” or “The Cat Lady” are titles she wears with pride in the community. The story winds its way through all four seasons in France. Her advice on how to communicate, to eat or drink, or purchase a few bottles of wine in the local village are all part of the colorful tales of small town life. The gardens have expanded, a new slate roof installed and the roosters and ducks (whose population is exploding) become like dear friends in her descriptions. Local festivals, food markets and the weather are themes discussed in each of the chapters. Even a delightful trip to Paris complete with a romantic itinerary is a birthday to remember. Enjoying the country life with Ms. Marsh is a gift, that keeps on giving.
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A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
This book and all the writings by the author have characterized the lifestyle of Southern France. Beginning with his first arrival, a subsequent purchase of a home and the story of its meandering renovations. In this first book, we experience the first year of living around the edges of AIX EN PROVENCE in the LUBERON region. What you’ll discover, is that Mr. Mayle’s portrayal of his fellow Brits (who often crash land in this idyllic landscape) and locals are drawn with a sense of sarcastic humor. It is no wonder, despite their attempts to keep everyone away, the visitors just keep arriving. The workman, who took over a year to perform a renovation, also join in the cast of characters. The lively neighbors who are mostly farmers, artisans and residents also do not escape Mr. Mayle’s hilarious renditions. Each chapter bringing into light a new disaster brought on by weather or misadventure. As an introduction to the South of France, its traditions and particular regional foibles, there is no book that does it better.
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