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The Yellow Villa
"People come to France to reinvent themselves . . . " Mia and Ben, an Australian couple in their early thirties, have relinquished one dream and embraced another, selling their Sydney flat and purchasing an old yellow house in the picturesque village of Cordes-sur-Ciel in South-West France. They soon meet sophisticated neighbors Dominic and Susannah, a British couple in their sixties who welcome them warmly but whose own relationship is in crisis. Mia and Ben are immediately star-struck and impressed by their lavish hospitality. However, things with Dominic and Susannah are not what they first seem. Gradually secrets begin to surface, revealing details of a scandal Dominic and Susannah had hoped to leave behind in London. Reeling from these revelations, Mia and Ben no longer trust their own instincts and the peaceful idyll of their French life begins to unravel. Can Dominic and Susannah escape each other, and can Ben and Mia they find their way back to each other and the dream they shared?
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
28 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Hampson
12 books220 followersMelbourne-based author, Amanda Hampson has been writing professionally for more than 30 years and is the award-winning author of nine novels: The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer, The Yellow Villa, Sixty Summers, Lovebirds, The Tea Ladies, The Cryptic Clue and The Deadly Dispute.
A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for 2024 Davitt Awards Best Adult Crime & 2024 Ned Kelly Awards Best Fiction.
A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for 2024 Davitt Awards Best Adult Crime & 2024 Ned Kelly Awards Best Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 10, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
It was a most welcome experience to return to the writing of Amanda Hampson, best known for her iconic novel, The Olive Sisters, which I have read, along with Hampson’s 2017 release, The French Perfumer. Hampson sets her sights again on a spectacular French locale and the end result is an appealing, delightful and engaging read. I whipped through The Yellow Villa in no time at all.
France is the best destination to go to if you want a fresh start, which is what troubled Australian couple, Ben and Mia are banking on. This couple has risked a lot for a new beginning, selling up their flat in Sydney, in exchange for a stunning yellow villa, nestled in a picture perfect setting in south-west France. It doesn’t take long before the neighbours, Dominic and Susannah introduce themselves. This British couple in their sixties like to live the high life. Their opulence and lavish lifestyle immediately appeals to Ben and Mia. However, under this facade is a deeply troubled relationship. Bit by bit, it is revealed that Dominic and Susannah have escaped London to avoid the fallout from a scandal. This immediately has an impact on the impressionable Australian couple, who are completely in awe of Dominic and Susannah. While Dominic and Susannah must consider their hold on one another, Ben and Mia grapple with trying to regain the upper hand on their dream and repair their relationship in the process. The Yellow Villa is a heady novel that will keep your eyes glued to the page from start to finish.
Private issues between two contrasting couples are aired out in a sharp and nuanced tone in The Yellow Villa. I enjoyed my third experience with Ms Hampson. There is something inherently poised about Hampson’s writing style. She is able to get the balance right between an accessible and a well refined tone through each of her novels, The Yellow Villa included. This is a novel that I feasted on over a few relaxing hours and I completely enjoyed the experience.
The whole concept of trading in a Sydney flat, as the Australian couple ventures into in The Yellow Villa, completely appealed to me. It is a good idea in theory, but I don’t think I personally would have the courage to do this! I felt very envious of Ben and Mia. I also became completely invested in their new living arrangements. Hampson excels in this aspect of the novel and she successfully draws the reader into her unfolding story.
There are plenty of secrets, twists and plot intersections contained in The Yellow Villa that make this novel such a colourful piece of fiction. The introduction of older couple and neighbours, Dominic and Susannah, adds a certain level of spice to the tale. Through Hampson’s presentation of this couple and the shifting perspectives structure of the novel, I gravitated towards both loving and hating Dominic and Susannah. I also liked the way in which Hampson played this older couple off against the young couple, Ben and Mia. This is perhaps a very good indication of the skill Hampson possesses in delivering refined character dynamics.
