Beginning French: Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse

by Les Americains

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.

Genres: France, Memoir, Travel, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Foodie, Cultural

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2016

About the author

Les Américains is the nom de plume of Eileen McKenna and Marty Neumeier, an American couple who divide their time between California and France. Eileen is the kind of person who can predict an entire plot from the first line of a novel or the first scene in a movie. Marty is a design consultant who has written six bestselling books on innovation, creativity, and branding. Their daughter Sara, who appears in Beginning French and contributes the recipes, is a New York food stylist who began her career at Martha Stewart Living. The trois Américains meet every summer in France—to cook, write, and share photos and travel tips with their followers. Go to beginningfrench.com to read more stories, print out recipes, or set up a book club visit over Skype.

Reviews

[Alina · Rating 2 out of 5]

***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and the authors (Les Américains) in exchange for an honest review.

A few years ago, I read Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" - simply loved it! Unfortunately, the present work couldn't even get near that (for me, of course, I don't speak for others).

Dislikes :
- I couldn't connect with the authors at all;
- the pronunciation advices: if you don't know french, try to refrain from teaching others:

Issigeac (pronounced IS-he-Jack)
Leclerc. The name is pronounced Look-CLARE, as in “Look, Clare, fourteen brands of pale blue deodorant!”

- making fun of French people’s pronunciation, when you cannot utter a word in their language..

“Wiss wiffy?” he asked. “Wiffy? I don’t understand.” “Do you want to connect wissout, um…” He made a pulling-apart gesture with his two hands, fingers pinched together. “A wire? Oh, wi-fi! Oui.”

- the 'not being rich' part being repeated over and over, though their constant transcontinental flights, buying habbits, and especially the attitude, kind of say otherwise (I don't mind people being rich, but I mind when they pretend - with no reason whatsoever - that they are not):

“Who’s going to clean the place while we’re there? Who’ll do the dishes? Vacuum the floors? Make the beds? ‘International Laundry Consultant’ isn’t a title I want on my résumé.”

- the jealousy / infidelity (?) parts were strange and the reactions blown out of proportion;
- they seem to do the laundry a few times a day...??

Likes :
- the stories actually made me want to visit some of the mentioned places (I've already been to Provence twice but there's still so much more to be seen there)
- some rather smart phrases, like this one:

[…] the Brits have a historic claim on the place. They lost it in the Hundred Years’ War. And now, six hundred years later, it’s as if they’re quietly buying it back, bit by bit, hoping no one will notice.

- Sara's recipes helped win an extra star (my mouth still waters when I’m thinking of figues rôties au chèvre et pancetta)

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Have you ever dreamed of just buying a house in the French countryside ? Imagine living in the beauty of the country surrounded by bounty that is France. This couple did just that, they bought an old farmhouse in the middle of the country, know little French, and little about the ins and outs of living there. They jumped, and had an adventure few of us could even dream of living.
They purchase an old home with all the charm and hidden issues of a old structure. Things go wrong, very wrong, but the beauty and the peace the place offer makes them push on. It does get hard the strain puts a strain on their relationship.
Trips through the countryside, to small villages are wonderful to read. The meals are delightful, a celebration of good food and company. Recipes are included !
I really enjoyed most of this trip with them. It was slow paced relaxed and peaceful even when walls fell and floors went wonky. There was one part of the story that I did not enjoy and it was towards the end. Their was an issue with jealously, that seemed so trivial compared to everything else I'm not sure how it even got put in the book. The way it was handled was treated in my humble opinion like there was an infidelity. I thought one of them acted extremely selfish and childish basically. It just didn't fit in with how they treated each other the whole story. This part really bothered me, it was a thorn on a rose petal, it didn't belong.

