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Review
'There are lots of books about living abroad, but Cook's sharp eye and refusal to patronise the natives makes hers a cut above the rest.' --Mail on Sunday
'Read Fidelma's book in one sitting, laughed out loud and winced at some of the scrapes she got herself into. She spares no one least of all herself!' --Lorraine Kelly, GMTV
Watch review on YouTube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsO19aKIAu4 --YouTube
'Read Fidelma's book in one sitting, laughed out loud and winced at some of the scrapes she got herself into. She spares no one least of all herself!' --Lorraine Kelly, GMTV
Watch review on YouTube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsO19aKIAu4 --YouTube
Product Description
That fateful night, two friends were commiserating with high-flying journalist, Fidelma Cook after she d been made redundant from her job with a national Sunday newspaper. Several bottles of red wine had also been thrown in for good measure. Then it came to her in a flash I ll just pack my bags and go live in France, she boldly announced. That was the moment Fidelma threw common sense right out of the fenetre. But with no job, a huge mortgage to pay, massive overdraft, several loans and maxed-out credit cards, it seemed like a good idea at the time. If I m going to be poor, I may as well be poor with the sun on my back in the south of France, she mused. The word soon got round that Fidelma was saying au revoir to the big city and bonjour to a new life in the French countryside. There was no turning back. This is the witty and thought-provoking account of how one woman - with only her pet Afghan hound for company - battled against all odds to make a new life for herself in a foreign country and live the dream we all wish we had the courage to do ourselves. It was a dream that sometimes bordered on a nightmare. But who said it would be easy? Well, actually it was Fidelma who did.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Fidelma really tells it like it is. If you have read Peter Mayle and Carol Drinkwater and seethed with envy, you must read this book for a no holds barred account of what it really is like to buy into the French Dream. Fidelma's writing is witty and wry - like the woman herself - this book truely deserves to be a best seller.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
If Fidelma Cook ever decides to decamp from France and return to British shores I wouldn't be surprised if she were met by a queue of people willing to share a glass or two of vin rouge with her. This book is fabulous, a triumph of determination and humour in the face of pretty much everything life could and has thrown at her. Too often personal memoirs are self-obsessed rather than self-aware but Fidelma never once strays into this territory - her observations about herself and her changing life are so sharp, witty and self-deprecating. I laughed out loud at moments while others were genuinely touching. She writes beautifully whether describing her sometimes crazed attempts to communicate with French builders, her grand plans versus her dwindling budget or her childhood memories of rural Ireland. Now more than ever there must be countless people whose life has been changed by redundancy rather than choice as Fidelma's was. Her reaction, with all the doubts that plagued her, is inspiring. By the end you have a real picture of the people she has met, the places she has seen and the 'hysterical Afghan,' Portia who is the Louise to her Thelma. There's so much more that could be said but perhaps only two words that really matter: READ IT!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
A great book to read on holiday, the writer takes you on board and you ride the roller coaster with her. So good to see someone write of the the real people encountered in their relocation rather than the worn out cliches of the usual 'move to the/another country'. Instead rather, than smug sunsets/self-sufficiency you get the real trials and tribulations that most emigrating pretend don't exist. It's the grit that keeps you batting for her. Lets have more inspirational tales for the not quite so young women! Very enjoyable - hope there is a sequel.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
French Leave. Fidelma Cook
A first class read.I enjoyed reading this book because I found it amusing, witty and honest.
I have read dozens of books on this subject and found most to my... Read more
I have read dozens of books on this subject and found most to my... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Norman McIntyre
A goodie
The author tells of her introduction to life as an expat in France with humour, originality and merciless honesty about herself and those she meets. Read more
Published 14 months ago by James Andrew
great book
This was a great book. Very fluidly written. Writing style was very natural - like a big, easy conversation. Read more
Published 16 months ago by vee
French Leave
A funny and gripping book, I found it hard to put down. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone wishing to buy a property in France.
Published 20 months ago by Angelina Jacques
Great read
Loved the pace and her brilliant descriptions. The only downside I would say was the constant mentioning of her awful, selfish, self absorbed son. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Franco
Terrific
I'm a bit of a newcomer to Fidelma's Herald column and it was reading that that inspired me to buy this book. I'm glad I did. Read more
Published 23 months ago by E. sanderson
Excellent read
Excellent read, refreshingly honest and realistic, the tales of Ms Cook certainly reflect some of my experiences while living in France. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Molly Mandy
Don't bother!
I'm not even half way through this book and I don't know if I can find the will to finish it!
I bought this going by the other reviews and looking forward to reading another,... Read more
I bought this going by the other reviews and looking forward to reading another,... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Polly Pink
She should have stayed in Glasgow
This is a blatant attempt to cash in on the jokey books about Brits moving to France.
Ms Cook, is of her own admission, of a certain age. Read more
Ms Cook, is of her own admission, of a certain age. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Woodland Worker
Sorry to disappoint
Sorry but to be honest after having read other glowing reviews I was very disappointed with this read. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Mrs. Jane Denham
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