The rich sense of place that exudes from The Yellow Villa made it a winner in my eyes. It wasn’t going to take much for this Francophile to get drawn into The Yellow Villa. The descriptions of the villa, the picturesque surrounds and the little inferences into French life were greatly appealing. Hampson also gives us a very good insight into life as a foreigner, trying to forge a new life in a different country. She covers everything from language barriers to local cuisine. It is all presented in a fashion that I found utterly agreeable.
Hampson’s timing is spot on. She feeds the reader just enough information and at just the right time, to keep the momentum of the novel running high. She saves enough secrets and shocks to the last moment, so you are never really sure how it is all going to pan out for the leads in The Yellow Villa. Raw human emotions and domestic politics form the crux of this novel and Hampson’s approach cannot be faulted. I enjoyed her novel very much, right up until the end.
The Yellow Villa is quite the stunner, inside and out. I feel I must acknowledge the inside cover design, the rich mustard background and the nature print is just divine, which makes the physical experience of reading this book simply gratifying. So, it is with confidence that I recommend this popular fiction title. I am sure The Yellow Villa will sit well with many readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Yellow Villa is book #45 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
It was a most welcome experience to return to the writing of Amanda Hampson, best known for her iconic novel, The Olive Sisters, which I have read, along with Hampson’s 2017 release, The French Perfumer. Hampson sets her sights again on a spectacular French locale and the end result is an appealing, delightful and engaging read. I whipped through The Yellow Villa in no time at all.
France is the best destination to go to if you want a fresh start, which is what troubled Australian couple, Ben and Mia are banking on. This couple has risked a lot for a new beginning, selling up their flat in Sydney, in exchange for a stunning yellow villa, nestled in a picture perfect setting in south-west France. It doesn’t take long before the neighbours, Dominic and Susannah introduce themselves. This British couple in their sixties like to live the high life. Their opulence and lavish lifestyle immediately appeals to Ben and Mia. However, under this facade is a deeply troubled relationship. Bit by bit, it is revealed that Dominic and Susannah have escaped London to avoid the fallout from a scandal. This immediately has an impact on the impressionable Australian couple, who are completely in awe of Dominic and Susannah. While Dominic and Susannah must consider their hold on one another, Ben and Mia grapple with trying to regain the upper hand on their dream and repair their relationship in the process. The Yellow Villa is a heady novel that will keep your eyes glued to the page from start to finish.
Private issues between two contrasting couples are aired out in a sharp and nuanced tone in The Yellow Villa. I enjoyed my third experience with Ms Hampson. There is something inherently poised about Hampson’s writing style. She is able to get the balance right between an accessible and a well refined tone through each of her novels, The Yellow Villa included. This is a novel that I feasted on over a few relaxing hours and I completely enjoyed the experience.
The whole concept of trading in a Sydney flat, as the Australian couple ventures into in The Yellow Villa, completely appealed to me. It is a good idea in theory, but I don’t think I personally would have the courage to do this! I felt very envious of Ben and Mia. I also became completely invested in their new living arrangements. Hampson excels in this aspect of the novel and she successfully draws the reader into her unfolding story.
There are plenty of secrets, twists and plot intersections contained in The Yellow Villa that make this novel such a colourful piece of fiction. The introduction of older couple and neighbours, Dominic and Susannah, adds a certain level of spice to the tale. Through Hampson’s presentation of this couple and the shifting perspectives structure of the novel, I gravitated towards both loving and hating Dominic and Susannah. I also liked the way in which Hampson played this older couple off against the young couple, Ben and Mia. This is perhaps a very good indication of the skill Hampson possesses in delivering refined character dynamics.
The rich sense of place that exudes from The Yellow Villa made it a winner in my eyes. It wasn’t going to take much for this Francophile to get drawn into The Yellow Villa. The descriptions of the villa, the picturesque surrounds and the little inferences into French life were greatly appealing. Hampson also gives us a very good insight into life as a foreigner, trying to forge a new life in a different country. She covers everything from language barriers to local cuisine. It is all presented in a fashion that I found utterly agreeable.
