Mark Greenside

Imagine buying a home in France, spending 30 years worth of summers and vacations there, and still feeling like you don't fit in. That's the premise of the author's book. He hilariously explains his journey, full of self deprecation and wit. From never quite getting the language down, to all the little things the French take for granted but are huge efforts for Greenside to complete, to the friendships he has made along the way. I loved the way he found the right person to complete whatever show more problem arose, to the way he interacted with his neighbors (or in one funny case, didn't). I would love to try the life style the author has undertaken in France, but I am way too much like him in language skills, and absolutely do not have the patience or grace that he (sometimes) uses. Better for all that I live vicariously through him! A good read! show less

I laughed out loud at some of Mark's attempts to win over his French neighbors and townspeople in this wonderful story of a mature man falling in love with a grace-filled area and trying to make a life for himself there. Originally, Mark and his girlfriend Kathryn (both writers) rent a house in Brittany for the summer for work and relaxation. Their relationship doesn't survive, but Mark's connection with the town do and before he knows it, he's a homeowner in a foreign land. Don't let a lack show more of knowledge of French stop you from dipping in to this great tale. show less

Greenside presents a familiar tale of visiting France, falling in love with it, and purchasing a home there. You know the type, the American who buys a 100+ year old house, and then shortly thereafter writes a book about his experiences. The difference in this book is that he has continued spending his summers there for around twenty five years. The book draws on much deeper details than one of someone who has only been there a year or two.
Greenside has spent enough time there that you show more think he should practically be a native, but, as he very capably describes, that hasn't happened. He admits the terrible time he has with the French language. The adventures in driving. The surprises he finds when needing medical attention, or dealing with banking. And the best part of all, the food. It seems the author is willing to eat anything! His descriptions make the book worth it by themselves.
Through the years, he has found a core group of friends in France who are willing to help the American. With their help, he survives, maybe even thrives. He is unflinching in his descriptions of his mistakes, as well as the successes.
In what I think makes a book a sucess, is the fact that I really think the author is someone who I could be friends with, who I can relate to, and who I would enjoy exploring with. To me, that is what I really want in a book. show less

Charming little book about one man's adventure in changing his life. Despite Greenside's tongue-in-cheek observations, it's very clear he is enamored with France and his new neighbours and friends. While he may never be French, he has a deep respect and admiration for all things French - perhaps to the detriment of true observation. I'm a little suspicious of this unending generosity, common sense and joie de vivre: like everything, yes, all in good dose and never in all show more circumstances!
Nonetheless a fun, light read which will bring nostalgia to anyone who has enjoyed France. show less