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beginning French" is a truly lovely gem of a story. The authors, along with their adult daughter, purchase a "home" in a tiny medieval village named Issageac, in the Dordogne area of France.
I know what you're thinking; you have heard this story before, right? I, too, have read many books with the same premise. However, in this case, the authors have created a different atmosphere, not all is sunshine and wine, nor gloom and doom. Their approach is one of honesty, whereby they lay bare their souls in describing their journey to try to "become French" (albeit with a good dose of humor).
Whether it's describing a local "night market", toads in the swimming pool, the Lascaux caves (fascinating descriptions), or an overly-amorous carpet salesperson, you will feel like you are standing next to the authors as they have their experiences.
They have some great insights into life also. That money doesn't equate with wealth. Wealth comes from investing in things that matter. Things like family, experiences, learning about other people and cultures.
I became emotionally invested in this book. So much so that at one point, I found myself genuinely concerned about their future (no spoiler allowed). That's a rarity for me these days, and it was a nice feeling.
And if the story isn't enough to pique your interest, there are numerous wonderful recipes in the book, created by their daughter, a chef.
Do yourself a favor and check this book out. You will not be disappointed!

[The Suburban Eclectic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Eileen and Marty. They just bought a money pit in rural France; they speak just enough French to get into trouble, and I want to be like them when I grow up.
The breezy, light-hearted tone never takes itself too seriously yet still inspires deep envy from anyone that ever yearns to live abroad. Beginning French is the next best thing to being in France and if this is the closest I get to a vacation this year I'll take it.

[Christopher Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owning a holiday home in the Dordogne seems to be a very British occupation. It's somewhat of a refreshing change, therefore, to find Les Americains (Eileen McKenna, Marty Neumeier, and their chef daughter Sara pursuing 'the British dream'. La Rêve is the name of their property (or Le Rêve, as Marty is corrected by a helpful villager just as he has finished painting the name on the outside wall). Situated in the Dordogne, just south of Bergerac, Le Rêve is to become their home away from home, their true dream. Of course, dreams have a habit of becoming reality, in their case exploding boilers, earthen floors, rotten floorboards, and the like, all of which is to be expected in a 400-year old propery. Les Americains remain undaunted.

BEGINNING FRENCH is something of a love letter to the Dordogne: from the food (and the book is enhanced by a number of Sara's delicious recipes), the wines, the first experience of boules, to the fascinating sounding marché nocturnes (night markets where one can dine cheaper than eating at home). It is truly a dream.

Written in a very readable style, and conjuring for this reader many happy memories, BEGINNING FRENCH is highly recommended. Les Americains - je vous envie!

[Lolly K Dandeneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't just for those of you in the throes of Francophilia... Though there is a certain charm about all those foreign countries, with both sides of my family from Hungary I understand all the charm European countries have for Americans. Just as much as any foreign place, I had my own daydreams about Japan before we moved there. What is lovely about this memoir is the honesty. What looks like a dream from afar may be crumbling within. Hey, part of a home's charm is all the leaks and cracks... maybe more of a nightmare than a dream on your pocketbook but it's the lessons your learn on the way that is the sweetest fruit. That fruit may be fermented and taste like a glass of wine... but whatever keeps you going!
Just because you take French doesn't mean you are French, but moving there may get you a lot closer. There is something so comforting about other's foolishness, isn't there? The electric issue... when my family and I lived in England we had a problem in our house, I kept getting shocked when I leaned my hip on the oven... didn't know some moron had drilled into the wiring when he put cabinets in prior to us moving in... so I can relate to the serious problems. I remember the shock (pun fully intended) on the handyman's face and his mad rush to seal off the area. "You could have been electrocuted"... well.. but it's soooo charming!!!!
They are "les Americains"- of course they are. We wear our Americanness like a skin, whether we realize it or not. The presence of other Americans doesn't change things, they can still spot us miles away. But when you're the only Americans for miles... well congratulations, you are the biggest show! But there is something fun in the bumbling and fumbling and newness of trying to acclimate to a different life. Yanks or not... eventually you blend in, of course you humiliate yourself with your mispronunciations that come off as insults as you grin like an oblivious fool but you suddenly understand what immigrants feel like. So what if you have no clue how to restore or remodel, surely you can learn? Oui? Non?
My husband's family is French, my daughter has been learning it for years so I certainly understand how complicated it can be and how someone like her makes it seem so easy... no, it's not! Take heart, those of us who sputter French foolishly in our attempts to speak it give laughter to many.
This book was a lot of fun, I think of all the little projects through the years we have taken on and how out of hand things get. I also remember all the British DIY horror stories we read about when we lived in the UK, so I relate to these French/restoration wannabes :) Culture shock with DIY dust, what could possibly go wrong? What could go right?