Hampson’s timing is spot on. She feeds the reader just enough information and at just the right time, to keep the momentum of the novel running high. She saves enough secrets and shocks to the last moment, so you are never really sure how it is all going to pan out for the leads in The Yellow Villa. Raw human emotions and domestic politics form the crux of this novel and Hampson’s approach cannot be faulted. I enjoyed her novel very much, right up until the end.
The Yellow Villa is quite the stunner, inside and out. I feel I must acknowledge the inside cover design, the rich mustard background and the nature print is just divine, which makes the physical experience of reading this book simply gratifying. So, it is with confidence that I recommend this popular fiction title. I am sure The Yellow Villa will sit well with many readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Yellow Villa is book #45 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
February 15, 2019
Mia and Ben sell their Sydney home and buy a villa in a French village. The move is designed to rekindle their four year marriage which has faltered due to their inability to have children. Ben brings his job with him, working online, while arty Mia is trying to find the motivation to do something.
Also living in the village is an older British couple. Dominic and Susannah have a strained relationship based on mutual dislike. It is the second marriage for both following an affair that saw the collapse of their first marriages. Dominic was a restaurant critic and wine aficionado, Susannah a small time actress. The reason for their flight from London creates a mystery that teases the reader throughout, and it is their relationship that provides the conflict and sharp dialogue.
The two couples spend time together. Susannah and Mia become friends and Mia helps Susannah with her plans, unknown to both Ben and Dominic, while Ben seems to enjoy Dominic's company, something Mia cannot understand.
When Dominic's daughter arrives to visit, things get even more interesting, and Mia and Ben's relationship, already shaky, begins to crumble further.
The finale for Dominic and Susannah is fitting and brings a sense of justice and closure for the reader, though I think the author struggled a bit with Mia and Ben's resolution.
That said, I did enjoy the read. Well worth it's 4 stars.
Also living in the village is an older British couple. Dominic and Susannah have a strained relationship based on mutual dislike. It is the second marriage for both following an affair that saw the collapse of their first marriages. Dominic was a restaurant critic and wine aficionado, Susannah a small time actress. The reason for their flight from London creates a mystery that teases the reader throughout, and it is their relationship that provides the conflict and sharp dialogue.
The two couples spend time together. Susannah and Mia become friends and Mia helps Susannah with her plans, unknown to both Ben and Dominic, while Ben seems to enjoy Dominic's company, something Mia cannot understand.
When Dominic's daughter arrives to visit, things get even more interesting, and Mia and Ben's relationship, already shaky, begins to crumble further.
The finale for Dominic and Susannah is fitting and brings a sense of justice and closure for the reader, though I think the author struggled a bit with Mia and Ben's resolution.
That said, I did enjoy the read. Well worth it's 4 stars.
May 7, 2018
I absolutely devoured The Yellow Villa by Amanda Hampson. It’s the first novel of hers that I’ve read and I enjoyed her style so much. It veers from sharp wit to lyrical reflections and there is not a single wasted word along the way. Not a long novel, but wow, does a lot happen! I loved this about it, straight to the point and no messing around throughout. I used to adore long books, the longer the better, but of late I’m more about the instant gratification. I want to begin and end a book inside a day on my weekend, not have it stretch out over the working week. The length of The Yellow Villa was perfect for a Saturday spent relaxing with several cups of tea and the pages slipping by rapidly.
The Yellow Villa is a domestic drama that is very much driven by its four main characters. Ben and Mia are a young Australian couple who have bought ‘the yellow villa’ with no real plan other than to use it as a fresh start for their troubled marriage. I liked both of these characters but Mia definitely came off stronger. She wasn’t always likeable, but I felt her presence more than Ben, who was at times, incredibly naive and wishy washy. Together though, they worked really well. They just needed to get back on the same track.
