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La Vie En Rose: Notes From Rural France
Living the French dream – vineyards, sunflowers, lavender fields, glasses of wine and platters of fromage. French ladies slender and chic, French men wearing berets and riding bicycles with baguettes clamped under their arms when they are not flirting outrageously, and all the while the sun shines down benevolently upon uniform rows of ripening vegetables.
Dreams are strange and unpredictable, and sometime so is la vie en rose.
A pick from some of the best bits of the popular travel author's blog diaries reveal the minutiae of expat day to day life in rural France. A must-read for Susie Kelly fans and anybody thinking of, or dreaming of, moving to France.
Dreams are strange and unpredictable, and sometime so is la vie en rose.
A pick from some of the best bits of the popular travel author's blog diaries reveal the minutiae of expat day to day life in rural France. A must-read for Susie Kelly fans and anybody thinking of, or dreaming of, moving to France.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2017
314 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 1, 2021
A Little Strange if You're not Familiar with Rural France
I enjoyed joy little book. Please note, I have an advantage of understanding what life is like in rural France and its funny little ways because I’ve visited their dozens of times. Otherwise is really difficult to read and it sounds like a complaint book. It’s would then be a tedious experience
However because this was a free book, I thought what the heck. My wife and I have traveled throughout all areas of your little stories which may seem cute and quaint the others are really interesting to us because we see truth in most of them
Given all of that, l am making very light recommendation for those who have experience with France. Otherwise, I would just recommend passing this by.
I enjoyed joy little book. Please note, I have an advantage of understanding what life is like in rural France and its funny little ways because I’ve visited their dozens of times. Otherwise is really difficult to read and it sounds like a complaint book. It’s would then be a tedious experience
However because this was a free book, I thought what the heck. My wife and I have traveled throughout all areas of your little stories which may seem cute and quaint the others are really interesting to us because we see truth in most of them
Given all of that, l am making very light recommendation for those who have experience with France. Otherwise, I would just recommend passing this by.
October 7, 2017
These are short pieces of creative nonfiction each about a page in length of people, animals, machines, tools, recipes and events Susie Kelly encountered in rural France from 2007 to 2011. Her writing lifts them effortlessly into the reader’s memory. One could compare these diary entries to photographs except that I don’t see how even many photographs would present what she has done more accurately.
My memory now contains a mouse she found in her home and released outside with a bit of meat. If I were that mouse I would be heading back. My memory contains a vagabond family quietly moving through the community with all of its possessions. There are her neighbors, especially the expert gardener she calls Mr. Nextdoor and multiple retail salesmen with whom she had less pleasant contact. The description of the beloved local bakery that closed was amusing as well as why she stopped buying their bread. Her problems with stoves and pasta machines that can’t ruin the pasta are treated with the same humor and sensitivity.
The main character she describes is herself and she makes the reader feel comfortably at home and on her side. She has found a way to pay attention to her surroundings with heartfelt, humorous and imaginative attention turning what appears ordinary and personal into the extraordinary and universal by writing about it and that is what good creative nonfiction should do.
I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
My memory now contains a mouse she found in her home and released outside with a bit of meat. If I were that mouse I would be heading back. My memory contains a vagabond family quietly moving through the community with all of its possessions. There are her neighbors, especially the expert gardener she calls Mr. Nextdoor and multiple retail salesmen with whom she had less pleasant contact. The description of the beloved local bakery that closed was amusing as well as why she stopped buying their bread. Her problems with stoves and pasta machines that can’t ruin the pasta are treated with the same humor and sensitivity.
The main character she describes is herself and she makes the reader feel comfortably at home and on her side. She has found a way to pay attention to her surroundings with heartfelt, humorous and imaginative attention turning what appears ordinary and personal into the extraordinary and universal by writing about it and that is what good creative nonfiction should do.
I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
July 26, 2017
This is not really a full book, but rather excerpts from th author's blogs. Little glimpses into life in rural France for an English expat during the early 2000s. Interesting. I may pursue something more complete from this author.
July 3, 2020
I loved this short memoir. We are heading to France in January and this gave me a little glimpse of life there from the British perspective. Kelly's humor is delightful!
August 8, 2017
Being a real fan of Susie Kelly’s style of writing I couldn’t resist downloading this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and was not disappointed.
Yet again she managed to entertain me thoroughly with a completely new selection of her blog posts written about her observations on life in France. I have to say right now, if you are thinking of moving to France, or are coming on holiday here, this is essential preparation reading, I kid you not!
