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Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy in France
A beguiling memoir of a childhood in 1950s France from the much-admired New York Times bestselling author of The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
"Like the castle, [Carhart's] memoir imaginatively and smoothly integrates multiple influences, styles and whims." — The New York Times
For a young American boy in the 1950s, Fontainebleau was a sight both strange and majestic, home to a continual series of a different language to learn, weekend visits to nearby Paris, family road trips to Spain and Italy. Then there was the château a sprawling palace once the residence of kings, its grounds the perfect place to play hide-and-seek. The curiosities of the small town and the time with his family as expats left such an impression on him that thirty years later Carhart returned to France with his wife to raise their two children. Touring Fontainebleau again as an adult, he began to appreciate its influence on French style, taste, art, and architecture. Each trip to Fontainebleau introduces him to entirely new aspects of the château's history, enriching his memories and leading him to Patrick Ponsot, the head of the château’s restoration, who becomes Carhart’s guide to the hidden Fontainebleau.
What emerges is an intimate chronicle of a time and place few have experienced. In warm, precise prose, Carhart reconstructs the wonders of his childhood as an American in postwar France, attending French schools with his brothers and sisters. His firsthand account brings to life nothing less than France in the 1950s, from the parks and museums of Paris to the rigors of French schooling to the vast château of Fontainebleau and its village, built, piece by piece, over many centuries. Finding Fontainebleau is for those captivated by the French way of life, for armchair travelers, and for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a place they want to visit over and over again.
"Like the castle, [Carhart's] memoir imaginatively and smoothly integrates multiple influences, styles and whims." — The New York Times
For a young American boy in the 1950s, Fontainebleau was a sight both strange and majestic, home to a continual series of a different language to learn, weekend visits to nearby Paris, family road trips to Spain and Italy. Then there was the château a sprawling palace once the residence of kings, its grounds the perfect place to play hide-and-seek. The curiosities of the small town and the time with his family as expats left such an impression on him that thirty years later Carhart returned to France with his wife to raise their two children. Touring Fontainebleau again as an adult, he began to appreciate its influence on French style, taste, art, and architecture. Each trip to Fontainebleau introduces him to entirely new aspects of the château's history, enriching his memories and leading him to Patrick Ponsot, the head of the château’s restoration, who becomes Carhart’s guide to the hidden Fontainebleau.
What emerges is an intimate chronicle of a time and place few have experienced. In warm, precise prose, Carhart reconstructs the wonders of his childhood as an American in postwar France, attending French schools with his brothers and sisters. His firsthand account brings to life nothing less than France in the 1950s, from the parks and museums of Paris to the rigors of French schooling to the vast château of Fontainebleau and its village, built, piece by piece, over many centuries. Finding Fontainebleau is for those captivated by the French way of life, for armchair travelers, and for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a place they want to visit over and over again.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2016
29 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Thad Carhart
3 books54 followersThad Carhart, author of Across the Endless River, is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland. He lives in Paris with his wife, the photographer Simo Neri, and their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 25, 2016
Absolutely delightful. When Chad is four, he, his parents and four siblings arrive in France. His dad had been appointed a military staff officer at the NATO command, they would rent a chateau in the gated community of Fontainebleau. What follows are the adventures he and his family had, arriving in France, from the initial rocky start, rough plane ride where everyone got sick to adjusting in a country where they did not know the language nor the culture.
Loved the friendly, smooth tone with which this is written. Alternately humorous and informative, discussions on history and Fontainebleau's royal history, to the architecture and plans now on the reconstruction of parts of the royal residence. So many funny stories, I loved every bit of this wonderful journey through time. The family would live there for three years, and thirty years later Thad would return to France with his wife and they would raise their own family there. Such a fun read.
Loved the friendly, smooth tone with which this is written. Alternately humorous and informative, discussions on history and Fontainebleau's royal history, to the architecture and plans now on the reconstruction of parts of the royal residence. So many funny stories, I loved every bit of this wonderful journey through time. The family would live there for three years, and thirty years later Thad would return to France with his wife and they would raise their own family there. Such a fun read.
January 1, 2016
These Americans in France/Italy books can go either way -- entirely charming, or insufferable. Finding Fontainebleau ended up being charming. Author Thad Carhart's father was stationed near Paris in the mid fifties in the U.S. Air Force. Thad was about four when the family arrived and about seven when they returned to the States. This was the perfect age to soak up French language and culture and quite an interesting time to be an American in France.
The book combines his memories of those days, some history of the previous residents of the Chateau at Fontainebleue, and some special insights from the man overseeing the restorations and upkeep of the Chateau. For me, the story of Carhart's family and their adventures was the charming part. Whenever I reached a chapter on history or renovations, I hurried through to get to the next adventure from the 1950s.
Of course it was amusing to read of Carhart's brothers and sisters and their childish antics, but the best parts were about his parents, Americans who were sophisticated enough to get on with the stylish French, but adventurous enough to take five kids camping across Europe. And France was (and still is) not like anywhere else -- Carhart recalls the gent who delivered bottles to their doorstep every morning -- of wine, not milk.
