Review: Real life in France.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 4, 2014
Having read, ‘Sell the Pig,’ and ‘Is that Billinge Lump?’ I couldn’t wait to read Tottie’s further adventures, and as soon as I started this new, and sadly, last book, in the series, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed.It is not your normal, we bought a house in France and renovated it, story. Indeed, Tottie’s move was based on totally different reasons, which you will know if you have read the preceding two books, however, if not, then, this book can happily be read as a standalone.If you want to really know what it is like living in France, making your home in a small rural community, hiring workmen and dealing with French bureaucracy, then there is no better example. The ever resourceful Tottie seems to have the ability to handle any situation with true British fortitude and determination.However, there is a real underlying ‘heartstrings’ element to this book, and indeed to the series, as, throughout all three books we are invited, very much into her life. The reader finds themselves laughing, and crying with her as she copes with all the events life throws at her, with the support of some very good friends, both English and French.When not renovating ‘The Grottage,’ accompanied by her Border collies Ci and Fleur, she enjoys camping and breaks away, exploring her chosen area of France. These adventures are chronicled as part of this story, and through her marvellously descriptive writing, she gives, for those of us who have never visited this beautiful region, a wonderful insight into its wildlife, and people.I just could not put this book down, I love the down to earth, totally unbiased, and no nonsense way the story is written.