As an expat, living life day to day in France I could immediately laugh, agree, and sometimes commiserate on Susie’s reflections on the way ‘real life’ is over here. Yes, it is wonderful, no I would never go back, however, sometimes the ‘French way’ of life and doing things is totally mystifying. One lovely observation I had to agree on is that it is rare to see a child misbehaving, or a parent rising their voice to them, they seem to know what is expected of them from an early age, and this is lovely to observe.
Some of her comments on shops, their opening times, and repair policies couldn’t help but make me smile, yes you get used to life here, but every so often some things do seem a little strange – to say the least.
There are so many interesting topics to read about, and on a personal note, I have to thank her for giving an explanation to something I have seen many times, yet never used, in the last chapter. At least if I have to use one in future I will know what to do, and if you want to know what it is, then read the book – you will not be disappointed!
A thoroughly entertaining book which captured me from the moment I opened it, until the very last word.
Yet again she managed to entertain me thoroughly with a completely new selection of her blog posts written about her observations on life in France. I have to say right now, if you are thinking of moving to France, or are coming on holiday here, this is essential preparation reading, I kid you not!
As an expat, living life day to day in France I could immediately laugh, agree, and sometimes commiserate on Susie’s reflections on the way ‘real life’ is over here. Yes, it is wonderful, no I would never go back, however, sometimes the ‘French way’ of life and doing things is totally mystifying. One lovely observation I had to agree on is that it is rare to see a child misbehaving, or a parent rising their voice to them, they seem to know what is expected of them from an early age, and this is lovely to observe.
Some of her comments on shops, their opening times, and repair policies couldn’t help but make me smile, yes you get used to life here, but every so often some things do seem a little strange – to say the least.
There are so many interesting topics to read about, and on a personal note, I have to thank her for giving an explanation to something I have seen many times, yet never used, in the last chapter. At least if I have to use one in future I will know what to do, and if you want to know what it is, then read the book – you will not be disappointed!
A thoroughly entertaining book which captured me from the moment I opened it, until the very last word.
February 20, 2018
An enjoyable collection of diary notes from the author re: her life in rural France. As the author notes, living in rural France is not just drinking wine and eating cheese. She shares some of the work involved in living in a rural area, the annoyances of French life, and the simple pleasures!
I enjoyed this particular book drinking my coffee in the morning. Each entry is short and I was able to read quite a few while sipping my coffee. I could picture myself in France with the author!
The author included a lot of French expressions and words throughout the book - which I enjoy. I do know a little French and was able to understand a lot of them. However, some were unusual and it would have been nice if she included an English translation in the footnotes since the book was written in English. Since I was reading the book on my kindle, I highlighted the ones I didn't know and will look them up.
I enjoyed her writing and would be interested in reading a full book by this author. This was more a collection of diary notes with different anecdotes about her daily life.
I enjoyed this particular book drinking my coffee in the morning. Each entry is short and I was able to read quite a few while sipping my coffee. I could picture myself in France with the author!
The author included a lot of French expressions and words throughout the book - which I enjoy. I do know a little French and was able to understand a lot of them. However, some were unusual and it would have been nice if she included an English translation in the footnotes since the book was written in English. Since I was reading the book on my kindle, I highlighted the ones I didn't know and will look them up.
I enjoyed her writing and would be interested in reading a full book by this author. This was more a collection of diary notes with different anecdotes about her daily life.
July 17, 2017
Susie Kelly and Blackbird Books are on a roll. One month after the launch of her brand new memoir Safari Ants and Baggy Pants, they have now released La Vie En Rose: Notes From Rural France.
While not an entirely new release, La Vie En Rose is a collection of Susie’s blog posts from October 2010 handily compiled in one place; her musings on daily life in rural France. From strange dreams to nightmare customer service, and dining room disasters to quirky neighbours, there is a little bit of everything, all served up with Susie’s sense of humour that never fails to make me smile.
Initially I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading a collection of blogs as a book, however, life has been rather hectic of late and having the energy to read, follow and remember complex plots at the end of the day was proving impossible. Being able to dip into a few snippets of Susie’s life before falling asleep put a smile on my face and was just what I needed.
Another great read Susie, thank you.
While not an entirely new release, La Vie En Rose is a collection of Susie’s blog posts from October 2010 handily compiled in one place; her musings on daily life in rural France. From strange dreams to nightmare customer service, and dining room disasters to quirky neighbours, there is a little bit of everything, all served up with Susie’s sense of humour that never fails to make me smile.
Initially I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading a collection of blogs as a book, however, life has been rather hectic of late and having the energy to read, follow and remember complex plots at the end of the day was proving impossible. Being able to dip into a few snippets of Susie’s life before falling asleep put a smile on my face and was just what I needed.