Susannah and Dominic are much older than Ben and Mia and they’ve lived in France for a year, having fled England in the midst of a mysterious scandal. Susannah is determined to befriend the young couple, partially out of loneliness, and after meeting them for the first time, Dominic goes along with her. In his case, he sees in Ben a young man he can postulate to, and given Ben’s naivety, it all falls into place for the older couple.
Despite the narrative being very tight, it’s also extremely artful. I loved this passage from early on, where Mia is reflecting on her night walks around her new home:
“Over the last few days, the house explored in the dreaming hours has become more familiar to me. I feel a growing affection for the odd creaks and sighs and shifting shadows. The dawn breeze seems to slow and thread itself through the house as if enfolding us, and no longer buffeting against us.”
There’s just a wonderful infusion of atmosphere throughout the entire novel. The yellow villa has a bit of a history and I enjoyed learning of it. It’s not a major part of the story but its disclosure to Mia forms a springboard for better things down the track, a lovely example of connectivity between characters over time. I liked the conveyance of life as an expat as well, particularly the inferences around country of origin and how this determines your welcome from the French locals.
Dominic would have to be one of the most authentically despicable, misogynistic, self-centered waste of space human beings I have ever encountered on the page. What an absolutely brilliant character! His ego was insatiable and his reflections on himself as he wrote his memoirs were hysterical. Poor Susannah, for all her faults, I forgave them at once as soon Dominic’s true character was evident. No one would ever deserve to be stuck with someone such as him – his downfall was a perfect example of natural justice. There was a ‘fargo-esque’ quality to the happenings within Susannah’s and Dominic’s household. The pair and their goings on were outrageous and yet entirely plausible. I was heartened to witness Susannah’s character growth, particularly towards the end. She was a character I tucked into my heart early on in the novel.
“Now she is discovering that she can stare into that abyss and see beyond the darkness. There is a faint glow in the distance, and as she moves towards it she knows it will become brighter and expand around her and she will be comforted by it. She will step into the light on her own. It will be her light. And she is determined to walk towards it every day.”
Mia also grew immeasurably over the course of the novel. She discovered many things about herself and in the end, so did Ben. Her friendship with Susannah was admirable, her integrity and empathy weighing in at some difficult moments and I was so pleased with how she helped Susannah when she was at her most needy, despite feeling at odds about it. She read Dominic like a book right from the start which of course weighed in when making her decision to help Susannah. Where Ben was a bit of a fence sitter regarding Dominic, preferring to view him as eccentric and forgive him his faults, Mia was firmly unsettled by him right from the beginning, viewing him from an angle that was impossible for Ben: that of a dismissed woman. The superb characterisation employed by Amanda Hampson is a standout feature of this novel. Each chapter alternated between one of the four, balancing the story and maximising the entertainment value. The ending worked so well for me, for all four characters. I highly recommend The Yellow Villa, it’s a most enjoyable novel that will have you snickering throughout and occasionally swallowing a bitter pill.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Yellow Villa for review.
The Yellow Villa is a domestic drama that is very much driven by its four main characters. Ben and Mia are a young Australian couple who have bought ‘the yellow villa’ with no real plan other than to use it as a fresh start for their troubled marriage. I liked both of these characters but Mia definitely came off stronger. She wasn’t always likeable, but I felt her presence more than Ben, who was at times, incredibly naive and wishy washy. Together though, they worked really well. They just needed to get back on the same track.
Susannah and Dominic are much older than Ben and Mia and they’ve lived in France for a year, having fled England in the midst of a mysterious scandal. Susannah is determined to befriend the young couple, partially out of loneliness, and after meeting them for the first time, Dominic goes along with her. In his case, he sees in Ben a young man he can postulate to, and given Ben’s naivety, it all falls into place for the older couple.
Despite the narrative being very tight, it’s also extremely artful. I loved this passage from early on, where Mia is reflecting on her night walks around her new home:
“Over the last few days, the house explored in the dreaming hours has become more familiar to me. I feel a growing affection for the odd creaks and sighs and shifting shadows. The dawn breeze seems to slow and thread itself through the house as if enfolding us, and no longer buffeting against us.”