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I'd love to meet (or be just like) Marty and Eileen! They buy a 400 year old cottage in France for their second home. This is the utterly charming and witty memoir of their journey to "be French." There are some unexpected events, language problems and renovations along the way, as there always are, and these are related with great humor and ease. There's just enough of the French language sprinkled in to make it fun. I loved hearing about a part of France not usually seen, especially the village life. And the recipes from their daughter, Sara the chef, look delicious! A quick read, I actually would have liked more! I am looking forward to checking out their website for more stories and recipes. Highly Recommend! 4.5 stars at least! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me read this. A pure delight!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really charming book about an American couple who buys a rustic farmhouse in France. There is French sprinkled throughout their conversations in the book, but nothing too complicated- plus in the e-book version all French words and phrases are linked to a dictionary in the back of the book.

I enjoyed reading about their experiences, which no matter how problematic (walls falling, electricity failing) were always written in a fun "c'est la vie" way and never in a whining, poor us way. I'd recommend this for any Francophiles or fans of Under the Tuscan Sun.

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Beginning French: Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse” by Les Américains (husband and wife writing team Eileen McKenna and Marty Neumeier) is a memoir that chronicles their adventures and challenges, along with those of their adult chef daughter, Sara, owning and restoring a 400-year-old cottage in rural Dordogne, France.

The book is filled with the couple’s mishaps and triumphs as they try to learn a foreign language, adapt to French culture, and modernize their charming, but problematic centuries old farmhouse.

Although there are several charming aspects to this memoir, including a few tasty-sounding recipes and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Les Américains seem to be mocking their new French neighbor’s pronunciations (which are obviously correct—they are native speakers!!!), as well as continually plead poor throughout the book—which are just in poor taste.

Upon further research, Eileen McKenna, Marty Neumeier, and daughter, Sara Neumeier all have interesting backgrounds.
* Eileen McKenna is a professional writer.
* Marty Neumeier is a design consult, as well as the author of six best-selling books on innovation, creativity, and branding.
* Sara Neumeier is a food stylist who began her career with Martha Stewart Living.
* The family divides its time between their homes in Santa Barbara, California, and Dordogne, France.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Authors Eileen McKenna and Marty Neumeier and Les Américains and for this advanced readers copy for review.

[Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is adorable. I started reading having given myself permission to bail if it got obnoxious, self-important, or eye-rollingly insufferable (like rich people soul-searching and eating things abroad while gawking at local customs). I’ve started without finishing countless memoirs about the expat experience for these reasons, so I set my expectations low. Unnecessarily, as it turns out, because this was a lovely, charming story. Actually, a collection of them: it’s a book of connected anecdotes about the experience of an American couple managing life, culture shock and unexpected home renovations in an old farmhouse in a medieval village in the Aquitaine region.

It appealed to me as an expat and, although I don’t live there currently, I’ve lived in France too, including a stint in the countryside similar to theirs. So with a somewhat similar background as perspective, I was interested in others’ experience. They perfectly encapsulated what it’s like to be an outsider in the French countryside, without painting themselves as insensitive, blundering Americans (a reputation we really do have to fight in Europe). Instead, they tell stories as thoughtful commentary on their experiences and perceptions with context and a lot of self-awareness.