Another great read Susie, thank you.
July 18, 2017
What a fun book! Susie's blogs always make me chuckle so with a compilation of the best bits AND recipes?? What more can a girl need.
The many animals and birds that seem to flock to Susie's home and try to share it with her are an endless source of fodder for her musings. I want to live in this wonderful country house along with all its quirks and problems.
Susie sure knows how to deliver a tale. I love all her books and can't wait for the next one. But three books in one year would be far to much to ask!
The many animals and birds that seem to flock to Susie's home and try to share it with her are an endless source of fodder for her musings. I want to live in this wonderful country house along with all its quirks and problems.
Susie sure knows how to deliver a tale. I love all her books and can't wait for the next one. But three books in one year would be far to much to ask!
September 1, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve read other books by this author and this one didn’t let me down. Taken from journal entries on day-to-day activities giving tidbits of life in rural France - funny and enjoyable. It's not a tome by any stretch of the imagination - it was a quick read for me (a slow reader) - but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of it at all.
April 1, 2018
Very entertaining!
A quick read, very satisfying. I really enjoyed her honest reflections and experiences. It made me see France in a more realistic light than the fairytale place it is often made out to be!
A quick read, very satisfying. I really enjoyed her honest reflections and experiences. It made me see France in a more realistic light than the fairytale place it is often made out to be!
August 11, 2017
A selection of Susie's diary notes on her life in France from 2007 to 2011.
This was such a pleasure to read; it was funny and entertaining. I wanted it to go on and on.
I loved her style of writing and wonderful sense of humour, and am look forward to reading more of her books.
This was such a pleasure to read; it was funny and entertaining. I wanted it to go on and on.
I loved her style of writing and wonderful sense of humour, and am look forward to reading more of her books.
October 16, 2022
I had hoped that this book would be funny and more about living in France. While it was, it seemed disjointed and read more like isolated incidents.
September 2, 2020
This book was the perfect read for a sunny summer afternoon, joyous, bouncy and full of fun.
Susie Kelly’s La vie en Rose is a collection of short blog like posts giving us a window into her life in rural France and is just right to dip in and out of when in need of cheering up. Even Susie’s frustrations with Carrefour supermarket over a non-functioning coffee maker are fun to read, though no doubt less fun to contend with.
Many of Susie’s experiences in rural France resonated with me as they often mirrored our own in rural Spain: the bureaucracy is the same, the rural people, the fiestas, the weather and even the wildlife were so similar as to be uncanny.
I love that Susie and hubby are pudding people and I will be trying the lavender and fromage blanc dessert one of these sunny days
Susie’s enthusiasm for France shines through the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her ‘vie’
Susie Kelly’s La vie en Rose is a collection of short blog like posts giving us a window into her life in rural France and is just right to dip in and out of when in need of cheering up. Even Susie’s frustrations with Carrefour supermarket over a non-functioning coffee maker are fun to read, though no doubt less fun to contend with.
Many of Susie’s experiences in rural France resonated with me as they often mirrored our own in rural Spain: the bureaucracy is the same, the rural people, the fiestas, the weather and even the wildlife were so similar as to be uncanny.
I love that Susie and hubby are pudding people and I will be trying the lavender and fromage blanc dessert one of these sunny days
Susie’s enthusiasm for France shines through the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her ‘vie’
June 5, 2022
Only wish it were longer!
Seriously, that's the only reason I am not giving it a 5-star review. I stumbled across this book and was initially lukewarm about the description but decided to give it a try anyway, and I am so glad I did! It reads like a book of repurposed blog posts, but it's still a very light and enjoyable read that will have you feeling like you are right there with her, sometimes loving life in the French countryside and sometimes enduring the inconveniences that, like them or not, complete the experience. Great for reading on vacation or if you need a break from heavier reading.
Seriously, that's the only reason I am not giving it a 5-star review. I stumbled across this book and was initially lukewarm about the description but decided to give it a try anyway, and I am so glad I did! It reads like a book of repurposed blog posts, but it's still a very light and enjoyable read that will have you feeling like you are right there with her, sometimes loving life in the French countryside and sometimes enduring the inconveniences that, like them or not, complete the experience. Great for reading on vacation or if you need a break from heavier reading.
October 26, 2022
Susie Kelly’s La Vie En Rose: Notes from Rural France is hilarious as she writes hodgepodge pieces of daily life. She reminds me of our beloved Erma Bombeck and Andy Rooney who both found humor and pathos in bureaucracy and our daily fumbles.