The book combines his memories of those days, some history of the previous residents of the Chateau at Fontainebleue, and some special insights from the man overseeing the restorations and upkeep of the Chateau. For me, the story of Carhart's family and their adventures was the charming part. Whenever I reached a chapter on history or renovations, I hurried through to get to the next adventure from the 1950s.
Of course it was amusing to read of Carhart's brothers and sisters and their childish antics, but the best parts were about his parents, Americans who were sophisticated enough to get on with the stylish French, but adventurous enough to take five kids camping across Europe. And France was (and still is) not like anywhere else -- Carhart recalls the gent who delivered bottles to their doorstep every morning -- of wine, not milk.
July 17, 2016
This book was the perfect mixture of memoir and history text, and it took me little time at all to read it through. When I got to the end, I wished it was longer, so that I could spend more time there, and learn more of the history. But most of all, I was delighted to learn about the everyday French life of the time. Most amusing were the surprising contortions of the parents of his schoolmates when students were expected to have a glass of milk daily, and for reasons political, all his French schoolmates produced doctor's letters stating that they were not to have any milk. But Thad, being unknowing, drinks his milk without complaint. At least, until he realizes what's happened, and his parents somehow have to get him a letter also. That was one of the quirkiest bits in the book, I found. Other little details surprised me, such as the taking of inventory, and that a house that had fixtures (stove, toilets, some furniture, etc.) was considered fully furnished, and that there were houses with nearly nothing that would be considered unfurnished. Far different from my rental experiences here in Canada, where an unfurnished apartment is still expected to come provided with a stove, fridge, a proper bathroom, and quite possibly window coverings.
And the history... oh the history. I really wanted to be there in Fontainbleau, seeing the old theatre as it was, wandering in under the eaves, seeing the workshops for the workers, and watching the restoration. I have been to Versailles, and found it immense (and tourist-filled, uncomfortably so), but Fontainbleau sounds much more intimate by comparison. I have not yet been there, but I know that it will be on my list of places to visit when I next travel to Europe. I will not miss it. And I thank Mr Carhart for introducing me to its fascinating history.
And the history... oh the history. I really wanted to be there in Fontainbleau, seeing the old theatre as it was, wandering in under the eaves, seeing the workshops for the workers, and watching the restoration. I have been to Versailles, and found it immense (and tourist-filled, uncomfortably so), but Fontainbleau sounds much more intimate by comparison. I have not yet been there, but I know that it will be on my list of places to visit when I next travel to Europe. I will not miss it. And I thank Mr Carhart for introducing me to its fascinating history.
June 21, 2016
I loved Carhart's previous nonfiction book, The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, so I picked this up out of curiosity. I'm so glad I did! Finding Fontainebleau is part memoir, part culture, part history, and all delight. Carhart's father, an air force pilot in WWII, was stationed in Fontainebleau, France for three years in the 1950s. He along with his wife and five children lived in the town not far from the chateau of the same name, which has clearly captured Carhart's heart.
Well-written without being pretentious, Finding Fontainebleau is like sitting down with a good storyteller who leans back and quietly regales you with, Let me tell you about the time my family drove to Rome and camped out on the way there. Bits of French history related to its royalty's relationship with Chateau Fontainebleau find there way into Carhart's memoirs, as do his more recent trips to see how the Chateau is being restored. I often referred to the hand-drawn map of the castle, but I wish there had been pictures of the inside of the castle. Photos from Carthart's family's stay in Fontainebleau would have been fun, too.
That being said, this book completely took me in. I felt as if I were right there in Carhart's classroom as he learned how to hold his fountain pen, played marbles in the schoolyard, and visited post-war Paris with his family. Through Carhart's sketches I also gained a better appreciation for the deep wounds that World War II left across Europe and the resilience of those who survived.
So sit down with a baguette and a nice glass of wine. This book is a quiet gem.
Well-written without being pretentious, Finding Fontainebleau is like sitting down with a good storyteller who leans back and quietly regales you with, Let me tell you about the time my family drove to Rome and camped out on the way there. Bits of French history related to its royalty's relationship with Chateau Fontainebleau find there way into Carhart's memoirs, as do his more recent trips to see how the Chateau is being restored. I often referred to the hand-drawn map of the castle, but I wish there had been pictures of the inside of the castle. Photos from Carthart's family's stay in Fontainebleau would have been fun, too.
That being said, this book completely took me in. I felt as if I were right there in Carhart's classroom as he learned how to hold his fountain pen, played marbles in the schoolyard, and visited post-war Paris with his family. Through Carhart's sketches I also gained a better appreciation for the deep wounds that World War II left across Europe and the resilience of those who survived.
So sit down with a baguette and a nice glass of wine. This book is a quiet gem.
November 10, 2015
I had the great good fortune to read this book in ARC form as it says publication is not until 5/16.
