Book Review: Reflections of Sunflowers – Ruth Silvestre

This without doubt is my favourite book of the year so far. This is a book review of Reflections of Sunflowers by Ruth Silvestre.

It will be extremely hard for any other author to topple for a while. The book itself released in 2004 is the third instalment of Ruth’s visits to her second home in rural France, along with her husband Mike, family and friends.

I had read the previous two books and between the books they span twenty-five years of Ruth’s visits to Bel-Air, her house. The house that they brought back to life, respected its history, welcomed others to share and in turn shared amazing experiences with others, both locals and friends alike.

This book, for me topples Peter Mayle’s work. Why? Twenty-five years of a very personal journey. Twenty-five years of hearing about her close farmer friends Raymond and Claudette, their parents and children. Almost feeling that you watched them grow up yourself and mature into adults carving out their own lives. Twenty-five years of reading about Bel-Air.

After three books, I wish I could have been there to hear Ruth sing, to experience the atmosphere, the friendships, the locations. After three books you could walk around Bel-Air without ever visiting before, yet know so much about the evolution of the garden, grounds and house. Does this make me sound like a stalker? Perhaps, but Ruth’s books draw you in, captures your imagination and you find yourself transported to these locations, seeming all too real.

A house given life once again, the fields, the vineyards all adjacent. The track leading to the farm, this sounds like an ideal home. Many would hid away, but the influx of characters adds depth and magic to the books.

The road trips, the sights, the historic, the experiences, the book has them. You find yourself noting down locations, hotels and using google to explore more.

If you’ve never read Ruth’s Sunflowers books, I highly recommend you do so and in order. For when you reach the third instalment you will be waiting with questions and enriched for the experience. The third instalment was also the most personal and touching. It was simply amazing how much Ruth lets the readers into her world. It was moving and emotional.

What an incredible book, thank you Ruth.