Books & Films | A French Collection

Married Across the Color Line – A Postwar True Story

Married Across the Color Line - A Postwar True Story

I love it when readers reach out to me about their passion of France and how they are connected to, live in or have experienced l'Hexagone (the popular nickname for mainland France because of the shape of its six sided mainland borders).

Just recently a member of our community, and author, Daniel Freeman, reached out to me about his family history and his book that shares that history. His story and the context of writing the book is extraordinary. At the age of fifty-two and on the passing of his father, Daniel found hundreds of pages of letters between his father, his French mother, US and French governments and lawyers, and family members that crossed continents and borders. Then at the age of sixty-five Daniel learnt he was a dual French and US Citizen, and then at age seventy-two he received his French passport. Daniel was seventy-six, when he published his historical family journey. Incredibly this project took thirteen years with Daniel's French sisters providing the translations for the letters and official documents written in French. Wow, what an amazing back story to Married Across the Color Line!

The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris

The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris

Just recently I went to the book launch of The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou. It was an evening of virtual immersion along the streets and in cinemas of Paris through films set in Paris, together with author book signings. As a fan of French films, I was delighted to receive a signed copy. I've found some new classic films reviewed in the guide that I simply must watch, and a couple of fabulous 'follow in the footsteps' style self-guided walks that I can't wait to do when next in Paris.

Over breakfast the next day I showed my girlfriend the guide. It's a book "for movie buffs and Paris lovers alike, The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris is the ultimate companion for experiencing the City of Light through the lens of cinema. With over a century of cinematic history, Paris has been a muse for filmmakers, inspiring countless poignant moments on screen. With this book you can step into the frame and experience Paris like you’re a part of the action.

The Lost Children by Susan McDonald – Author Interview

The Lost Children by Susan McDonald - Book Review

It's with such delight today we share our book review and author interview of the recently released novel The Lost Children, by none other than one of our loveliest long-standing blog readers and guest contributors, Susan McDonald. Susan loves France, and in particular the France Riviera, and has spent much time in Villefranche-sur-Mer. In fact she's previously written an article for us on this gorgeous town, often called the Jewel of the French Riviera - Villefranche-Sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Susan has also written an article on the best Walks in the French Riviera which highlights top spots to go, places to stay and how to explore hidden wonders whilst walking the French Riviera.

So bringing her knowledge of the region, love of history and English teaching and writing skills together, Susan has written a wonderful book that enticed me from the very beginning. With characters that feel real, places and events that you can easily imagine and a dramatic storyline that is evocative, I think you'll also love The Lost Children.

The Anglo-French Exchange: Book Review

Learning French, and looking for a different style of book to fast track your language skills? The Anglo-French Exchange by Dr Allswell E. Eno is a fabulous book that's certainly unique and I love it.

The Anglo-French Exchange

Dr Allswell Eno brings his passion about the power of words and their role in shaping society into every page of this learning resource. The doctor's fascination with language and its nuances led him to write this impressive textbook, which explores the enduring relationship between French and English. His love of the French language began at school and has continued into his professional life. He trained in medicine at St Thomas' Hospital Medical School, now part of King's College, London. After practising hospital medicine to registrar level in a range of specialists, Dr Allswell Eno switched to general practice training.

Author Patricia Sands – A Favourite France Author

Cover artwork of book Drawing Lessons by author Patricia Sands

Patricia Sands is a favourite France author who brings the magic of France alive on every page of her books, and also in real life on her South of France Memories Tours. I know, that if you don't already love Patricia's novels or haven't yet toured with my lovely dynamo of a friend, you're going to love getting to know her in this meet-the-author post.

Author Patricia Sands - A Favourite France Author

Patricia lives two hours north of Toronto, but her heart's other home is the South of France where she spends part of each year on the Côte d'Azur. Patricia’s work has been described as “Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, [with] stories that examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all of her novels. Her philosophy is that it's never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it!” – Amazon bio

Found in good bookstores, on Amazon and other online book outlets are Patricia's books: The Bridge Club, Love in Provence Series, Drawing Lessons, Les Villa des Violettes Series and The Secrets We Hide. Now let's meet the gorgeous Patricia Sands…

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo is considered to be one of the greatest French writers of all time. He was born Victor-Marie Hugo in Besançon in February 1802 and is most famous for his novel Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Victor Hugo Avenue in Paris is a lasting memorial to the French writer and looks amazing with its symmetrical tree lines when viewed from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. (Photo above)

Victor Hugo was vocal in his political views, publicly and passionately supporting Republicanism and actively critical of Absolutism. Gaining national hero status because of his literary works and outspoken criticism of Louis Napoleon, when he died in 1885, he was given a national funeral, his body then lay in state at the Arc de Triomphe and he was later interred in the Panthéon.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

Librairie Jousseaume – Ancient Bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

Librairie Jousseaume the ancient bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

Librairie Jousseaume is an ancient bookstore in what is considered one of Paris' loveliest covered passageways, Galerie Vivienne. Galerie Vivienne was inaugurated in 1826 and with its neoclassical decor, mosaic floor and cupola it quickly became Paris' loveliest covered passageway. Located in the central 2nd arrondissement, the gallery is 176 metres long and just 3 metres wide and has been listed as a historical monument since 7 July 1974.

Librairie Jousseaume, Galerie Vivienne, Paris 1905

When the passageway first opened, the bookstore (librairie) was one of the original tenants. The name of the initial store was Librairie Petit-Siroux and you can still see this original name above the store's window. Librairie Jousseaume is in fact made up of two shops which face each other at the point where the covered passage changes direction.

An Insider’s Guide to Provence by Keith Van Sickle

Market place with cafes in Arles, Provence

'An Insider's Guide to Provence' by Keith Van Sickle

The opening quote in Keith Van Sickle's latest book, 'An Insider's Guide to Provence' is the perfect quote describing the beautiful area of Provence ...

"When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence" - Frédéric Mistral

Author Keith knows Provence well and his latest, and third book, is a guide sharing everything he's learnt over more than a decade of living part-time in, and exploring Provence, with his trusty co-adventurer and wife, Val. Acknowledging that the region is vast and covering it in one book would be impractical, Keith instead focuses on St Rémy de Provence and the places they know best.