Rebecca S. Ramsey

When Todd Ramsey is transferred from his home state of South Carolina to work for the Michelin plant in Clermont-Ferrand, France, he packs up his family for a four-year adventure. Rebecca, Todd's wife, is thrilled about the move and insists that the family settle amongst the French people rather than sticking to American neighborhoods near the plant. Together they move their 3 children, Sarah, Ben, baby Sam and their elderly cat, Katie, into a house with no closets, a tiny kitchen with a dorm-sized refrigerator, and an extremely nosy neighbor. The children attend French school and quickly pick up the language; Rebecca, on the other hand, armed with her knowlege of high-school French, makes many a 'faux pas' but is able to converse at a basic level. Madame Mallet, the 72-year-old neighbor, becomes like family to the Ramsey's despite her constant criticisms of just about everything the young family does. They learn to respect and depend on one another despite the language and cultural differences. The book is filled with many family adventures throughout France and how the family came to love their adopted country.… (mer)

French by Heart is a memoir of experience, a story of one family's move from South Carolina to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, France. Paris is mentioned little and there are no sweeping love stories. Instead Ramsey gives us a picture of what life in France is like for a family of five, trying to fit in with the locals while still maintaining their sense of identity.

Covering a four year period, the Ramsey's must deal with nosey neighbors, international schools, language difficulties, and being American in a somewhat hostile environment. The premise of the novel is very promising and some stories meet that expectation. I was charmed by the story concerning the family's fascination with Joan of Arc and was genuinely touched by her recollection of 9/11.

I also really liked the character of their next door neighbor, Madame Mallet. She drives the family nuts, but it becomes clear pretty quickly that she plays an important role during their time in France. Unfortunately, there are just too many stories about her. Almost half the book is one story after another about Madame Mallet.

Disregarding the overload of Madame Mallet stories, there is one other flaw with the book. Though Ramsey proclaims to love France, her writing suggests otherwise. Much of the book is spent complaining about French attitudes and customs. One of the best examples of this is when her and her husband join a film club. Unable and unwilling to embrace French film, they pick an American film when it is their time to host. The result is disasterous, but Ramsey gives little indication of regret. French by heart? Er, closer to French when it doesn't conflict with American sensibilities.

Still, the novel has its moments. I don't think I would recommend it many, but it probably would be a nice beach read.… (mer)