Books matching: french countryside setting
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- #1
Save:More Than Words by Mia Sheridan is a heartfelt story that intertwines the lives of Callen and Jessie, who reunite in France after ten years apart. The book delves into their past, filled with good and bad memories, as well as the different paths they have taken in life. Through the translation of ancient documents from the 1400s, the story explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, while highlighting the impact of words and the power of self-discovery.
I threw back the shot of tequila and grimaced as it burned down my throat. Tequila was not my drink of choice, but my agent had ordered a round and I could hardly refuse. Well, I could have. I could d... - #2
Save:"Jacques the Fatalist" by Denis Diderot is a novel that follows Jacques and his nameless master as they travel through the French countryside, recounting tales to each other and encountering various adventures and characters along the way. The book is described as a picaresque romp through pre-Revolutionary France, filled with digressions, interruptions, and philosophical musings. The narrative is fragmented, challenging traditional storytelling conventions of the 18th century and questioning ideas of fate, human liberty, and the boundaries of what constitutes a novel.
The writing style of "Jacques the Fatalist" is characterized as a mix of philosophical comedy, stream of consciousness, and postmodernism. The author, Denis Diderot, is praised for his clever parody of narration clichés and his ability to challenge the standards of storytelling in 18th century France. The book is noted for its constant interruptions, disruptions, and recommencements, creating a unique reading experience that blends humor, philosophical discussions, love stories, and social commentary.
JACQUES: Because while I was getting drunk on his bad wine I forgot to water our horses. My father noticed and got angry. I shook my head at him and he took a stick and hit me rather hard across the s... - #3
Save:Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart is a gothic romance novel set in the French countryside. The story follows Linda, a young English governess, who takes a position to care for the orphaned Philippe de Valmy. As Linda delves deeper into her role, she becomes suspicious that someone is attempting to harm Philippe. The plot is filled with suspense, danger, and romance, reminiscent of classic gothic thrillers. Stewart's detailed descriptions bring the French countryside to life, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. The book's writing style is praised for its pace, beauty, and character development, with the author expertly weaving together suspenseful elements and atmospheric details.
We reached Paris just as the light was fading. It had been a soft, grey March day, with the smell of spring in the air. The wet tarmac glistened underfoot; over the airfield the sky looked very high, ... - #4
Save:"Never Mind" in the series 'The Patrick Melrose Novels' by Edward St. Aubyn is a raw portrayal of vile, pompous, privileged upper-class British men with depraved sexual tastes stemming from a childhood of savage boarding schools and distant, bullying fathers. The story unfolds over a couple of days at Eleanor Melrose's country estate in France, where the characters engage in witty and acerbic conversations, showcasing their disdain for each other and their shared values. delves into the life of Patrick Melrose, a child who suffers abuse from his violent father, setting the stage for a series of novels exploring the protagonist's maturation and experiences.
- #5
Save:Faith Merridew, a young woman betrayed by a man she thought was the love of her life, finds herself in a desperate situation in the French countryside. She is saved by Nicholas Blacklock, a Waterloo veteran, who offers her a marriage of convenience to save her reputation. As they embark on a journey to Spain with mysterious missions and dark secrets, their relationship blossoms, filled with passion, tenderness, and love. The plot is set away from the usual ton romances, offering an adventurous story with well-developed secondary characters and a secondary love story. The writing style is described as tasteful, romantic, and emotionally engaging, with a focus on returning war heroes and post-Napoleonic Europe.
Behind her lay the town; before her, who knew? But she had no intention of heading back to town. Not at night. The town would offer her no sanctuary. She'd discovered that the hard way. The town was f...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Merridew Sisters ) - #6
Save:'The Virgin Blue' by Tracy Chevalier is a novel that alternates between two timelines, focusing on the lives of two women, Isabelle in 16th-century France and Ella in modern-day France. Isabelle, a Huguenot woman persecuted for her beliefs, and Ella, an American woman researching her family history, find their stories intertwined through family connections and ancestral ties. The book weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and genealogical detective work, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of family secrets, identity, and the impact of the past on the present.
The writing style in 'The Virgin Blue' is praised for its ability to vividly depict the settings in 16th-century France and modern-day France, creating an atmospheric and immersive reading experience. The alternating chapters between the two women's stories, the historical details, and the connections between past and present are highlighted as key elements that drive the plot forward and keep readers engaged throughout the novel.
That summer the Duc de l'Aigle brought a statue of the Virgin and Child and a pot of paint back from Paris for the niche over the church door. A feast was held in the village the day the statue was in... - #7
Save:'The Lantern' by Deborah Lawrenson is a gothic novel set in Provence, France, intertwining two stories - one of a modern couple, Eve and Dom, who move to a rambling old property with a dark past, and the other of Benedicte Lincel, a former occupant haunted by the secrets of the house. The narrative skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and elements of romance, drawing parallels to classics like 'Rebecca' and 'Jane Eyre'. Lawrenson's evocative writing captures the sights, smells, and atmosphere of Provence, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged as they uncover the hidden truths of the past and present.
The book explores themes of love, secrets, suspicion, and the supernatural, as Eve delves into the mysteries surrounding Dom's enigmatic past, particularly his missing ex-wife Rachel. The narrative builds tension gradually, blending elements of gothic fiction with captivating storytelling, where characters grapple with their own fears and doubts while navigating the haunting presence of the old farmhouse and its dark history. Lawrenson skillfully merges past and present, offering a tale that is both atmospheric and suspenseful, leaving readers intrigued by the intertwining fates of the characters and the revelations that unfold throughout the narrative.
Down here, on the southern rim of the country, out of the mistral’s slipstream, the evening drops as viscous liquid: slow and heavy and silent. When we first arrived, the stifling sultriness made slee... - #8
Save:'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal follows the story of Julien Sorel, a young ambitious Frenchman from a humble background, navigating the complexities of post-Napoleonic French society. The novel delves into themes of social climbing, love, ambition, and hypocrisy, portraying the capriciousness and changing hearts of its characters. Stendhal's writing style is described as sharp, dark satire with a touch of droll humor, reflecting the history and societal tensions of the time.
THE small town of Verrières may be regarded as one of the prettiest in the Franche-Comté. Its white houses with their steeply pitched roofs of red tile are spread over a hillside where clumps of sturd... - #9
Save:A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle is a delightful memoir chronicling the author's first year living in the French countryside of Provence. The book follows Mayle and his wife as they purchase an old farmhouse, navigate renovations, interact with quirky neighbors, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Through vivid descriptions of food and wine, humorous anecdotes, and charming portrayals of daily life, Mayle captures the essence of Provence and the challenges and joys of adapting to a new way of living.
We have always found that New Year's Eve, with its eleventh-hour excesses and doomed resolutions, is a dismal occasion for all the forced jollity and midnight toasts and kisses. And so, when we heard ... - #10
Save:Set in rural France during World War II, "Five Quarters of the Orange" follows the life of Framboise Dartingen as she navigates the challenges of growing up in an occupied village. The story unfolds through dual timelines, showcasing the complexities of family relationships, survival, and the impact of war on a small community. Joanne Harris intricately weaves together past and present, offering a poignant narrative that delves into themes of mistrust, collaboration, and the enduring effects of wartime experiences. The book is characterized by its evocative prose, vivid descriptions of French countryside, and the central role of food as a metaphor for life and memory.
When my mother died she left the farm to my brother, Cassis, the fortune in the wine cellar to my sister, Reine-Claude, and to me, the youngest, her album and a two-liter jar containing a single black...
