Café Oc: A Nomad's Tales of Magic, Mystery, and Finding Home in the Dordogne of Southwestern France

by Beebe Bahrami

Writer, anthropologist, and self-professing nomad Beebe Bahrami knows that walking and exploring are paramount to her sense of connection to the earth. One of her explorations took her to a small fishing village in northwestern Spain and a much-anticipated chance to walk once again but on new tributaries the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago. But it was a side trip to Sarlat in southwestern France, a place called "the Frenchman's paradise" by author Henry Miller, that unexpectedly gave Bahrami much to explore and enjoy as the region worked its way into the author's heart. A travel narrative and memoir, Café Oc will delight readers with its tantalizing descriptions of French foods and wines, walks through the countryside, visits to the prehistoric painted and engraved caves, and the warm and welcoming people in the Dordogne region of France. It will also take them along a path of serendipity and magic, and a meditation into how we are pulled by the desire for home. Accompanied by photographs taken by the author, Café Oc is also a pictorial record of places, people, and events. Over time and several lengthy visits, Bahrami found a surprising desire to settle down, to leave her "tent poles anchored in place to that precious earth."

Genres: France, Nonfiction

338 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2016

Reviews

[KBar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining tale of the author's journey from western Spain to the Dordogne. I felt like I knew the cast of characters by the time I was finished the book and hope to some day be able to step into the square on market day and discover them for myself! Delightful!

[Charles Percy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To great good use did I employ the author's Historic Walking Guides: Madrid. Then when I expanded out of Madrid to other parts of Spain, I greatly enjoyed taking along her The Spiritual Traveler: Spain. It was with some trepidation that I picked up her Café Neandertal since understanding of prehistory has always been for me a difficult nut to crack. But not only was this exploration of our distant past quite elucidating, it was thoroughly enjoyable. Thus, when I saw her Café Oc, it made me curious what adventures would betide when she was going forth into her own freelance explorations with the cultural and historical knowledge that she had shown so well in her other work. Café Oc is as rewarding as her other books, frequently in different ways. I had previously been in the Dordogne region of southwest France, pursuing my interests in Romanesque architecture, local foodways, and a good hike. Now, when I return, I will see so much more and be open to so much more. But enjoyment of this book does not require previous time in this fascinating area or even a desire to go there; it's a great read just for itself.

[Deborah Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Engrossing Journey

Since prehistoric times, nomads have been drawn to the Dordogne region of France, but Beebe Bahrami is no ordinary traveler. Trained as an anthropologist, she manages to form deep friendships while living in the medieval village of Sarlat — a place swarming with tourists. The bi-weekly market there becomes the launchpad for Bahrami’s adventures, which take her into private homes, through ancient caves and along rural footpaths. Having savored this book over a period of months, I finally realized why It took me so long to finish it: I simply didn’t want it to end.

[robert worland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cafe Of. ..

I think that unfortunately most of us on the first world are DOs from an older and different society and like Beebe subconsciously or consciously seeking our home or self An extremely interesting account

[Eb Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with this book, much as I have connected with the Dordogne. The author’s experiences and connections mirrored several of my own experiences in this very ancient and spiritual place. I wanted the book to never end.

[Kathy Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delightful book, well-written, so that I could deeply feel what it was like to be immersed in the local culture. I feel very drawn to explore there based on Beebe Bahrami's love of all that makes up the Dorgone region.

[annecink · Rating 5 out of 5]

She possesses a true way with words. She can make one salivate, laugh, cry and sign in a single sentence. She really captured life in small-town France!

She can make one salivate, laugh, cry and sigh, all in a single sentence. She really captured life in small-town France!

[Linhowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous, magical book.

I loved the storytelling, the characters and the sense of place in this book. It certainly cast a spell on me. This is the best travel memoir I have read. I would certainly love to visit the area - perhaps when I walk my next Camino.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the Dordogne region of France since it's an area I love. However, I felt this book was borderline awful. The writing was awkward and the author was continually gushing about everything and everybody in a way that became tiring after the first chapter.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very boring. Too wordy and long winded . Definitely not Peter Mayle or Janine Marsh! Didn’t complete the book past the 3rd Chapter.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

reads like a diary, a bit self indulgent at times but gives good idea of the town Sarlat and the author.