The second book, which I believe is part of a triology of Ruth Silvestre living in France. I was keen to read this book published in 1997 after recently reading the first installment.
The background being that in the first book Ruth and her husband Mike spent time finding a place to live in France and then she described their experiences over a number of years. Unfortunately not living full time in France, but to visit during the years as their main home being in London.
Now it would be easy to write this review as a comparing it to Peter Mayle’s books about his experiences, but Ruth’s books are different. Set over a longer time period, not full time living and Ruth is quite different to Peter in many ways.
As interesting to read not just to follow Ruth and her families experiences, but also the experiences of their closest neighbours a farming family who warmly welcomed Ruth and co into their lives. Ruth and family are not shy to roll up their sleeves and get involved with the farm and the community, it enriches the book and gives more insight and depth into rural French life. Plus Ruth and Mike open their home up to visitors and you realise how sharing they are to share their home so often with friends and family.
The second book I found interesting to read not only due to the rural France aspect and Ruth’s experiences, but to find out about how the everyone’s lives have changed.
The book also carries on the journey of the work done to their home and after reading this book and the original, you realise you’ve followed the home, families and their lives to a certain extent over twenty years.
You also walk away with a greater understanding of a farming lifestyle in France and how that is changing. Plus the trips to other regions and indeed a visit to friends in Spain was enjoyable to read.
There was one moment when I wondered if Ruth should of written something about a person. Not Ruth being mean or rude, just her view on someones musical ability in a particular situation. The fact is though this book is a great installment in the triology and Ruth is a caring, kind hearted person and it was a pure pleasure to follow her life in France.
Also it was interesting for Ruth to provide some back story to how the original book got published and that was a great addition.
I’m looking forward to reading the follow up. If you’ve not read the original in the triology I recommend you do this first. A book I couldn’t put down and read at every opportunity.
A Harvest of Sunflowers – Ruth Silvestre ISBN 0-74900-417-7
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