Francophiles discussion
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I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I have.
In terms o..."
Thanks so much for taking this on, Andrew. I'm sure you'll make a great moderator. Looking forward to your discussions.
Andrew, thanks for stepping up to the plate here! I like mystery novels more than crime novels; I prefer murders to take place neatly offstage! I also like la France d'autrefois, and was fascinated by Graham Robb's book "The Discovery of France," and its examination of life in tiny villages and the changes in language that occurred after Paris became the center of government. I do love France, especially the south; I'm headed there next month, in fact.
Bienvenue Andrew! You sound like a person after my own heart! A dyed in the wool Francophile. I am not a regular "post-er" here but I do check in regularly on what others are reading and occasionally post what I have been reading.Best Wishes to you
Hi AndrewGreat that you are taking on the role of moderator after Linda, she did such an excellent job to inject energy and interest in this group. Whereabouts in SW France did you grow up? I spent many years in Toulouse, now moved out to the Tarn, all part of the wonderful new region called Occitanie. I echo the sentiments of Linda, Leslie and Nancy, bonne chance, bon courage, et merci!
Hi Andrew and thank-you. It would have been a great shame for this community to have fallen by the wayside. Santé back to you, Catherine
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Linda wrote: "A.B. wrote: "Bonjour tout le monde,
I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I hav..."
Linda wrote: "A.B. wrote: "Bonjour tout le monde,
I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I hav..."
Laurette wrote: "Hi Andrew
Great that you are taking on the role of moderator after Linda, she did such an excellent job to inject energy and interest in this group. Whereabouts in SW France did you grow up? I spen..."
Linda wrote: "A.B. wrote: "Bonjour tout le monde,
I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I hav..."
Mod
Leslie wrote: "Andrew, thanks for stepping up to the plate here! I like mystery novels more than crime novels; I prefer murders to take place neatly offstage! I also like la France d'autrefois, and was fascinated..."
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Nancy wrote: "Bienvenue Andrew! You sound like a person after my own heart! A dyed in the wool Francophile. I am not a regular "post-er" here but I do check in regularly on what others are reading and occasional..."
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Laurette wrote: "Hi Andrew
Great that you are taking on the role of moderator after Linda, she did such an excellent job to inject energy and interest in this group. Whereabouts in SW France did you grow up? I spen..."
Mod
Catherine wrote: "Hi Andrew and thank-you. It would have been a great shame for this community to have fallen by the wayside. Santé back to you, Catherine"
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Jackie wrote: "Welcome Andrew!"
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And many thanks for the lovely welcome messages. I'll start a new topic thread with the first reading idea I've got, but was thinking today (as we had brunch at a French cafe here in Sydney - the crepe l'Auvergnate was delicious) that I would get into the habit of dropping in one of my fond memories of my French childhood years on a regular basis.
So, today, to kick off, it's prunes! Yes, I know, but go with me here...
We spent most of the 1970s in the Lot-et-Garonne, and those of you familiar with the region will know that the best prunes in the world come from there, the pruneaux d'Agen. Our farm was on a hill and down in the valley below was another farm which had prune ovens. One day my sister and I went down to this other farm and got a bag of prunes fresh and hot from the ovens - and that is a taste sensation to die for, believe me. And we gorged ourselves till bursting. But, aside from tantalising the tastebuds, prunes also have another effect of course, and we paid that price!!! Sweet memories...
Lol ( or as we say in French, Mdr) Memories, indeed!
Welcome Andrew an exciting new adventure for all of us,
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Following a great suggestion by Catherine, I'm calling out for any group members in Sydney?
If we do have a few of us, then the idea was to suggest a Francophile bookish catchup - and I can think of a couple of French-themed cafés which would work very well!
Anyone in Sydney???
A bientôt, Andrew
A.B. wrote: "Bonjour tout le monde,Following a great suggestion by Catherine, I'm calling out for any group members in Sydney?
If we do have a few of us, then the idea was to suggest a Francophile bookish cat..."
Moi!
Now you're making those of us who are non-Aussies jealous!
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Leslie wrote: "Now you're making those of us who are non-Aussies jealous!"