Thad Carhartt has done it again. I adored his "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank", and in "Finding Fountainebleau" he mines the same vein of gold....his experiences as an American in France. But in "Finding..." we see France through the reminiscences of Carhartt's 4 year old self, as he , four siblings and his parents, pack up and move to Fountainebleau where his father is an American attache to a high ranking French Marshal with NATO . His stories of living and learning in France for several years, starting at the age of 4 are lively and delightful without glossing over some of the incongruities of being Americans in France. Equally fascinating is his discussion of the history of Fontainebleau upon his return to France as an adult. He seamlessly intersperses chapters of French history, art & architecture with his own memories of his parents and siblings living in 1950's France.
It's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
Thad Carhartt has done it again. I adored his "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank", and in "Finding Fountainebleau" he mines the same vein of gold....his experiences as an American in France. But in "Finding..." we see France through the reminiscences of Carhartt's 4 year old self, as he , four siblings and his parents, pack up and move to Fountainebleau where his father is an American attache to a high ranking French Marshal with NATO . His stories of living and learning in France for several years, starting at the age of 4 are lively and delightful without glossing over some of the incongruities of being Americans in France. Equally fascinating is his discussion of the history of Fontainebleau upon his return to France as an adult. He seamlessly intersperses chapters of French history, art & architecture with his own memories of his parents and siblings living in 1950's France.
It's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
May 25, 2016
A memoir during two eras of a man's life in France. The first period is during his youth when his dad was employed by NATO and his family got to live at the royal palace at Fontainebleau. The second period is in his adult life with kids when he gets an inside look at French designers who are refurbishing the palace. We also get n inside look at French attitudes and culture over the years. I enjoyed the book as I felt I learned things beyond the author's life.
June 7, 2023
Loved this one! Carhart uses Fontainebleau as his anchor and I enjoyed the time he spent writing about the chateau, but I really fell in love with the more intimate pieces about his family and home in the village adjacent to Fontainebleau. Discovering post-war France completely absorbed me, and it’s a shock and a marvel how quickly France rebounded, especially considering how deep the scars of war ran. A must for the other Francophile’s out there.
January 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book except for one aspect which lowered my rating from a four to a three star. On a few occasions coarse and vulgar subjects were presented. The book is about how inspired the author was about Fontainebleau and then he degrades it with information that has the opposite effect.
Besides that I really enjoyed the book. The book alternates between the history of Fontainebleau, the restoration of Fontainebleau and life for an American family in France in the early fifties.
Some of the true stories were humorously entertaining and some contained some good lessons on good manners and how one acts as a guest in a foreign country.
I admired that his parents wanted to have a sort of immersion in French culture. They sent their children to study in a French school instead of an American school. They did so to enrich their children's lives.
From beginning to end one senses the tremendous admiration the author had and continues to have for Fontainebleau.
He fell in love with France so much that as an adult he decided to move there with his own family.
I live just a few blocks from a beautiful public high school building built in the 1930's in Tudor Gothic style. I still over the years, never cease being inspired with the sublimity that building represents.
The other disappointing part about the author's story is that he is a person who is obviously moved by the sublime, yet when he visited the sublime Cathedrals of France and Spain his soul in his own descriptions was unmoved. I don't fault the author's honesty, I am however saddened by his inability to be moved by faith. His parents had faith, although by the author's descriptions could be described as weak. Their weak faith was evidently transmitted to the author as a child and throughout his life to date.
I recommend the book for all of the positive comments that I made with the caveat to watch out for the few inappropriate remarks. This is a book that helps one understand what the sublime can do to a soul for an entire life. Since I love the sublime the sections of the book that exhibit admiration for the sublime really touched me.
Besides that I really enjoyed the book. The book alternates between the history of Fontainebleau, the restoration of Fontainebleau and life for an American family in France in the early fifties.
Some of the true stories were humorously entertaining and some contained some good lessons on good manners and how one acts as a guest in a foreign country.
I admired that his parents wanted to have a sort of immersion in French culture. They sent their children to study in a French school instead of an American school. They did so to enrich their children's lives.
From beginning to end one senses the tremendous admiration the author had and continues to have for Fontainebleau.
He fell in love with France so much that as an adult he decided to move there with his own family.
I live just a few blocks from a beautiful public high school building built in the 1930's in Tudor Gothic style. I still over the years, never cease being inspired with the sublimity that building represents.
The other disappointing part about the author's story is that he is a person who is obviously moved by the sublime, yet when he visited the sublime Cathedrals of France and Spain his soul in his own descriptions was unmoved. I don't fault the author's honesty, I am however saddened by his inability to be moved by faith. His parents had faith, although by the author's descriptions could be described as weak. Their weak faith was evidently transmitted to the author as a child and throughout his life to date.
I recommend the book for all of the positive comments that I made with the caveat to watch out for the few inappropriate remarks. This is a book that helps one understand what the sublime can do to a soul for an entire life. Since I love the sublime the sections of the book that exhibit admiration for the sublime really touched me.
July 26, 2016
As someone who loves France and all things French, I'm already sold on a book when it gives me a snapshot of French life.
