French By Heart: An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France
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Book Overview
Can a family of five from deep in the heart of Dixie find happiness smack dab in the middle of France? French By Heart is the story of an all-American family pulling up stakes and finding a new home in Clermont-Ferrand, a city four hours south of Paris known more for its smoke-spitting factories and car dealerships than for its location in the Auvergne, the lush heartland of France dotted with crumbling castles and sunflower fields. The Ramseys are not jet-setters; they're a regular family with big-hearted and rambunctious kids. Quickly their lives go from covered-dish suppers to smoky dinner parties with heated polemics, from being surrounded by Southern hospitality to receiving funny looks if the children play in the yard without shoes. A charming tale with world-class characters, French By Heart reads like letters from your funniest friend. More than just a slice of life in France, it's a heartwarming account of a family coming of age and learning what "home sweet home" really means.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:076792522X
ISBN13:9780767925228
Release Date:April 2007
Publisher:Crown Publishing Group (NY)
Length:320 Pages
Weight:0.60 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"
Related Subjects
Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History France General Travel Travel WritingCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
Tres Charmant
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Delightful book about a typical American couple who decide to move themselves and their three young children to France. Everyday life there proves at times a challenge often filled with small adventures. Particularly engaging are their interactions with their French neighbor Madame Mallet. They leave with love for France and it's people and having learned much about themselves. This is a wonderful summer read.
A Great Book For Summer Reading
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
In France, one would call this a very good "summer" book - light and lots of good stories. The text is lively and it is easy to picture the people and the events. For example, the first day of school where the teachers call the students and march them into the school, or the search for the circus poster where I can imagine the French driver stares as Becky tries to pull a poster from a pole. The stories are told clearly from a love of France - they make fun of French people, but in a nice way. Americans are not left out, as Becky correctly points out "You can always tell an American by white tennis shoes." If you are an American who plans on living in France for a few years this book is a must read - these are some of the surprises in store for you. If you have ties to France, you will laugh along as Becky relates her tales that you should easily relate to. And if you are neither, the book will be a fun introduction into French culture.
I Wish I Was as Adventurous as Rebecca.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Imagine your husband taking a job transfer from dependable Greer, South Carolina to LeBelle, France. Now imagine taking your three young children, your English to French dictionary and your cat. The adventure only begins when you get there, meet your neighbors, learn the customs but you know you are home when September 11th strikes and your new French neighbors are there for you. And just when you think you are truly French, you find out you have so much more to learn. This is Rebecca's true adventure complete with quirky characters and laugh out loud moments. And don't forget Madame Mallet a grandma character that will rival anything Janet Evanovich can throw at you. There is a sequel being written that will encompass their first year back in the states, can't wait to read it.
Brought Back Memories!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I could not put this book down! I am a fellow Michelin wife who has also lived in France. I do not know Rebecca Ramsey; but I really enjoyed this book. It brought back a lot of memories. Whether you have lived in France or not this is one of those books where it is enjoyable to read about someone's experiences living in a foreign country, especially with small children. I'm always trying to find books about expats in different countries, but this one hit closest to home. I'm happy to see a Michelin wife has written about her life in France. Good for you Rebecca Ramsey!
Funny, Heartwarming Memoir about France
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
French By Heart is all that a travel memoir should be. Not only does it transport you to France, but it's funny, charming, and reads like a good novel. You won't be able to put it down! This book follows the true story of the Ramsey family, who move from the deep South to the heart of France when the husband is transferred there for work. They even bring their piano and their aging cat! And as you watch them acclimate, you fall in love with the Ramsey family, their quixotic French neighbors, and life in la belle France. If you love travel memoirs or books about France, this is next up on your reading list. It's the best travel memoir I've read in a very long time.
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