Their descriptions were beautifully vivid; nostalgic for those who’ve been there and enticing for those who haven't: you could taste every bite from the farmer’s markets, smell every sprig of lavender, see every star in the same sky that inspired Van Gogh’s Starry Night. It’s a sweet, lighthearted glimpse of the lifestyle, in a kind of warts-and-all way: a friend of theirs relates a story of meeting a neighbor who’s in the middle of wringing a chicken’s neck, and without missing a beat enthusiastically greets her new neighbors. It’s not all pastoral romance and scenery that looks like a background frame in Beauty and the Beast.

I liked their sense of humor, and that they mentioned what they’d done to get where they are, so they didn’t come across as entitled and sick of the rat race that had made them more money than they knew what to do with, hence running away and using it to build a new life of dreamy vacationing. They’re down to earth and relatable. Anyone who reads this will want to attend one of their boozy summer dinner parties. The writing is great too, even with a bit of corniness near the end. I know it’s a memoir, so it's probably in some way truthful, but some of the tension felt manufactured for the sake of a story arc and detracted from the overall tone.

And (I admit it’s maybe an unfair criticism on my part, as I’m totally jealous of their ability to live in both worlds) - their French house is for vacations. They stay a few months in summer and return to the U.S. Ultimately this isn’t an expat, uprooted life - trading in the security of one world for the unfamiliarity and possibility of another one. They get to keep a foot in each place. And their problems in the old farmhouse were mostly covered by the insurance company, despite the immense hassle, so even those issues weren’t quite so massive or impossible to overcome. The all's well that ends well tone was strangely comforting though. For comparison, read some of the frequent reporting the Daily Mail’s done on expats (mostly British - there’s such a cute joke in the book about this!) who sell everything and haul over the Channel to France only to be completely disillusioned by the farming work, screwed over by contractors, and drained of savings. Maybe we should all take a page from this book instead and when possible, have a little of the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review it!

[Eileen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Have a set back, have a drink".
A useful phrase for all kinds of trauma and dilemmas you will come across during a move to another country.
This memoir will have you packing your belongings and selling up even before you reach the end of the book!
Great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Les Americains via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Tina Culbertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

 Eileen and Marty are Americans who dreamed of living in France.  They bought a 400 year old farmhouse with a charming layout, purchasing it online.  I am not that brave.

They begin renovating the old house their taste, making it the home they always wished for.  Oh, it’s full of issues here and there such as a bursting water heater that destroys all their furniture  and carpets, electricity issues where it just goes out completely if more than two applicances are plugged in and of course a small language problem.

I’ll hand it to them, they did learn enough French to get by in restaurants and shopping, talking to neighbors and such.  I always felt if we became ex-pats we would absolutely need to learn the language of the county.

There is French conversation sprinkled throughout the book and an interactive glossary embedded  in the book.  If your Kindle isn’t on airplane mode you can click on the French word and see the translations.

The book has many recipes, courtesy of Sara their chef daughter.

Goat Cheese souffle
Mussels with Almonds
Roasted Figs with Goat Cheese, wrapped in Pancetta
Tomato Peach Salad
Duck Burgers and Onion Jam

Besides the hiccups of rennovations and adjusting to a different culture,   it seemed enough time was spent explaining  how Marty “unwittingly” flirted with the carpet installer, Jaqueline, and how Eileen left him for a few weeks.  This was clearly a major event in their lives/marriage.  By the way, Jaqueline is described as looking like Marion Cotillard’s younger sexier sister.  I had wondered if Marty and Eileen still lived between California and France.

There is yummy food inspiration mentioned in the book, especially the roasted figs.  Instead I went with a French chef and recipe from Jacques Pépin.  Here is Fettuccine with Summer Vegetables.   

3.5 stars

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning French by Les Américains is a short, breezy, and thoroughly enjoyable story for all of us Francophiles. While it may seem all too familiar to readers of Peter Mayle, this story does not disappoint.

The author's descriptions of French country life are well written and full of charm. The accounts of French homeowner despair and subsequent perseverance often had me laughing out loud, and reminiscing about my own experiences. An added bonus and some of the most enjoyable reading comes from the authors detailed descriptions of the many French culinary experiences….and the recipes for their favorite dishes are included!