Bonjour AndrewYes, Leslie's right, we'll start to feel jealous, but given the fact that Australia is SUCH a long way from France, you're right! Not familiar with the area in which you spent such an idyllic childhood, except to give a wave when driving from Toulouse to Bordeaux. But oh yes, the pruneaux d'Agen, they used to be on my list of presents to take back to the UK, usually the alcoholic ones in a bottle, and there's always a packet in the cupboard, for throwing in with roast pork. In moderation, bien sûr to avoid the price mentioned in your story...
I enjoyed your "prune" story. Thanks for sharing a taste of France!
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Barbara M wrote: "I enjoyed your "prune" story. Thanks for sharing a taste of France!"
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My recollection share today is the smell of the vines!
We had on our farm a vineyard (about 6 acres in the old measurements) - I still remember the 4 grape varieties, in their order of ripening, for that is how they were planted in terms of proximity to the house: Cardinal (red), Chasselas (white), Alphonse (red), and Italia (white).
But the sensory memory for me is the sheer overwhelming smell of the vines in full leaf and fruit, towards the end of summer. It pervaded the entire atmosphere, and was simply wonderful. It's nigh on impossible for me to describe or liken the smell, but for a period of a few weeks it was the smell of life. I have been to vineyards in Australia a couple of times at the right season and smelt the same fragrance - to me it is unforgettable.
Santé, Andrew
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Alas, the bane of my life is how far Australia is from France, from anywhere in fact! We have many good things in this country, but a huge downside is the distance from Europe. I feel it every time I talk to my sister on the phone (she lives in Paris).
Next time I travel over, maybe we'll have to have a mobile Francophile catchup!
Cheers, Andrew
Laurette wrote: "Bonjour Andrew
Yes, Leslie's right, we'll start to feel jealous, but given the fact that Australia is SUCH a long way from France, you're right! Not familiar with the area in which you spent such a..."
I loved reading your story about the grape vineyards. I could almost smell the aroma as I was reading your story!
Ah, brought back memories of standing in a vineyard in the Dordogne . I vividly recall the smell of the vines and the crushed wild thyme under our feet. Glorious!
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Whilst it's not Francophile strictly speaking, although my main protagonist in the novel is a Francophile, just to let you know that my first Goodreads giveaway for Harry's World started a few hours ago, so please feel free. It's hard-boiled crime, and pretty gritty, so if that's your thing, be my guest. If that's not your thing, then that's why I'm letting you know.
Cheers,
Andrew
Thank you for letting me know, I just signed up for the giveaway!
A.B. wrote: "Bonjour Laurette,Alas, the bane of my life is how far Australia is from France, from anywhere in fact! We have many good things in this country, but a huge downside is the distance from Europe. I ..."
Ah yes, the distances the distances. My neighbour in our little 4 house hamlet is a 'Kiwi', hard for her to find the time, money and energy to go 'home'. I'm sure there are plenty of us expats in the group who would be up for a catch up, keep us posted! Loved your vineyard smells by the way and must now confess this is an experience I have never had, though I'm familiar with Nancy's wild thyme. Next trip, Burgundy?
A.B. wrote: "Bonjour tout le monde,I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I have.
In terms o..."
Hi Andrew, my mystery novels are set in the wine districts of France. The third, BURGUNDY: Twisted Roots, published September, 2017, is now a giveaway on Goodreads. Wanted to let Francophiles know. I'm becoming more active on Goodreads, and so nice to connect with this group. Welcome, belatedly, and thank you, Janet Hubbard
I'm Andrew, and following Linda's request for a new moderator, I've taken up the role. I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so please forgive any teething problems I have.
In terms of Francophile qualifications, I spent many childhood years growing up in the southwest of France, my sister has been a Paris resident for the last 25 or so years and I try to visit at least every other year (and love it!), and my retirement plan is the south of France. In short, I love everything French (notwithstanding the occasional downside, but every country has them).
I'm also a crime writer and avid crime reader, so expect some discussions around French crime writing - and there is some seriously good stuff out there. I'm also fascinated by modern French history, so both the world wars and the French colonial experience. And my favourite philosopher bar none is Camus.
So, that's me, the new moderator. Tomorrow I'll start throwing some discussion ideas out there.
Santé,
Andrew
A.B.Patterson