Anyone reading the blurb about this book couldn't help but think this has all been done before - an ex-pat purchases a falling down place in a small quaint town in France, renovates it, gets to know the equally quaint locals and the French rural way of life first-hand and makes many observations on the experience. And of course it has - many times, in various European locales. This didn't detract from the enjoyment of the book,for me, but then I'll read almost anything about France and as this was was set in a village in Burgundy, a place I hope to visit soon, it had topical appeal.

Not that you get to learn a lot about the broader canvas of Burgundy, or France for that matter, as the focus is set very tightly on the specific village, its inhabitants and history and the various quandaries faced by the author and his wife as they come to grips with their particular restoration project. It wasn't the best book of its type I've read, but it was intriguing and very well written (Greene is a poet and has a way with words). It was a light, unchallenging read and if you're a Francophile, you'll enjoy it. ( )

I have the Flamingo edition 2002