The authors reveal enough of themselves for us to form opinions….I for one was not an early fan of Marty, the husband and father. In the end, though, I was won over, as Marty, in a bit of relationship turmoil with wife Eileen, is delivered a healthy dose of charming French relationship philosophy on his TGV ride to Paris. This is the best part of the book, not only for Marty, but for me as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an admitted Francophile, while never actually setting foot in the country. I read anything and everything I can about it, it’s people and it’s culture. So, I didn’t hesitate to read Beginning French by les Americains.

This was a quick, light, easy read. The Americains are a couple who bought a 400 year old cottage in rural France. They are still living in America, but get over to France whenever they can to work on the cottage. And, it does need a lot of work.

Like any old house, especially one 400 years old, there is a lot of work to be done. Boilers break, electricity seems to work on it’s own schedule, and walls may be leaning a bit!

The stories are charming with glimpses into the French culture. The food is lovingly described and there are even a few recipes in the book. I will definitely be making the Fresh Sgroppini - a champagne and sorbet drink that sounds wonderful.

A nice fun read, especially if you love to travel, love France, or just like reading about people’s adventures with old homes and different cultures.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Eileen and Marty. They are an American couple who decided they wanted to be French during their downtime. Besides learning the language, it also included buying an old but restored farmhouse in rural France.

The “perfect” house turns out to be a money pit. While they get frustrated they remain optimistic, determined to make a go of this. They take on the language barrier while learning the French lifestyle. They develop a new mantra: Have a setback, have a drink.

It is fun reading about the ups and downs of foreign ownership. I love how they are determined to assimilate into their surroundings.

Their daughter, who happens to be a chef, visits them. I love reading the descriptions of the food she makes. Some meals are simple but elegant. But, I have a feeling that everything tastes better in France. There are recipes included.

Eileen and Marty's trips around the countryside are fun and descriptive.

The writing is very friendly, almost conversational. At times it is witty. This is a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook.

[Patti St · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I enjoyed reading how les Americains found a stone house in France, dealt with its issues with humor, met some new friends, and enjoyed having their daughter cook authentic French cuisine. Recipes included.

[Shauna Hormiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book. I pretty much read it in one day. What a heartwarming story with lots of life lessons.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy memoirs of this type, and this one was a pleasure as well. It starts when the authors and their adult daughter fall in love with a stone farmhouse in a Dordogne village in France and they decide to snap it up and renovate it.

In Beginning French, we meet the authors and their daughter as they make their decisions, and join in all the house renovations, day trips, picnics, holidays and more. It’s a fun read, but not all is sunshine and happiness. The house has lots of issues (swimming pool problems, electricity that just won’t cooperate, crumbling walls, holes in the floor), things don’t always go right, and even their marriage suffers from the strain. The book has a fast pace, which I liked. Not high literature, but I laughed out loud and was never bored.

In addition to sharing their story, the authors’ adult daughter is a chef, and she shares several of her recipes which sound absolutely delicious! If you are in need of some armchair travel, or just some new recipes, I recommend this book.

Thanks to the authors and NetGalley for a free e-copy of this book, in exchange for my opinion.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning French was such a treat to read. My husband and I lived in France for six months, so much of what they talk about I definitely remember and understand! Their writing is wonderful because it's clear and concise - and often witty, my favorite kind. I snorted when Marty said he had the same ear for French numbers as a German Shepherd did for Shakespeare sonnets, because IT'S SO TRUE. French numbers are the worst, and I had the same problem.

They also do what is surprisingly difficult for travel writers to do - they have a good balance. They are honest about their struggles, but they also recognize and understand the blessing they have in living in such a beautiful foreign country. Too many people lean toward either endless complaining about differences, or such lavish adoration that I wonder if they're lying. Marty and Eileen were hilarious and truthful and optimistic and honest, and I loved the book because of it.

I appreciated the recipes they included in the book as well, because they sounded delicious. My only complaint is that I didn't want this to end!

[HollyLovesBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book and at first I was not loving it, maybe reminding me too much of high school French classes! However, this is the story of an American couple who have wanted to experience life in the French countryside and up and decide to purchase a rural home in France. There are so many wonderful experiences to be had and many challenges. This is sort of that vicarious dream that we often have of relocating to a completely different country, just for the experience and romantic nature of it. One of my children just did a world wind trip to France for the first time and reading this as I followed the trip was especially entertaining. I came to enjoy the bits of the French language throughout the book.
Recommend for those wishing to vicariously travel and experience another country.
#BeginningFrench #NetGalley #LesAmericains

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thought of owning a house in France just sounds so wonderful. To experience what Eileen and Marty are with their purchase of a house known as Le Reve, the dream, is exactly that a dream with some nightmares along the way.

The two together write about their life before France and their life in France, the trials, tribulations, laughs and loves. I enjoy reading about even the small mundane things like a VCR to the excitement of town festival. Their friends are ones that I would love to sit around a picnic table enjoying a glass of wine with a discussing the news.

The writing is fluid and the story is wonderful, escaping into this book was a vicarious escape of the best kind.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brian Sooy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried. I developed an overwhelming urge to eat duck burgers and mouth 'oh la la' to myself over and over. Part cookbook, part travelogue, part confessional, "Beginning French" is a thoughtful love story. It's full of wit and humor, frustrations and celebrations, and every kind of life's circumstances that make love and relationships both challenging and rewarding.

Sure, it's a book about international travel, food, and France—but there's something deeper. The further you travel with the authors, the more you see that this is a book about life's journey, the mystery that is love, and life's traveling companions we call friends. It's a book to buy for someone you love, and read with someone you love.

[Pia Vidal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books that I enjoy the most are travel books and cookbooks. This book is a combination of both.
I thought I was going to love it...but I didn't. It is an ok book. I wouldn't tell you not to read it but I wouldn't recommend it either. I was not able to connect with the author.
He keeps talking about not being rich but certainly not acting that way. Not that is bad being wealthy, but the contradictions on what he says and what he does...I guess they annoyed me a bit.
I guess I was expecting something like Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence". I was a little disappointed.

[Alicja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little memoir of a family's journey in a farmhouse in the French countryside. The family didn't uproot to France completely, but was going back and forth, and I enjoyed reading about their experiences in fixing the crumbling farmhouse. The recipes from their daughter Sara made my mouth water and their motto of "have a set back, have a drink" sounds like a good way to deal with change. I would recommend it to those that have enjoyed A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming memoir of moving overseas. It even contains a glossary of French words for those who want to learn more of the language as well as the culture shock involved in following one's dream. As someone who's often dreamed of packing up and moving to a new country (now more than ever) it was a nice reminder of how difficult that transition can be in practical terms.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanté by this charming memoir of life in rural France. The lush landscape, delectable cuisine, high misadventures .... solved with a philosophic "Have a setback, have a drink"! All lead to one conclusion: Encore!

Merci, NetGalley and publisher, for the early copy. Opinions are mine.

[Patricia O'neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful adventures

Loved this book, it has been a dream of mine to find a small house in France. I lived that dream through your wonderful book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning French is hilarious. It is especially hilarious if you live in France, have spent time in the southwest, dealt with French administration and have been the recipient of the kindness and generosity of the French. Sometimes I giggled and other times I laughed out loud. Towards the end, I found myself touched by the resulting difficulties that can arise in families when so much unfamiliar is going on.

Les Américains are Elaine and Marty, a California couple who, after visiting the Dordogne ,decide to purchase their own little piece of paradise. It's not clear when the initial purchase happened but at one point, Marty looks at a DVD player that "many years ago he had to exchange". The chapters probably jump back and forth in time but it doesn't matter. What comes across is that Elaine and Marty and, their chef daughter Sara, never question their decision. Though they can only come to France two months of the year, July and August, they plow forward even though everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Along the way, they make good friends, Brits, French and a few Americans. They live by the principle "when in France, do as the French". They attend day and night markets, learn how to purchase meat and fish the french way, learn to play Boules and in order to get the most out of their experience take dancing lessons in order to dance at the summer Night Markets that are held in even the smallest village each night of the week.

