Vantastic France [Paperback]

Steve Bichard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2012

What really happens in the heart of Brittany to everyday ex-pats?

We have all read the 'air brushed' versions of the idyllic lifestyle down in southern France and the ramblings of some authors with their cosy life in their rural retreats, and the plethora of escapism TV programs cleverly edited to make more exciting viewing!

But let us scratch beneath the surface as we follow the Taylor's from their mundane lifestyle in the UK to France.

What will be the fallout when "white van man" and his family arrive in a tiny hamlet in a small Brittany village? Will they upset the French locals or will there be more sparks flying from other ex-pats!

A White Van Man is probably better known as a 'Jack of all Trades' in the US, a bit of a 'Jack the Lad'. There is also a series on BBC 3 called White Van Man which is coming to the US. The main character in the book Barry, is very much a 'White Van Man'

How much strain will it put on their relationship, will they cope in a foreign country with so many different laws and idiosyncrasies?

The Taylor's in France will give you a real insight into the real rural, ex-pats lives, so sit back open a nice bottle of French wine and enjoy the ride.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

REVIEW  BY BRETON BOOKWORM
 
I live in France and expected a very light superficial read.  Well, I have to say I was in for a surprise. It wasn't long before I was so absorbed in Vantastic France.
 
There are a lot of light hearted fun moments in the book, but it is also a very honest and a real narrative about what living in France is really like for English ex pats (of which I am one, in Brittany, where the story is set) and for the Breton people who have to put up with us!
 
Vantastic France is however much more than the above. It is also a very moving story properly constructed, which deals with issues such as loyalty, snobbery, family secrets and difficulties in second-time-round relationships and step parenting.
 
This is not just a book for ex-pats living in France, it is a heart-warming story about real people that leaves the reader wanting more.

About the Author

Steve Bichard was born in Guernsey on the Channel Islands. He has travelled widely, but now spends a great deal of time in France where the novel is based.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 146996032X
• ISBN-13: 978-1469960326
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,138,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steve Bichard was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands, but spends much of his time in France.

Vantastic France was conceived after spending many hours listening to the trials and tribulations of ex-pats living in France.

Although, all of his characters are fictional in his first published novel, it highlights some of the highs and lows of embarking on a new live in France.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Needs Editing!! May 1, 2012

By Leslie M. Ficcaglia

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The previous reviewer has a much better command of punctuation than the author; I'm surprised that he didn't notice the distracting errors. Commas are missing in many places, even where their lack changes the meaning, as in "Well we could well have Sharon." instead of "Well, we could well have, Sharon." The dialogue in the book is also stilted and cliché-ridden; for some reason the writer doesn't like contractions, so conversations sound stiff and unnatural (e.g. "I have" instead of "I've" in a casual discussion). His use of tenses is odd, too; he begins some paragraphs in the past tense and then switches to the present in a manner which is confusing ("...their standard of renovation was more suited to a French chateau... His way, which is more cost effective...") I started reading this last night and stopped after several pages because it just wasn't what I had expected. I've bought other inexpensive Kindle books before and some have been real gems: well-conceived, well-edited, and well-written. This isn't one of those.

Updated to add: Now that I've gone back and read the book, it's a good story and an interesting read. If the author has a more rigorous editor go over it and reissues it, it will be a lot better. A good editor would also have picked up his changing the name of one character from Étienne to Pascal, and changing the spelling of another character's name from Clare to Claire. Details, but all together they can really affect a reading experience!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Really "Van-Tastic"!! March 10, 2012

By Beth H.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Living the dream" usually comes with a price, as Steve Bichard's Kindle version clearly demonstrates. As an American, I had a difficult time "getting" some of the references at first, but the context provided in the plot subtleties quickly had me catching on and empathizing with these "ex-pats", Linda and Barry, and their desire to improve quality of life through their move to the beautiful French countryside. Once there, they are not necessarily greeted with open arms, mainly due to the snobbery of neighbor Clarissa and some old business of Barry's (often compounded by his rotten temper!). Intrigue and old secrets, coupled with new complications run rampant, in contrast with the quiet and peaceful countryside that is meant to soothe rather than agitate.
Bichard's characters are quite realistic and immediately relatable for anyone who has ever been in the shoes of a newcomer. Barry's temper and Clarissa's mean-spiritedness highlight the imperfections of each, but also show that they are human, susceptible to their own weaknesses by reacting to situations presented as they are used to by habit. Dialogue is bright and witty, and true to each character. Linda's and Barry's love for each other is obvious through their well-written and realistic banter, for example.
The content of the plot is filled not only with information to benefit the English to French translation for the do-it-yourselfer, but also with some intriguing twists and turns to keep the reader entertained to see if it all turns out all right in the end! I do recommend this book for the information and entertainment value, equally!

3.0 out of 5 stars An Entertaining Light Read September 11, 2012

By Francine

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Readers looking for deep and meaningful content look elsewhere! This is a simple story told in a simple way. It tells of the move to France of a couple and a teenage son who have bought a run down farm in Brittany in the hope of establishing a better life for them all. Once there, they encounter hostilities from fellow ex pat neighbours, one of whom turns out to be connected with the main character, Barry, in his past. This is the main interest in the plot.The couple, Barry and Linda, have financial problems while waiting for their house to sell in England. They renovate some farm buildings as gites.

I found the characters, while likeable,somewhat stereotypical and lacking in depth. The neighbour, Clarissa, echoes the character of Hyacinth in "Keeping Up Appearances" if you are familiar with that "comedy". For me, as the main antagonist at the beginning, she lacked credibility and I found it hard to believe that such a person could exist. Her comments were clichéd and predictable.

Once the mystery surrounding the past connection between Barry and his neighbour was revealed, the reaction by the characters affected by the complex situation was not explored sufficiently, in my opinion, which left this reader wanting.The relationship between Barry and Linda which had been built up during the chapters to be strong, made me doubt the credibility of events at the end.

There is little information about French culture if that is what interests you as a reader.To sum up, "Vantastic" is a pleasant read but leaves this reader feeling that it was all a bit too contrived.