Review: Picnic in Provence
Several years ago, Elizabeth Bard documented her transition into the French culture in her first memoir, Lunch in Paris, which I loved. When I found out she’s continued her story in Picnic in Provence, I was excited to read the book and, happily, was not disappointed.
Bard and her husband Gwendal, along with their infant son, visited Provence and fell in love with the area and decided to relocate there. Their house needed a lot of work but they quickly fell into the slower pace of life in Provence. Bard cooked with local ingredients and wrote while her husband ran his consulting company. When he’s offered a chance for bigger and better things, they decided they can’t bear to leave Provence so he came up with the idea to open an ice cream shop. Throughout the book, Bard writes of the fresh, local foods she gets and the dishes she creates with them and ends each chapter by sharing the recipes she writes about.
I thought Picnic in Provence was just as delightful as Lunch in Paris. Bard shares the good and bad of adjusting to life in a different culture. She’s learned the language, loves the food, and does all she can to absorb the culture but still feels like an outsider at times. At other times, she feels she’s right where she belongs. Having lived in France myself, I could totally relate to her feelings. Bard writes with a lot of heart so I found Picnic in Provence hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoy this book and I recommend it to Francophiles and those who like memoirs and/or foodie books.
I will link this up to Weekend Cooking which is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend.
Review copy provided by Hachette Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.
Share this:
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
- Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
I just picked up Lunch in Paris and can’t wait to read it.
This sounds great. I can see why you loved it so much – given your experience.
It does sound good Kathy/ Glad u shared with us.
Did you ever read A Year in Provence or see the mini-series on PBS? It’s from more than 15 years ago. You would probably enjoy it, too. I have to pick up these memoirs.
This sounds like a wonderful memoir, Kathy. I am glad you enjoyed it. I have never had the opportunity to live in another country. I imagine it would be exciting and challenging.
Anything with Provence in the title draws me like a magnet!
This sounds wonderful! I love foodie books – how fun to open up an ice cream shop in Paris!
I’ve put Lunch In Paris on hold at my library, and put in a purchase order for Picnic In Provence.
Both sound really good!
These both sound fantastic
Book like these are always delightful!
I loved Lunch in Paris! Now, I have to read this one 🙂 I’m glad you posted about it – makes me excited to read all about life in Provence. Great post!
Sounds great 🙂
sounds delightful.
I like the idea of this book as well. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kathy.
I bet you could relate! Sounds like the perfect book for you!
Love the title, cover, and the idea of A Picnic in Provence!
I just came across Lunch in Paris and added it to my TBR. I’m glad to hear that A Picnic in Provence is just as delightful. Can’t wait to take a virtual trip to France through these books!
Glad to hear you liked this one asuch ad Lunch in Paris. I was a fan of that book and look forward to reading this one.
Yes, perfect for you! I need to read both books.
i’m so happy to hear this is good. i did love the first book, and wondered about the second. thanks so much. i’ll go buy it now.
I read Lunch in Paris – it was fun – need to try this one too. Cheers
This sounds really good, and the cover is cute!
I’ve heard good things about this book! Sounds like a fun read.
Sue
2015 Big Book Summer Challenge