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Vantastic France. Follow the adventures of a family moving to France
 
 

Vantastic France. Follow the adventures of a family moving to France [Kindle Edition]

Steve Bichard
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Product Description

What really happens in the heart of Brittany to everyday ex-pats?

We have all read the 'air brushed' versions of the idyllic lifestyle down in southern France and the ramblings of some authors with their cosy life in their rural retreats, and the plethora of escapism TV programs cleverly edited to make more exciting viewing!

But let us scratch beneath the surface as we follow the Taylor's from their mundane lifestyle in the UK to France.

What will be the fallout when "white van man" and his family arrive in a tiny hamlet in a small Brittany village? Will they upset the French locals or will there be more sparks flying from other ex-pats!

A White Van Man is probably better known as a 'Jack of all Trades' in the US, a bit of a 'Jack the Lad'. There is also a series on BBC 3 called White Van Man which is coming to the US. The main character in the book Barry, is very much a 'White Van Man'

How much strain will it put on their relationship, will they cope in a foreign country with so many different laws and idiosyncrasies?

The Taylor's in France will give you a real insight into the real rural, ex-pats lives, so sit back open a nice bottle of French wine and enjoy the ride.

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Steve Bichard
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well-meaning and eternally optimistic, Barry the white van man loves his partner Linda and her teenage son. Disillusioned with life in England, Barry dreams of moving the family to Brittany and starting a new life there. He's not quite sure how he'll make a living, but he's certain something will turn up. Linda isn't convinced, but she's miserable in her job and has faith in Barry.

Their arrival with their white van sends shock waves of horror through the village, particularly snobbish Clarissa and her husband Robert, struggling to keep poverty at bay and drinking a little more than they should, while horsy Hilary, married to a handsome Frenchman, has a particular reason for wanting to see Barry out of her life.

As the story develops long-buried skeletons emerge from the cupboard, and life for Barry and his family becomes increasingly difficult, especially as one of his neighbours has denounced him for tax evasion.

Most of the characters may seem stereotypical, but believe me, as a long time resident of France, I've met people just like them. The snobs, the people who drink too much, the septic-tank bores and the denouncers really do exist. And we have very dear friends who perfectly fit the description of Barry and Linda.

I felt there were several loose ends left, but maybe that's to allow for a sequel.

A French-farce with a predominantly English cast, this is a fun read with some keen observations on the French and their way of life.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
The thing that struck me, reading this book, was the honesty. If you haven't been through the upheaval, albeit by choice, of moving to another country, then you might think some of it is poetic licence. In my experience, the more over the top it sounds, the more likely it is to be true. There is an element of predictablity in the story but this, I think, caters to the comfort zone, in all of us. In the way that we can relate to nosey or stuck-up (there's an old expression for you) neighbours. All the charcaters are totally recognisable. Their determination to see the possibilities when faced with a less than desirable new home is well balanced with the sense of despondancy. Like I say, it's reality. Always a good thing to have in fiction. I found myself nodding in agreement and laughing out loud and being surprised in equal measure. A great read that will make you smile.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Close to the truth 20 April 2012
By Mikey_M
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
As an expat, I can relate to a few of these people, especially the pompous ones!
A simple story of simple folk, brought nicely to life.
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