Kelly’s observances of her life in rural France range from mishaps while going to a dental appointment, dealing with a wet wood delivery, cleaning cat puke off her computer keyboard to looking for the car battery in her Renault which was under the car seat. She referenced the ‘bat-shit designer’ as she figured it out. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as all readers will surely identify with her stumbles through life!
Kelly’s observances of her life in rural France range from mishaps while going to a dental appointment, dealing with a wet wood delivery, cleaning cat puke off her computer keyboard to looking for the car battery in her Renault which was under the car seat. She referenced the ‘bat-shit designer’ as she figured it out. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as all readers will surely identify with her stumbles through life!
March 20, 2021
Entertaining Read
Susie Kelly's "La Vie An Rose: Notes From Rural France" is a collection of anecdotes about a British woman living in rural France. They reveal the adjustments she had to make in a somewhat different culture. Some of her entries will make you laugh as she recalls dealing with difficult salespeople, quirky neighbors, various and sundry animal and insect issues, as well as simple daily chores. Kelley has a keen sense of humor, not only about the French but about herself as well.
Susie Kelly's "La Vie An Rose: Notes From Rural France" is a collection of anecdotes about a British woman living in rural France. They reveal the adjustments she had to make in a somewhat different culture. Some of her entries will make you laugh as she recalls dealing with difficult salespeople, quirky neighbors, various and sundry animal and insect issues, as well as simple daily chores. Kelley has a keen sense of humor, not only about the French but about herself as well.
October 12, 2022
I have read a few Susie Kelly books, my favorite was Travels With Tinkerbelle - 6000 Miles Around France In A Mechanical Wreck.
In La Vie En Rose: Notes from Rural France, the book is a collection of journal entries about Kelly's life in rural France. The entries are not always written well but I did learn a bit about life in France. Some of her entries are quite amusing, especially her cooking mishaps and trials with gardening.
I would recommend this collection of journal entries to individuals that would like a mere glimpse into life in rural France.
In La Vie En Rose: Notes from Rural France, the book is a collection of journal entries about Kelly's life in rural France. The entries are not always written well but I did learn a bit about life in France. Some of her entries are quite amusing, especially her cooking mishaps and trials with gardening.
I would recommend this collection of journal entries to individuals that would like a mere glimpse into life in rural France.
November 14, 2019
Susie Kelly shares lots of wonderful, fun anecdotes about life in rural France in this charming collection of blog posts.
I found myself laughing aloud at her self deprecating sense of humour. A perfect read for a cold winter evening.
I found myself laughing aloud at her self deprecating sense of humour. A perfect read for a cold winter evening.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, I haven't read any of Susie's books but this was a great insight into her style of writing, I love books that have a hint of humour in them, I will definitely be seeking out some more of her books.
August 30, 2023
A series of diary entries extracted from the author's previous books about her life in France. She obviously has a gift for making everyday occurances sound interesting. This is a short and pleasant read that at the moment is free on Kindle.
September 15, 2018
Such a charming book! 3.5
May 16, 2021
La Vie Eh Rose
I really enjoyed this funny sweet book. If ever one should feel tired or stressed, read this delightful book and be made happier.
I really enjoyed this funny sweet book. If ever one should feel tired or stressed, read this delightful book and be made happier.
May 21, 2023
Title is Deceiving
A good hearty read of someone’s life in france. I almost passed up this book cos of the title. This is a fun read of someone’s diary
A good hearty read of someone’s life in france. I almost passed up this book cos of the title. This is a fun read of someone’s diary
November 15, 2023
Li novamente. Livro muito bom!
August 21, 2018
I found Susie Kelly's tales of French life quite endearing; it ended up being a really delightful book. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
Thinking of moving to France? Read this book first!
If you're new to Susie Kelly's books, here's the back story. She and her husband moved to France in the early 1990's, when a recession wiped out his businesses and their assets. Broke, they found that rural properties in France were affordable, barely. They bought the Mother of All Fixer-Uppers - an ancient farm house that was part stable - in southwest France.
Reclaiming a decayed house can be a joy IF you have the money to hire the work done. They didn't and (as a consequence) decades later are still camping out in conditions that would send most of us running in the opposite direction. Husband (Terry) spends time in England, making the money that supports the household. Susie tends to the French homestead and their animals and writes.
Her first books appeared in 2011 and she has a large, devoted following, including me. However, writing as a profession is notoriously poorly paid and Susie is no exception. She's rich in friends and admirers, but that doesn't pay for home repairs.