And this book, Finding Fontainebleau by Thad Carhart, is unique because it is a memoir about a time when many Americans might not recognize France, that time in the early 50s, after World War II as France recovered from the war.
Carhart's family went to France, after his father was assigned to work as a military officer there. So the American family with five children rented a large manor house, and his father worked in an office in Chateau Fontainebleau.
Part of the book is the author's remembrances of growing up in France. Having worked on a memoir myself, I question how much a 4-year-old boy could actually remember, but I'm sure he spent time interviewing older family members, and some of the stories have probably become family lore.
I love the peek into French schools at the time, as he wrote about the students who poured black ink into each student's inkwell every day, and then the 5-year-old children had to meticulously copy out letters across the page. I can't even imagine.
Carhart also returned to France as an adult with his own children, so he jumps to different time periods. As an adult, he digs into the Chateau Fontainebleau, which played such a pivotal role in his childhood, and he is fortunate enough to be taken in by the architect in charge of renovating the chateau so he can gather backstage information about each section.
Those sections are then interwoven with French history about the construction and use of the chateau and the French culture at the time.
I enjoyed reading Finding Fontainebleau and felt like I gained many insights into French history, although the story didn't sweep me away or give me an urgency to finish. It was more like a leisurely boat ride as I enjoyed the sights.
And this book, Finding Fontainebleau by Thad Carhart, is unique because it is a memoir about a time when many Americans might not recognize France, that time in the early 50s, after World War II as France recovered from the war.
Carhart's family went to France, after his father was assigned to work as a military officer there. So the American family with five children rented a large manor house, and his father worked in an office in Chateau Fontainebleau.
Part of the book is the author's remembrances of growing up in France. Having worked on a memoir myself, I question how much a 4-year-old boy could actually remember, but I'm sure he spent time interviewing older family members, and some of the stories have probably become family lore.
I love the peek into French schools at the time, as he wrote about the students who poured black ink into each student's inkwell every day, and then the 5-year-old children had to meticulously copy out letters across the page. I can't even imagine.
Carhart also returned to France as an adult with his own children, so he jumps to different time periods. As an adult, he digs into the Chateau Fontainebleau, which played such a pivotal role in his childhood, and he is fortunate enough to be taken in by the architect in charge of renovating the chateau so he can gather backstage information about each section.
Those sections are then interwoven with French history about the construction and use of the chateau and the French culture at the time.
I enjoyed reading Finding Fontainebleau and felt like I gained many insights into French history, although the story didn't sweep me away or give me an urgency to finish. It was more like a leisurely boat ride as I enjoyed the sights.
January 2, 2016
This is a pleasant memoir of an American boyhood (3 years, anyway) in France in the mid-1950s, combined with later, grownup, reflections on the palace at Fontainebleau. It's two books, really, with his introduction to France and French culture because of his military father's assignment to the then-NATO HQ at Fontainebleau. The family rents a fine old Second Empire house near the palace, settles in with French housekeepers and sends the five kids to French schools. From there the book is a series of episodes, vignettes: his life at a new school in a new language; the taste of fresh baguettes from the local market; the road trips the family would take through the French, Italian and Spanish countrysides; the odd mischief. It's an interesting snapshot of life, customs and people at that time in France, seen, with surprising detail, through the eyes of a boy at ages 4-7.
The book also tells of the palace itself, its architecture and history. When the author returned -- as an adult, with his own family -- to live in France, he had the chance to see the palace in depth, thanks to a curator. Now something of a museum, the palace had served as a residence for a number of French kings, two Emperor Napoleons, and as a French (and German) military HQ in later years. The book tells of those periods and the changes to the palace during those tumultuous centuries.
In all, a pleasant set of stories about an unusual boyhood and an inside tour of a proud and historic building. (Due out in May 2016).
The book also tells of the palace itself, its architecture and history. When the author returned -- as an adult, with his own family -- to live in France, he had the chance to see the palace in depth, thanks to a curator. Now something of a museum, the palace had served as a residence for a number of French kings, two Emperor Napoleons, and as a French (and German) military HQ in later years. The book tells of those periods and the changes to the palace during those tumultuous centuries.
In all, a pleasant set of stories about an unusual boyhood and an inside tour of a proud and historic building. (Due out in May 2016).
December 30, 2015
Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy In France was an interesting combination of childhood memories, adult views of childhood memories, lessons in French history, and observations about the restoration of old buildings in France. Did the author pull it all together to create an exceptional book? No, I personally don't think so. Nevertheless, the story is unique enough to recommend to those interested in the memories of a young American boy who lived in France for three years during the 1950s. Thad Carhart's father was an Air Force colonel and they did not live on base, but instead in a huge house that was very cold in the winter. Lingering effects of World War II were still present, too, so that made the book a bit more captivating.
Mr. Carhart was only a four-year-old, however, when his father was transferred to France, so the memories are those of a very young child. The story also gets a bit sidetracked in the end, when the author remembers the day a young teacher was murdered in his French school, as well as what happened when he returned to the school as an adult and discussed the matter with the current director. It's like he's trying to make sense of the murder, but does not do so, and it takes the book off in an odd direction. Oh well, things that happened during childhood sometimes have a way of putting a stranglehold on one's psyche.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.)
Mr. Carhart was only a four-year-old, however, when his father was transferred to France, so the memories are those of a very young child. The story also gets a bit sidetracked in the end, when the author remembers the day a young teacher was murdered in his French school, as well as what happened when he returned to the school as an adult and discussed the matter with the current director. It's like he's trying to make sense of the murder, but does not do so, and it takes the book off in an odd direction. Oh well, things that happened during childhood sometimes have a way of putting a stranglehold on one's psyche.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.)
September 9, 2016
I'm about 75% done with this one, and it's delightful. A mix of Carhart's memories of his childhood in 1950s France (his father was a liaison officer with NATO), and the history of Fontainebleau. Part of NATO headquarters were at Fontainebleau in those days, so Carhart's father actually worked in the fabulous chateau that had housed French kings.
Carhart explains the history of several kings and queens and their contributions to the architecture of Fontainbleau, interspersing it with his memories of living in a large house nearby with his parents and 4 siblings. He started kindergarten at a French Catholic school, and there are some great anecdotes about his time there.
Looking forward to hopefully knocking the rest of this one out tonight - because I'm supposed to be linking up to a TLC Book Tour tomorrow (I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review). But, due to the kerfuffle of losing my domain name over the weekend, I won't be able to post a review on quirkybookworm.com, since I no longer own it.
Anyway, I am enjoying this book a lot - and if you like gentle memoirs, French history, or both, you should definitely check it out.
Carhart explains the history of several kings and queens and their contributions to the architecture of Fontainbleau, interspersing it with his memories of living in a large house nearby with his parents and 4 siblings. He started kindergarten at a French Catholic school, and there are some great anecdotes about his time there.
Looking forward to hopefully knocking the rest of this one out tonight - because I'm supposed to be linking up to a TLC Book Tour tomorrow (I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review). But, due to the kerfuffle of losing my domain name over the weekend, I won't be able to post a review on quirkybookworm.com, since I no longer own it.
Anyway, I am enjoying this book a lot - and if you like gentle memoirs, French history, or both, you should definitely check it out.
June 18, 2020
I am in Fontainebleau in the Coronavirus curfew - and feeling smug for having borrowed this book from school library just before it got locked down.
This is an delightful book - a medley of the author's charming family stories from 1950, Fontainebleau's history filled with royal intrigue, and curious details of Chateau de Fontainebleau's ongoing restoration (brief pause because of Coronavirus).
I was particularly heartened to learn that Napolean called Fontainebleau "the true abode of kings, home for the ages", and that when he imprisoned the Pope for a 2 years - he installed the Holy See in Fontainebleau. It feels very poetic to be locked down in the true abode of kings same as the Pope!
This is an delightful book - a medley of the author's charming family stories from 1950, Fontainebleau's history filled with royal intrigue, and curious details of Chateau de Fontainebleau's ongoing restoration (brief pause because of Coronavirus).
I was particularly heartened to learn that Napolean called Fontainebleau "the true abode of kings, home for the ages", and that when he imprisoned the Pope for a 2 years - he installed the Holy See in Fontainebleau. It feels very poetic to be locked down in the true abode of kings same as the Pope!
September 12, 2016
Such an engaging story of an American in . . . not quite Paris, but Fountainebleau. Carhart
writes with wit and charm of his family's years spent just outside the gates of a palace that, in his eyes, represents the entire history of France. He wanders from exquisite descriptions of the ongoing restoration of various rooms to his own childhood experiences in French nursery school and beyond.
A total charmer of a book!
writes with wit and charm of his family's years spent just outside the gates of a palace that, in his eyes, represents the entire history of France. He wanders from exquisite descriptions of the ongoing restoration of various rooms to his own childhood experiences in French nursery school and beyond.
A total charmer of a book!
July 28, 2018
There are books that are enjoyed even more depending on the circumstances surrounding their reading. Such was my case with this one:
* I am taking one of the Great Courses ... "A History of European Art." The presenter often tells of the historical period first, and then details how it influenced the art that was produced. Therefore, I already had some knowledge of the background for this book.
* Just before reading this, I read Charles Dickens' book, A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Again, some events in that book had reference points in this one.
So, you might say that I was primed for the experience.
FINDING FONTAINEBLEAU is the non-fiction account of an American military family posted there in the 1950's. The writer, who was a young boy at the time, was raised with two cultures influencing his life. As an adult, he would eventually move his American family to take up permanent residence in Paris.
The narrative is a comfortable reading experience, frequently like having a conversation. This contributes to the main drawback of the book. Events are described almost as if they had just crossed the mind of the writer, much as would happen in a casual conversation. That causes the narrative to "time shift" back and forth between childhood and being an adult. Those who appreciate a more linear flow in storytelling will feel less involved.
A huge benefit of the book is that it isn't only centered in describing life in Fontainebleau. The Reader is given a glimpse into French culture, including WHY the country's citizens may act in such a way. This adds a positive layer to the simple retelling of "this happened and then that happened."
I was especially intrigued by the discussions with the architect who was in charge of restoring Fontainebleau's famous Chateau. Redesigns of the interior had occurred as different royal inhabitants established their preferences. So, if your assignment is to restore the building, which period do you choose for the restoration? Is there one consistency, or will there be a mixture? Should Napoleon I be given preference over Henri II? Since the Chateau isn't associated with only one famous monarch, that is definitely an issue!
Casual Readers will likely find this to be of limited interest despite the writer's comfortable style. For anyone with an interest in the location and/or French culture, this is a book I recommend.
* I am taking one of the Great Courses ... "A History of European Art." The presenter often tells of the historical period first, and then details how it influenced the art that was produced. Therefore, I already had some knowledge of the background for this book.
* Just before reading this, I read Charles Dickens' book, A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Again, some events in that book had reference points in this one.
So, you might say that I was primed for the experience.
FINDING FONTAINEBLEAU is the non-fiction account of an American military family posted there in the 1950's. The writer, who was a young boy at the time, was raised with two cultures influencing his life. As an adult, he would eventually move his American family to take up permanent residence in Paris.
The narrative is a comfortable reading experience, frequently like having a conversation. This contributes to the main drawback of the book. Events are described almost as if they had just crossed the mind of the writer, much as would happen in a casual conversation. That causes the narrative to "time shift" back and forth between childhood and being an adult. Those who appreciate a more linear flow in storytelling will feel less involved.
A huge benefit of the book is that it isn't only centered in describing life in Fontainebleau. The Reader is given a glimpse into French culture, including WHY the country's citizens may act in such a way. This adds a positive layer to the simple retelling of "this happened and then that happened."
I was especially intrigued by the discussions with the architect who was in charge of restoring Fontainebleau's famous Chateau. Redesigns of the interior had occurred as different royal inhabitants established their preferences. So, if your assignment is to restore the building, which period do you choose for the restoration? Is there one consistency, or will there be a mixture? Should Napoleon I be given preference over Henri II? Since the Chateau isn't associated with only one famous monarch, that is definitely an issue!
Casual Readers will likely find this to be of limited interest despite the writer's comfortable style. For anyone with an interest in the location and/or French culture, this is a book I recommend.
December 19, 2020
Thad Carhart was four-years-old when his father was stationed in France as part of the NATO command. The entire family lived in Fontainebleau for three years, during which Thad started school (becoming "Ted" in the process, as Thad proved impossible to render, as he explains in a humorous anecdote), a good, but naughty, student. In Finding Fontainebleau, Carhart looks back on those three years - a giant Chevy station wagon, a brood of five rambunctious children, and a France still awakening from the nightmare that was World War II - while also weaving in the history of Fontainebleau, and by extension the kings and emperors of France. (Side note: it is to my great regret that I have not yet visited Fontainebleau. If this book convinced me of anything, it is that I really must do so at the next opportunity.)
I enjoyed Carhart's style very much, although I found the steady stream of inserted French to be distracting. For me, it was distracting because I could read it, and so the translations served only to repeat what had read in the previous line. I'm not sure if it would be more or less distracting to a non-French speaker. And, while I enjoyed both the memoir aspect as well as the French history lessons, I felt these were often each so short as to be quite choppy. Carhart's interjections about his life in France since returning to live with his own in the late 1980s further served to heighten this sense for me. And, unfairly, I couldn't help but compare it to the incomparable My Life in France. This is entirely unreasonable, as one memoir is told from the perspective of an adult, while the other is a child's memories, but given the time and place, I couldn't help myself.
Francophiles will still, no doubt, enjoy this book. Carhart provides a particularly interesting look at the work of renovation in France and the work that goes into maintaining the country's patrimoine - the churches, chateaux, palaces, and even parks that make France, well, France. He does a great job distilling the cultural quirks of the French and capturing the old Paris of berets, pissotières, and baguettes.
I enjoyed Carhart's style very much, although I found the steady stream of inserted French to be distracting. For me, it was distracting because I could read it, and so the translations served only to repeat what had read in the previous line. I'm not sure if it would be more or less distracting to a non-French speaker. And, while I enjoyed both the memoir aspect as well as the French history lessons, I felt these were often each so short as to be quite choppy. Carhart's interjections about his life in France since returning to live with his own in the late 1980s further served to heighten this sense for me. And, unfairly, I couldn't help but compare it to the incomparable My Life in France. This is entirely unreasonable, as one memoir is told from the perspective of an adult, while the other is a child's memories, but given the time and place, I couldn't help myself.
Francophiles will still, no doubt, enjoy this book. Carhart provides a particularly interesting look at the work of renovation in France and the work that goes into maintaining the country's patrimoine - the churches, chateaux, palaces, and even parks that make France, well, France. He does a great job distilling the cultural quirks of the French and capturing the old Paris of berets, pissotières, and baguettes.
March 8, 2019
I greatly enjoyed the author's account of the three years of his childhood spent in France near Fountainebleau, the famed castle built and added onto for over 500 years by Frances' long succession of kings and emperors. While the edifice is not as famous as Versaille, it is much older and contains a myriad of architectural styles, while Versaille is purely Renaissance era in its architecture and furnishings.
While I enjoyed the chapters on the history and current restoration of Fountainebleau, I most enjoyed the often humorous tales of the author, Thad Carhart, and his family of five children and two parents who adapted to their new home after leaving Washington, D.C. in 1954. Carhart's father was a military officer working at the NATO headquarters in Fountainebleau and the family lived in a grand old home, a "maison maitre" at the edge of the Fountainebleau grounds.
Carhart does an excellent job of transporting the reader back to a simpler time when American's drove cars, like his family station wagon, with big chrome fenders and wood panels and stores were closed on Sundays, both in France and America. His comparison of the America his family had known with France, 10 years after the end of World War II, was interesting and sympathetic. The family did not shout their "Americaness", but rather strove to adapt to French culture and life while still maintaining their identity.
The author was adept at weaving his story, moving back and forth from France of the 1950s to modern day France where he currently lives. It is apparent to the reader that Carhart loves his adopted country and has great respect for French culture and history. I would highly recommend this book not only to Francophiles, but to anyone who enjoys a good memoir mixed with a bit of history.
While I enjoyed the chapters on the history and current restoration of Fountainebleau, I most enjoyed the often humorous tales of the author, Thad Carhart, and his family of five children and two parents who adapted to their new home after leaving Washington, D.C. in 1954. Carhart's father was a military officer working at the NATO headquarters in Fountainebleau and the family lived in a grand old home, a "maison maitre" at the edge of the Fountainebleau grounds.
Carhart does an excellent job of transporting the reader back to a simpler time when American's drove cars, like his family station wagon, with big chrome fenders and wood panels and stores were closed on Sundays, both in France and America. His comparison of the America his family had known with France, 10 years after the end of World War II, was interesting and sympathetic. The family did not shout their "Americaness", but rather strove to adapt to French culture and life while still maintaining their identity.
The author was adept at weaving his story, moving back and forth from France of the 1950s to modern day France where he currently lives. It is apparent to the reader that Carhart loves his adopted country and has great respect for French culture and history. I would highly recommend this book not only to Francophiles, but to anyone who enjoys a good memoir mixed with a bit of history.
March 29, 2023
This book is divided into two alternating parts: finding Fontainbleau and RE-finding Fontainbleau.
As implied, only half of this book deserves the title. Well written, it shows France through the innocent eyes of an American boy who discovers the remnants of an old world and organic society in a France still recovering from the Second World War and on the brink of the Sexual Revolution.
Apart from showing his visit to see the restoration of the actual Chateau - which makes its way into little of Thad's boyhood world - the second part sadly shows that Thad has become like many French today. He has lost his Catholic Faith and taken on the vulgar, cynical mentality of many modern French.
Had he omitted the prosaic descriptions of Parisian laboratories and Renaissance fassurada, as well as the flashforwards which he uses as "sausage stuffer" to try interesting the reader in historic renovation, the book would have been a small, but golden brick. If I have time and pair of scissors handy, it may just be worth it.
As implied, only half of this book deserves the title. Well written, it shows France through the innocent eyes of an American boy who discovers the remnants of an old world and organic society in a France still recovering from the Second World War and on the brink of the Sexual Revolution.
Apart from showing his visit to see the restoration of the actual Chateau - which makes its way into little of Thad's boyhood world - the second part sadly shows that Thad has become like many French today. He has lost his Catholic Faith and taken on the vulgar, cynical mentality of many modern French.
Had he omitted the prosaic descriptions of Parisian laboratories and Renaissance fassurada, as well as the flashforwards which he uses as "sausage stuffer" to try interesting the reader in historic renovation, the book would have been a small, but golden brick. If I have time and pair of scissors handy, it may just be worth it.
June 30, 2018
Sweet memoir. Author has an interesting sense of rhythm, chapter by chapter, alternating French and American history/stories with neat intersections of his upbringing. He knits a warm, artistic quilt for your couch. The family stories are the best especially regarding parental choices on vacations and interactions with the local folk. The stories about school framed in a nostalgic look-back with the Author even coming back to visit childhood spots are super-satisfying. So rare someone cares enough to revisit both in memory and physicality (he actually goes back how many decades later...) and it’s utterly delightful to go along with the Author on these multi-layer trips. His wry observations, comic retellings and poignant conclusions are expansive and freeing. Filled my heart and I absolutely cannot wait to see what he comes up with next—I will gladly go along on the ride. (And if you started with this book definitely go back and read his Piano Shop book—brilliant).
April 10, 2020
Given that we must be armchair travellers this Easter, I thought I’d share a delightful memoir by Thad Carhart - Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy in France. Located an hour south of Paris, Fontainebleau is a picturesque town dominated by its spectacular summer palace, surrounded by a royal forest and romantic countryside that first inspired the impressionists. Carhart was only four when he arrived in 1950s France with his family, his father being stationed at Fontainebleau after the Second World War. Part autobiography, part historical account of the palace, part cultural observations of the time, the book is a patchwork of memories and facts, a sneak peek into a bygone era. The author’s warm style makes the eclectic mix of info fascinating, leaving the reader in no doubt of exactly why he fell in love with this gorgeous French town …
June 29, 2017
Simply delightful. Thad Carhart was a lucky little boy for two reasons: 1) he got to move to France (not just France, but Fontainebleau!) with his large family for three years at the tender age of four, and 2) he was blessed with savvy parents who embraced nearly everything about their new life in France. No ugly Americans here, the children and the parents learn French, the children attend French schools, they often spend their weekends in Paris and ultimately travel to Italy and Spain, camping. We see these experiences through the eyes of a young child and his viewpoint is often quite funny. What a wonderful childhood and I think young Thad got the most out of it that any child could. So glad he has chosen to share it.
April 8, 2019
2019 bk 114. 1950's. France. An American military officer is assigned as the liason/aid to the French Commander of Nato and his office is in the chateau/palace of Fountaineblau. It was a long enough assignment that he moved his family to France with him. Wife, five children, but not the dog. For five year old David France is a very different place, but it quickly becomes familiar, and eventually a home to which he returned as an adult. The chapter alternate between the story of his childhood, introduction to the French school system, and being Americans in Europe and the restoration of the palace in which his father worked. The story of the restoration is as fascinating as the view of France from a five-year old's eyes. Enjoyable read.
July 11, 2019
A low key, smart, introspective, sweetly funny book. It’s not a page turner but the author is a nice person to spend time with over a cup of coffee. He’s sold me on Fontainebleau and I hope to visit in the future. He’s also increased my interest in French history. What I enjoyed most though was his portrait of his mother. This strong woman took on a foreign country, without a knowledge of the language and with 5 kids in tow. When she took her scissors to her husband’s pants I cheered her on. I was on her side on a visceral level. I felt her tension when her husband insisted on a stupid path through the Pyrenees and I applauded her taking on watercolors—finding something that was truly hers alone. She was a wise , kind, and strong lady. Kudos to her kid for noticing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2016
This was such a delightful book from Thad Carhart, the author of "Piano Shop on the Left Bank." He lived in the town of Fontainebleau while his father was stationed in the area. A great look at France in the fifties, life for Americans living in a country just shaking off the vestiges of WWII. Filled with boyhood stories juxtaposed with interesting details and history on the Fontainebleau chateau. I wish I read this before I visited it a few years ago. The book is entertaining and the writing is truly beautiful.
November 16, 2021
A fascinating quirky memoir of the author growing up in a traditional French house in the town of Fountainbleu, the youngest of 5 children, and returning to live in Paris and visit his childhood home with his wife and two small children. The book’s strength is that it is filled with fascinating detail, historical and personal ( his mother was a great seamstress and enjoyed painting watercolors; his father was a competitive fencer). The weakness is that it feels dogmatic, lacking in an inexplicable hour de vie.
October 3, 2025
which direction?
I was never sure what direction this book would take: boyhood memories or French history. The narrative would suddenly switch direction which became annoying along with frequent drifts off on an only barely related subject. That said the memories and history were worthwhile despite the struggle through the style and often repeated phrases. “My own children”…Well who else’s would they be? I wanted to ask when I read that phrase so often.
I was never sure what direction this book would take: boyhood memories or French history. The narrative would suddenly switch direction which became annoying along with frequent drifts off on an only barely related subject. That said the memories and history were worthwhile despite the struggle through the style and often repeated phrases. “My own children”…Well who else’s would they be? I wanted to ask when I read that phrase so often.
September 11, 2020
This book is a perfect balance between memoir and travel as the author reflects on his days as a boy living on the Fontainebleau property and compare those experiences to his return as an adult. His stories include humorous stories of childhood and powerful glimpses into the history of what was once considered the 'palace of choice' by French royalty and rulers.
February 10, 2023
Such a lovely book. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's method of including nostalgic recollections of France, of life in the 1950's, of growing up in a large, boisterous family, and somehow all neatly weaving that in with informative bits of the history of Fontainebleau, and France itself. A rare find to be able to escape to a kinder, gentler time and place and be educated all at once.
April 6, 2025
This is a nice memoir of the 3 years the author and his family lived in France from 1953-56. He attended kindergarten at a French school. When he digressed to paragraphs on Napoleon or the contemporary renovations of the Chateau Fontainebleau, I skipped ahead. But generally, I really enjoyed this little book.
September 3, 2019
For anyone who appreciates France and all things French this is a wonderful memoir/history. I liked the way his childhood memories meshed with his subsequent explorations of Fontainebleau. An easy read!
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