Customer Reviews

A Month of Sundays: Villa Life in the South of France

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an amazingly good book. Written with wit and style, it is warm-hearted tour of the pleasures of renting a villa in the south of France. But it is also an entertaining perspective on the trials and tribulations of a couple traveling together and exploring a new world together. If you are a Francophile, you will simply love the portrait of this part of France and of the French people. It certainly motivates one to explore this lovely corner of the world. A fast and enjoyable read, the book was a pure pleasure. Lots of quiet smiles and outright laughing as I read it.

Although I am only up to page 78 of this book, I felt compelled to share with any potential readers what a joy this is! So far I have laughed out loud, sighed in envy (it has always been my dream to relocate permanantly to the South of France) and eagerly savored each page. Peter Mayle first whet my appetite for happy tales from Provence, but Ira and Barbara Spector solidified my dream. One of the reviewers on the back of the copy said it all "Absolutely Charming From the Get-Go!" This is a Keeper! I'll recommend it to all my friends, but they have to buy their own copy!

"A Month of Sundays"is a joyous, witty and humorous read about the adventures of a busy American couple who spend four weeks each year in their "dream villa" in the South of France--sharing in what the French call "Farniente "--better known as "studying the inside of your eyelids". Each chapter is accompanied by by charming sketches which help tell the story. If you have been to the South of France --you will know that the Spectors are right on the "mark" or should I say "franc"--if you have never been there --the book will transport you --via your armchair-- to share in the wonderous adventures and misadventures of Americans on French turf. I liked this book so much, I gave copies to a number my friends and relatives who are now trying to "study the inside of their eyelids" to learn the Spector way to peace, tranquility and bliss.

A Month of Sundays is a beautifully and elegantly portrayed journey to the South of France. Although not a world traveler, I now feel I've visited St. Tropez, idling a farniente-filled Enchanted April with some very good friends in a wonderful villa at La Chandelle. Reading this book makes one realize that life's good times are to be enjoyed now -- one must pursue them quickly and not let one's "good intentions be sublimated to the seduction of endless time" (from A Month of Sundays). Thanks to Barbara and Ira Spector for the invitation to join them on their adventure. They are to be congratulated on an exquisite book.

Having bought this book on the strength of the reviews on this page, I feel compelled to give another point of view. This book just proves that anyone can write and publish a book. It was insipid, self-absorbed and very simply written. At the same time I also bought Susie Kelly's "A Perfect Circle" which is a real gem. She is actually interested in the places she goes to and the people she meets.

A frivolous little book. The information offered, with ostentatious French quotes, is not of any use to a seasoned traveler. It might be of help to the unitiated French tourist, but it tries too hard to be clever and funny. It's a fast, empty read.

Thanks for a delightful visit to the South of France...I`ve always wanted to go there...so glad that I did not have to pack. It`s easy to imagine this book as a comedic movie. I chuckled and smiled all the while reading this witty account of a American couple discovering Southern France. Hopefully looking forward to more adventures with this husband-wife writing team ...perhaps Italy next time.

This true South of France experience was fun to live in with a husband and then a wife's perspective. The cross-cultural differences were creatively brought out describing humorous events. A little frustration for the American yet viva la difference. From car rentals, pool cleaning, villa fiascos, and attemts to catch the hi-lights of France, one keeps a smile and chuckle growing. The couple shares their experience and Barbara gets the last word. Reading about a break from mundane, one is ready for a "Farniente." "Farniente," a French word to describe the couples Month of Sundays, and also a great wine.

I am a francophile for sure. I read this book aloud to my husband who also loves Provence. We both loved the insider information. We now want to include St. Tropez on our next visit. This was a quick and fun read.

Book was as described and in perfect condition - buy with confidence from this seller.