Water Paper Stone: Letters from a Mill in France

by Judy O'Shea

Not many people decide to move to France, revitalize a forgotten mill, host an artist-in-residence program and start a new career. But that is exactly what Judy O’Shea, San Francisco installation artist and author, did with her husband, Mike. Now, O’Shea has collected vivid journal entries and letters to her beloved sister, Linda, into a Water Paper Stone, a book that immerses the reader into life in the heartland of the realities, frustrations, and sometimes heartaches. Francophiles, travelers, foodies, artists and art enthusiasts alike, will find something to relate to in Water, Paper, Stone as Judy relives each scene in genuine detail and explores the challenges, joys and cultural meaning of the area’s people, art, language, and food. Judy recounts all these changes with a humor and self-effacing charm that anyone can relate to. To see more water-paper-stone.com

412 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2014

Reviews

[Linda Belden]

Judy O’Shea has written a loving and fascinating memoir of life and art in southwestern France. In reading this book, you meet two conventionally successful and talented people who set out to try something different in life, something deeply meaningful and challenging. O'Shea's approach, using letters to her sister, Linda, gives the reader an intimacy with the writer and her family, friends, and community, without the self-consciousness that one finds in more commercial books of its kind. Her descriptions of the tough decisions she and her husband face as they restore the water mill they bought, their struggle to learn French and fit into their new environment, are refreshingly honest.

Don’t let me sound too serious, there is a lot of humor about their situation and a lot of affection for their new friends and neighbors. O’Shea has a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor. Her jokes at her own expense while learning to speak French are especially touching. She is also philosophical about French and US societies, art, and occasionally takes on a political topic, full force. You get to know the writer well, and you like her.

Anyone interested in an un-glamorized look at building a new life in a foreign culture will find plenty to enjoy and think about. The fact that the O’Sheas are building their art careers at the same time, makes for doubly compelling reading.

[Alyssa]

When reading this book, I could picture myself there, though I am glad I wasn't, because doing so much work to a nearly falling-down mill would be just too much for me! However, I've always enjoyed reading memoirs, and the 'take yourself off to another country' type memoirs are my favourite. I can live vicariously through the books until I can go myself to another country (and I know it would be France).

This memoir by Judy O'Shea was incredibly fascinating, from the very first time they arrived in France, and right until the end. I really enjoyed the format of letters (to her sister) and journal entries; it brought everything very vividly to life, perhaps moreso than it would have had she used a more traditional format. I got the sense that I was *right there* listening to her tell the story, as she might tell it over coffee or tea with a friend.

The only thing I wish is that there were more photos of all the work being done, and of the mill. (There are photos online, but I ended up reading this while on holiday and away from an internet connection, so I was stuck.)

[Lou Vincent]

If you've ever dreamed of reinventing yourself in a completely new environment, you will delight in reading Judy O'Shea's Water Paper Stone. This captivating book follows the author and her husband on their quest to master the customs and language of a sleepy hamlet in rural France, transform a ruin back into a functioning water mill and establish a refuge where art can flourish. While their dream seems hopelessly quixotic (or whatever you call it when you tilt at water mills), they find a way to make it work and the author takes you with them every step of the way. Along the way, you'll laugh and cry, learn the secrets of creating duck confit and stunning art installations, and come to know--really know--an unforgettable cast of characters. Get this book.

[Susan Gilbert]

Water Paper Stone is a delightful and very well-written book chronicling the adventures of the author as she and her husband leave their careers behind and start a new life in rural France. They bravely set out before they knew the language and undertook the renovation of an old mill to make their new home. Along the way, they make many new friends, become very fluent French language speakers, and become respected and vibrant members of the art community. Very much worth reading...you will thoroughly enjoy it!