Beginning French: Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse - Softcover

Neumeier, Marty

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0997410221 ISBN 13: 9780997410228

Publisher: Les Américains, 2016

Synopsis

First they took French. Then they took leave of their senses. They bought a 400-year-old cottage in rural France from an ad on the Internet. Their "completely restored" farmhouse certainly looked charming, but the pool leaked, the walls cracked, and the electricity fizzled whenever they switched on the kettle. This is the wry and witty memoir of les Américains, Eileen and Marty, joined by their chef-daughter Sara. Their dream of being French leads them into uncharted territory where "oh la la" takes on a whole different meaning. Before they can even move in, a freak accident destroys the interior of the house. An ancient wisteria threatens to uproot the kitchen floor. The wildlife continually tries to take up residence, and the pool becomes a watery hole that swallows up euros. And then there's Jacqueline. The only way Les Américains can salvage their sanity is by adopting a simple, time-tested mantra: "Have a setback, have a drink." Soon they're buying rosé by the case. Whether you're a traveler, foodie, Francophile, or home-improvement veteran, Beginning French will enchant you with its vivid portrayal of part-time life in southwest France. Home chefs will enjoy the 12 Dordogne-inspired recipes, and English speakers will appreciate the interactive glossary of French terms.

About this title

Review

*STARRED REVIEW* A California couple realize their ambition of owning a house in rural France in this debut memoir by Les Américains. The transition was not without calamity, and when the boiler malfunctioned, flooding the house with water and ruining the majority of their possessions, the two grasped that striving for a new life abroad can come with a price. Living in France offers many rewards, and the couple's triumphs in learning the language and assimilating into a new culture are a joy to discover. The gorgeous landscapes provide an ever-present backdrop, captured in bursts of warm, descriptive prose: "As we drove, the landscape changed from rolling hills and vineyards to forests and rocky outcrops. Golden cliffs curved out over the road, undercut by the carving action of long-ago rivers." The duo displays a gastronomic fascination with French cuisine, and the text delivers mouthwatering recipes, such as an indulgent goat cheese soufflé and a scrumptious lemon cheesecake. Thoughtfully written, understated, and without pretension, this book should appeal to Francophiles and epicureans alike. It also pays testament to the single-mindedness, bravery, and unfaltering desire of two particularly likable "Américains" who set out to fulfill a dream. A delightfully evocative farmhouse tale; as satisfying as a summer evening on a French terrace, with a cool glass of rosé in hand.  --Kirkus

"Move over Peter Mayle, the Americans have landed." --France Today

"For anyone who ever wanted to ditch it all and move far away, this is the book for you. Funny and unforgettable." --For the Love of Books

"If this is the closest I get to a vacation this year, I'll take it." --The Suburban Eclectic Review

"A practical guide, a beautifully written story, and a fabulous cookbook...this book makes you hungry!" --The Good Life France

"A delightfully evocative farmhouse tale; as satisfying as a summer evening on a French terrace, with a cool glass of rosé." --Kirkus Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Les Américains
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0997410221
• ISBN 13: 9780997410228
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256