Reflections of Sunflowers: A Bittersweet Return to the Idyllic South of France

by Ruth Silvestre

The final book in the Sunflowers trilogy sees Ruth Silvestre and her husband returning to Bel-Air de Grezelongue, their much loved home in the south-west of France. In 1976 their dreams of purchasing a peaceful summer home came true when they stumbled across this derelict farmhouse surrounded by fields and orchards, and saw what it could become. Over the years, there has been inevitable sadness, but also the joys of new grandchildren, anniversaries, village fetes, and splendid meals taken with their neighbors. And whilst the family has seen many changes during their time with the local farming community, the warm and welcoming atmosphere they first fell in love with has remained the same. Now they face their own personal tragedy, but through all their sorrows Bel-Air continues to be a place of home and happiness, as well as extraordinary beauty.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

297 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2004

Reviews

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful series.

[Lesley Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last of the trilogy and still a great read. Very sad though.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections of Sunflowers is the final book in the Sunflowers Trilogy set in the Lot-et-Garonne, France and despite many years having elapsed since the start of their adventure Ruth still writes beautifully about their love of France and their French friends. Life has changed a lot since they arrived at Bel-Air in the 1970's and there are more changes on the way. There are now grandchildren around to enjoy holidays in France and all that village life there has to offer, but this book also has a certain amount of sadness to it.

I felt very privileged to have shared in Ruth's life from the pages of these books and appreciate how difficult it must have been to write about some of the things she shares. I will always have a great affection for the Sunflowers Trilogy and I'm so pleased to see they are now all available on Kindle as having passed on my paperbacks I can now easily re-read them. If you haven't yet read these books and enjoy life in France memoirs do give them a try as I'm certain you won't be disappointed; I think they are among the best.

See also A House in the Sunflowers: An English Family's Search for Their Dream House in France (The Sunflowers Trilogy) and A Harvest of Sunflowers (The Sunflowers Trilogy)

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine ending, albeit sad as the reader knows before reading, to a lovely trilogy.