Three Visions, Two Books and One Country
The magnetism of shared experiences is really a remarkable thing. Both the books we are reading this month, Paris to Provence by Ethel Brennan and Sara Remington and A Pig in Provence by Georgeanne Brennan are books I chose to read because of their beauty, their writing and because I have travelled to France and share the authors love of the place and the food. Having read A Pig in Provence years ago, it inspired me to go stay in the a small village in Provence in a house owned by the author. Reading the book again, now, after being there, I am once again amazed with Brennan's ability to draw a picture of life in a very remote section of Provence, raising not only her children, but goats, lambs and a husband. Her descriptions of the days are from the perspective of a mother who is also working hard to learn new skills, in a new country, while at the same time making an incredible life for her family. From the start of the book we see her challenges, not only to learn the craft of living in Provence, but also to be able to be accepted as a member of this small community. How amazing it is now, to view that same time and that life, from the eyes of her daughter Ethel in her book Paris to Provence.
Her memories of the same time also revolve around the foods, but also specifically around the long dinners and the stories that were told. The farmhouse they lived in was once lived in by German soldiers, who occupied the area. The
Resistance was also strong in the area, so the men would work the fields during the day and be out trying to thwart the Nazi's by night. All the stories in both books evoke a time, not that long ago that was obviously a dream fulfilled by Mother, daughter and friend, that continues to this day. Hope you are enjoying reading their stories and that you will be joining us for our amazing event at the C.G Di Arie Vineyard and Winery on June 8th at two in the afternoon. For more details and to purchase your tickets
SIGN UP HERE. We have only a limited number of tickets left, so please don't delay.
In case you haven't filled your Francophile bookcase, I also highly recommend the new book by Edward Rutherfurd, Paris. I just finished it and loved this portrait of Paris, done as a historical novel. Like our two books for June, it makes you feel as if you are living through the time and in the place.
As always, thank you for reading.
Along with the tastes and smells Ethel Brennan and Sara Remington talk about in their beautiful book Paris to Provence they also talk about the light looking over the vineyards and the sound of the squeaky floors in their 18th century house and the church bells in the village. I don't think there is any sound more wonderful than the middle of the night comfort of a village churchbell., or anything more European than the whine of a police siren in the streets of Paris. Now that I've read through the book, it's time for me to get cooking. I'll be making some treats for you to take home after our wonderful event at C.G. DiArie Vineyards a week from Saturday on June 8th. Don't delay getting your tickets as they are starting to be quite scarce. Just CLICK HERE for a ticket to the event. All are welcome, so please bring a friend. The tickets are $20.00 each and you will love the refreshments, the conversation with the authors, who will be interviewed by Donna Apidone, host of Morning Edition and the Provence like setting. 
