French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France

This was a charming memoir about an American spending a year in Provence who finds meaning in friendship through gardening. Definitely a light read that was entertaining, especially for a gardener. I picked up this book because we will be spending a week in Provence (Mais oui!) and I wanted a book to 'get me in the mood' for a week in paradise. Although there were a few cute anecdotes, I wish the book had more stories about the people he met and the friendships made.

Charming story of an American's year in the south of France and his fledgling garden. Simply written with nice insights into the French character. Had a slightly rushed ending.

A quick read that leaves you half contented, half yearning. A pleasant little slice of life. Short chapters suit themselves well to the nightstand, but it might also make a good vacation read.

Well, you would have thought this would be a sure fire delight for me. I am a pushover for books about gardens, and my goodness, throw in the South of France...what's not to like?
But for me...it just didn't make it. Yeah, how groovy that he and his girlfriend end up in an old stone place in the midst of a hidden-named village of 211, and he is determined to prove that Americans can work, yes they can, and then he has dreams of Making A Garden and picking wonderful produce. And my heavens, he does work.

But..I just found myself unmoved. I found his descriptions of his garden, of his work, were far more about "look how wonderful I am" than about the soul of the gardens, the plants, the dirt and the air and the water.

Did I want something show more more lush? Something more gushing? I haven't a clue. I just know my final feeling about this book was "okay, that was nice, he gardened for a couple months in France. Yay." show less

Reminiscent of "A Year in Provence" and just as enjoyable.