She also writes a popular blog and this book is blogs from 2007 through 2011. Since I never read blogs, I deeply appreciate the collection. In addition to her humor (which is first-rate) I've learned so much about rural French life. As she says, people think living in France is one long holiday of fine food, fine wine, and witty conversation. In reality, the quality of your life depends on many factors, but location is seldom one of them. You take yourself with you wherever you go.
Fortunately, this lady is a great optimist and a sturdy survivor. She loves animals, so having land for them is a plus. Not that I can admire all of her choices. It doesn't seem like one cat would be much trouble, unless you have a cat that vomits on your computer, pees into an outlet (blowing every fuse in the house), and runs up vet bills that look like the national debt of a small, badly run country.
She loves France and (most of) her French neighbors, although some of them are more than passing strange by English standards. Then there's the ex-pat community, many of whom are as miserable and maladjusted in France as they were in England. When you refuse to learn the local language or get to know your neighbors or understand local customs, you shouldn't complain if life is complicated. That doesn't stop them.
Although the French countryside seems ageless and unchanging, there have been many changes since the Kellys moved in. Older people have died, leaving the rural communities even more sparsely populated than in the past. Fields are now cultivated and harvested by huge machines owned by large agricultural companies. Saddest of all, the bread that once defined France now comes cold from big bakeries and is dispensed in coin machines. Mon Dieu!
There's nothing earth-shaking about this author's stories, but they're great fun. She's a rarity: a person who's cheerful without being irritating. If you read this woman's books and don't fall in love with her charm and good-nature, you're hopeless.
A writer who can mine humor out of the everyday stuggles of life is a treasure. I've enjoyed all of her books and learned a great deal from them. At the end of this one, there's a sample of her latest book "It's a Mad World", which hints that she's suffering from a serious illness. Typically, she manages to be amusing about it, but there's nothing funny about old age and the health problems it brings.
Like many of her fans, I feel like I know Susie Kelly from reading her books. I wish her the very best and hope to read more of her books in the future.
If you're new to Susie Kelly's books, here's the back story. She and her husband moved to France in the early 1990's, when a recession wiped out his businesses and their assets. Broke, they found that rural properties in France were affordable, barely. They bought the Mother of All Fixer-Uppers - an ancient farm house that was part stable - in southwest France.
Reclaiming a decayed house can be a joy IF you have the money to hire the work done. They didn't and (as a consequence) decades later are still camping out in conditions that would send most of us running in the opposite direction. Husband (Terry) spends time in England, making the money that supports the household. Susie tends to the French homestead and their animals and writes.
Her first books appeared in 2011 and she has a large, devoted following, including me. However, writing as a profession is notoriously poorly paid and Susie is no exception. She's rich in friends and admirers, but that doesn't pay for home repairs.
She also writes a popular blog and this book is blogs from 2007 through 2011. Since I never read blogs, I deeply appreciate the collection. In addition to her humor (which is first-rate) I've learned so much about rural French life. As she says, people think living in France is one long holiday of fine food, fine wine, and witty conversation. In reality, the quality of your life depends on many factors, but location is seldom one of them. You take yourself with you wherever you go.
Fortunately, this lady is a great optimist and a sturdy survivor. She loves animals, so having land for them is a plus. Not that I can admire all of her choices. It doesn't seem like one cat would be much trouble, unless you have a cat that vomits on your computer, pees into an outlet (blowing every fuse in the house), and runs up vet bills that look like the national debt of a small, badly run country.
She loves France and (most of) her French neighbors, although some of them are more than passing strange by English standards. Then there's the ex-pat community, many of whom are as miserable and maladjusted in France as they were in England. When you refuse to learn the local language or get to know your neighbors or understand local customs, you shouldn't complain if life is complicated. That doesn't stop them.
Although the French countryside seems ageless and unchanging, there have been many changes since the Kellys moved in. Older people have died, leaving the rural communities even more sparsely populated than in the past. Fields are now cultivated and harvested by huge machines owned by large agricultural companies. Saddest of all, the bread that once defined France now comes cold from big bakeries and is dispensed in coin machines. Mon Dieu!
There's nothing earth-shaking about this author's stories, but they're great fun. She's a rarity: a person who's cheerful without being irritating. If you read this woman's books and don't fall in love with her charm and good-nature, you're hopeless.
A writer who can mine humor out of the everyday stuggles of life is a treasure. I've enjoyed all of her books and learned a great deal from them. At the end of this one, there's a sample of her latest book "It's a Mad World", which hints that she's suffering from a serious illness. Typically, she manages to be amusing about it, but there's nothing funny about old age and the health problems it brings.
Like many of her fans, I feel like I know Susie Kelly from reading her books. I wish her the very best and hope to read more of her books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews