Blossoming in Provence [Paperback]

Kristin Espinasse (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 2011

For American Kristin Espinasse, every encounter with the French—including her own Francophone family—is a chance to learn more than a country's language or etiquette—it is an opportunity for growth. Follow along with Kristin as she meets and overcomes obstacles along the path to French integration: sit on the edge of your seat at her wedding, when her future husband's ex shows up in a slinky dress; buckle your seatbelt as she gets in the car to take the French Drivers exam; share a slice of humble pie with her as her children continue to enlighten her, in their native tongue, about the mystery and meaning of la vie en rose. "Espinasse recounts her adventures with honesty and humor, never afraid to have a good laugh at her own expense." —Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kristin Espinasse was raised in the United States, moving to France in 1992 to be with her future French husband. In 2002, she began her blog (http://french-word-a-day.com) and corresponding newsletter. She lives in Provence with her husband, their two children, and two golden retrievers (Braise and Smokey).

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1467929794
• ISBN-13: 978-1467929790
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Travel > Europe > France > General

More About the Author

Author of the book "Words in a French Life" and the blog French Word-A-Day: http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Always a new French word and related phrases; always a reminder about the value of good living December 20, 2011

By Jan Marquardt

Format:Paperback

I've been trying to read, speak and understand French for over 40 years. I consider myself pretty fluent for everyday conversations; less so during academic theory. However, I realized how hard it is to totally get inside another language when I found Kristin Espinasse's 'French-word-a-day' blog a number of years ago. So many other meanings and wonderful idiomatic phrases for words I already knew! If only I could keep them all in my head, I'd sound like a native. The best thing about her books, however, is that one does not feel like one is learning a language when one reads her stories (and I have all three previous books, each one sweetly autographed with a kind comment before mailing). There are word lessons, yes, but also lessons about culture, family, neighbors, livelihoods, values, personal growth. She believes she is simply writing little anecdotes from her life as an American married to a Frenchman with a vineyard to illustrate the use of French terms. She is doing much more than that; she is sharing her uniquely artistic and optimistic view of life with us--perfect strangers--who become enthralled. Witness the dozens of comments from her 'fans' for every post on her blog. When the puppy was injured, we all agonized through the vet reports. When her children reach milestones, we remember and we empathize. When her mother visits, we laugh and enjoy her antics. When a social occasion is awkward, we squirm with her. When she meets a wonderful stranger and tells us of their conversation, we eagerly look for their photo further down the page. Now she is going through the terror of surgeries for skin cancer and everyone who reads her blog has become part of an international cheering section. This book chronicles a few years from the best blog stories and photographs.... Don't be left out of the Espinasse family! You don't have to be interested in learning French to enjoy these heartwarming stories. Read more ›

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, Touching, and Delightful December 19, 2011

By Bruce T. Paddock

Format:Paperback

I was drawn to Ms. Espinasse's writing because I love France and the French language. But this book is about a lot more than that. A surprising number of amazing and unique characters have passed through her life, and reading about them is a treat. What's more, she manages to pull important lessons out of the most minor (or major) of events, which sounds really sappy, but I promise it isn't.

The essays in this book are fun to read, some are very funny, some are touching. But I recommend reading them each a second time, too (don't worry, they're short), That's when Espinasse's writing style -- her playful use of words and hints at deeper ideas -- really shows itself.

If you're a Francophile like me, you should get this book. But even if you couldn't care less about France, you will still really enjoy this book.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Provence Dreaming December 19, 2011

By Patty

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Having spent a month in Provence three summers ago, I am always yearning to return, and next time a visit "chez Espinasse" and their marvelous vinyard, Domaine Rouge-Bleu, will be top of the list. I have Kristen's earlier books and follow her thrice-weekly blog. These essays are full of family adventures, including the popular, scene-stealing family pets, Goldens Braise and her pup, Smokey. It is a pleasure to read her accounts of life in France and to attempt to increase my French language skills with the many French words and expressions offered in her writings. A pleasure to read and an excellent holiday gift for my friends. I highly recommend.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fast Pleasant Read December 22, 2011

By Daniel G. Lebryk TOP 50 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Blossoming In Provence is a series of short autobiographical vignettes about life, love, and children. Kristin Espinasse is a gifted author. She chooses words very carefully and manages to paint beautiful images with few words.

Espinasse married a Frenchman and moved to the south of France. The book is a series of essays about being American, learning a foreign language, raising children, being deeply in love with her husband, and adapting to the culture of a miniscule village. In the meantime, Espinasse tosses in some French lessons.

I am a very slow reader, I love words, and I spend time reading every word authors decide are worth putting on a page. I finished this book in about an hour. If I didn't speak and read French, I might have spent a bit more time learning some of the vocabulary, some of the pretext of this book.

This is an inviting book; the cover art is simply gorgeous. The page layout is perfection; somebody has chosen a wonderful typeface and paid close attention to white space. The French vocabulary sections are nicely laid out almost like menus for a restaurant. The one big criticism I have of the book is printing of the photographs. The book is soft bound and printed on cream matte paper. The pictures tend to be a muddy gray mess; the contrast is way too low for this type of printing. The images would work much better in color or properly converted to black and white and then printed on proper paper. It appears that Espinasse is also the photographer; she does have some talent with the camera. It's sad to see so many photographs displayed so poorly.

Espinasse is far more talented than Frances Mayes (Under The Tuscan Sun and Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life).... Espinasse is truly integrated into the French culture, has an excellent command of the language, and is a much better author. On the other hand this is no Year In Provence. Espinasse does a pretty good job of developing a rhythm with her essays, it roughly follows the seasons, but there isn't an arc of a story. I really hate the trend of copying blog entries into a printed book. Even though Blossoming In Provence started as a website, this stands as a set of well edited, well written essays.

The last three chapters are out of order to me. I would have loved this book much more if it had ended with the chapter, Attentionne. The last sentence of that chapter is exactly the words I would have loved to close the book. The remaining chapters are good, but don't feel like closure to me. I understand the letter from the author's husband, he loves his wife very much, but it felt a little out of place. Oddly there were a lot of words praising the book, introductions, and acknowledgements. For such a short book, I think it could stand on its own; it didn't need all that extraneous praise. Occasionally Espinasse lapses into the Mayes-ism, writing a phrase in a foreign language and then immediately translating it. I love the moments in this book where the translation is done subtly, the meaning can be derived from the context, not a literal translation. Overall, that is the approach taken and I appreciate it very much.

I feel like I've just spent a few hours with a good friend, having a wonderful conversation over un cafe or un Pastis. Espinasse is a wonderful author that captures the time and place beautifully.

A copy of this book was provided for review by the author. Read more ›

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Read her stuff .. you'll be glad you did" December 22, 2011

By Bill F.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Kristin Espinasse exemplifies the new face of great writers. She is among those brave few who are willing to put their daily lives on display with indelible ink .. a daunting task that takes huge amounts of courage, dedication, and tenacity. Those of us who are privy to her writing are truly witnessing history in the making. Following her blog @ French-Word-A-Day has become a daily staple for nearly 35,000 people, and with good reason. Buying her books is an honor .. an honor because that act will make it possible for her to continue giving herself to us in the most gracious and unselfish manner she constantly exhibits. Kristin is leaving a beautiful footprint, which history will surely recognize. Read her stuff .. you'll be glad you did.