Taking Root in Provence
Anne-Marie Simons
Release
Date: March 1, 2011 by Distinction Press
Format:
Paperback
Pages: 212
ISBN
978-0-9802175-7-5
Genre: Non
Fiction, Travelogue
Synopsis:
Two expatriates left Washington DC in search of the ideal
place to retire where climate, culture, accessibility and natural beauty all
had a role to play. Curious about the vaunted quality of life in the south of
France, they traveled the length and width of Provence where, preferring the
city to the countryside, they decided to settle in the ancient town of
Aix-en-Provence. That was in 1998 and Taking Root in Provence is the story of
their slow integration into the French mainstream — both easier and more
difficult than expected but ultimately successful.
In a series of vignettes Anne-Marie Simons gives us a
warts-and-all picture of life among the French and with warmth and humor shares
her lessons learned. Contrary to most publications about Provence, this book
focuses on life in the city rather than the quiet countryside, and promises to
be both informative and revealing to those who want to spend more than a
passing holiday here. [From the author's website]
Author Information:
Anne-Marie Simons has worked as a translator, teacher,
journalist, sportswriter (covering Formula 1 races), and director of corporate
communications.
Her Argentine husband, Oscar, left a career in international
development banking to become an expert on Provençal cooking and other local
pleasures. [From the publisher’s website]
Author Links:
Book Links:
My thoughts:
A green eyed monster will appear when you begin to read
Taking Root in Provence. He is of
course, jealousy and he grows larger and larger with every page.
Taking Root in Provence shares the journey of a couple who,
blessed with early retirement, decide to settle in Europe and ultimately make
their home in Aix-en-Provence.
Unfortunately, the couple themselves remains rather remote and the
reader learns little about them themselves and more about their experiences.
The tone of the book is factual and observational. At times it is difficult to remember that
Taking Root in Provence it is the story of an actual couple's major life
decision to move abroad, which one would imagine is wrought with all sorts of
emotions that are never expressed within the book. Rather it is a description of the day to day
life season after season for those living in Provence. The reader is provided with a wonderful description
of seasonal life and the activities for those living, and visiting, the
region.
Ultimately, Taking Root in Provence is about a
move that became a love affair with Aix-en-Provence. If you know anything about the Provencal
region of Southern France none of the descriptions are difficult to image. This is where the jealousy and envy come in,
or at least they did for me, because the couple remained aloof and mysterious
their relation of living in this idyllic spot was annoying at times and
completely unapproachable. Nevertheless,
it does give the reader a guide to the region for travel though through a very
focused, unidentified lens.
And while the book is not bad it is just not enough for
anyone outside of the author's close circle of friends to relate to and for
this reader, having briefly traveled in the region I was left envious of people
that remain a mystery to me. The magic
of the book is the magic that is within Provence itself. It has that certain je nais se quois. Taking Root in Provence does not.
wow, interesting that you did not fall under the spell of the book. I think her intention was really to highlight Provence, not their own lives, though I did feel their happiness at begin there, in their new found paradise, and their excitement in going to all these wonderful places. thanks for your honest review. Emma [FBT]
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