Marty is our guide and his use of dialogue brings us, the reader, right into the wonderfully lively scenes. I live in France and have spent summers in Le Gers not too far from the Dordogne. Marty never struck a false note. Happy, sad, powerless or miraculous, all the adventures have happened to all of us étrangers trying to make a place for ourselves in this amazing country. I remember thinking "so many memoir books tell of the travails of attempting to buy and then renovate to the house of our dreams in France". The only way they are digestible is to see the humour of it all. So there is a quality of "if they can do it, I can do it." I, for one, could not have made it past their first summer when the boiler exploded and almost everything in the house, including walls and tiles was destroyed. This is a foreign county where help comes in a different language.

Along for the ride is daughter Sara, a chef in New York. Not only we do we get descriptions of the buying, cooking and eating of her amazing meals but the reader can go to the website: beginningfrench.com for photos and recipes.

This is a fun book about a dream, Le Reve, and a house that took nerves of steel to live through. As Marty so eloquently put at the end of the book, what he, Elaine and Sara ended up with was a wealth beyond their wildest dreams: the wealth of wonderful friends, the wealth of learning about other cultures, the wealth of walking through a struggle to it's amazing conclusion.

Anyone will love this book. People like me who live in France, have attempted many of the things Marty and Elaine attempted, will thank them many times over. I say to them "Thank you. I am not alone and I love you for taking the time to put this all in print!"

[Disha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty and Eileen–a couple–have achieved their dream of purchasing a farmhouse/summer retreat in a village in France. The book starts with the couple’s attempt at learning French, their first visit to the country, their decision to buy a house in France and their first trip to the said house with their dauhter Sara. But, before they can start the summer in their farmhouse, all hell–or rather the boiler of their new house–breaks loose. And this is just the beginning! In the first couple of years, everything that could go wrong with (or in) their house, did go wrong. I liked the way Marty and Eileen overcame all these obstacles; working like a, to quote Marty, “well-oiled machine”.

Overall, this was a delightful novel. The author has done a wonderful job of highlighting the difficulties faced by tourists due to cross-cultural differences. I loved the descriptions of rural France with its postcard worthy scenery, friendly neighbours–though these can be found anywhere–the narrator’s sense of humor, the village festivals and the night markets. By the end, I was convinced that I am going to spend my post-retirement life in rural France, enjoying the view with a glass of rosé in hand! Also, the author has included the recipe of every mouthwatering dish mentioned in the chapters, which is something I appreciate and I’m sure many other readers will appreciate too.

I totally recommend this book, especially if you are looking for some light reading.

[Cheryl Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never yet travelled to France, Beginning French by Les Americains, exposes the beauty and history of the dordogne region, in the form of a story about Eileen and Marty living out a dream of owning a home in France. thrown into this memoir is their daughter Sarah, a chef/food stylist, who prepares meals for her parents, buying the freshest ingredients at the local markets. Marty and Eileen live their dream, interacting with the locals, dancing, shopping at the big box stores , playing boules or pétanque, and also, enjoying the fresh fare at the many local night markets, But to add a dose of reality to the story, not every day is fun. The house they buy is very old and is in constant need of TLC ... and with the stress of being in a foreign land and not being completely fluent... sometimes people are misunderstood....leading to more complications....

I enjoyed reading Beginning French. Although, at first. it seems like "first world problems", like how could you feel bad for Marty and Eileen, complaining about a SECOND home in France, when most people are lucky to even own one home. the authors broach this very issue in the epilogue. Make the most with what you have, whatever it is, LIVE! ENJOY! ... "LA VIE EST BELLE! thank you #netgalley and #lesamericains. Great Read especially if you want to plan a little visit to the #dordogne region which seems especially beautiful and scenic.