There’s just a wonderful infusion of atmosphere throughout the entire novel. The yellow villa has a bit of a history and I enjoyed learning of it. It’s not a major part of the story but its disclosure to Mia forms a springboard for better things down the track, a lovely example of connectivity between characters over time. I liked the conveyance of life as an expat as well, particularly the inferences around country of origin and how this determines your welcome from the French locals.
Dominic would have to be one of the most authentically despicable, misogynistic, self-centered waste of space human beings I have ever encountered on the page. What an absolutely brilliant character! His ego was insatiable and his reflections on himself as he wrote his memoirs were hysterical. Poor Susannah, for all her faults, I forgave them at once as soon Dominic’s true character was evident. No one would ever deserve to be stuck with someone such as him – his downfall was a perfect example of natural justice. There was a ‘fargo-esque’ quality to the happenings within Susannah’s and Dominic’s household. The pair and their goings on were outrageous and yet entirely plausible. I was heartened to witness Susannah’s character growth, particularly towards the end. She was a character I tucked into my heart early on in the novel.
“Now she is discovering that she can stare into that abyss and see beyond the darkness. There is a faint glow in the distance, and as she moves towards it she knows it will become brighter and expand around her and she will be comforted by it. She will step into the light on her own. It will be her light. And she is determined to walk towards it every day.”
Mia also grew immeasurably over the course of the novel. She discovered many things about herself and in the end, so did Ben. Her friendship with Susannah was admirable, her integrity and empathy weighing in at some difficult moments and I was so pleased with how she helped Susannah when she was at her most needy, despite feeling at odds about it. She read Dominic like a book right from the start which of course weighed in when making her decision to help Susannah. Where Ben was a bit of a fence sitter regarding Dominic, preferring to view him as eccentric and forgive him his faults, Mia was firmly unsettled by him right from the beginning, viewing him from an angle that was impossible for Ben: that of a dismissed woman. The superb characterisation employed by Amanda Hampson is a standout feature of this novel. Each chapter alternated between one of the four, balancing the story and maximising the entertainment value. The ending worked so well for me, for all four characters. I highly recommend The Yellow Villa, it’s a most enjoyable novel that will have you snickering throughout and occasionally swallowing a bitter pill.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Yellow Villa for review.
December 12, 2024
3.5★
The Yellow Villa by Aussie author Amanda Hampson was an enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed the setting for this one. Recommended.
The Yellow Villa by Aussie author Amanda Hampson was an enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed the setting for this one. Recommended.
December 13, 2018
This was a bit strange with characters that were not particularly likeable.
September 17, 2018
SO enjoyed everything about this book! It's beautifully crafted, paced, and written with empathy and flair. The story grabbed me from the first pages and pulled me into the characters' lives and the delightful French setting. And as for the plot - it's not often I gasp aloud while reading a story these days! Kudos to this talented author.
August 31, 2021
Dull.
Just did not hit the spot.
Just did not hit the spot.
October 31, 2018
The main characters were mostly miserable throughout the majority of the book, so I didn't really enjoy reading the book, in the absence of a significantly interesting storyline. The book revolved around relationship issues. Although I have enjoyed other books with central themes of relationship issues, I didn't feel like I did enjoy this book, it was more a process to get through it. It did have some almost funny subtle scenarios woven through it, but one of the main characters was a self centred, egotistical, cruel man, and it was difficult to see how two of the other main characters didn't seem to be fully aware of this until towards the end of the book. The central story is a young Australian couple moving to the French countryside and renovating an old house. They are miserable a lot, and I found it frustrating and a bit hard to believe that there was nothing in the whole book about them travelling around and sightseeing in the beautiful local area and diverse surrounding European countries which are extremely close, particularly since the female was purported to be an art teacher (really, would an art teacher move to France from Australia and not ever even entertain the thought of visiting some of the world's best art galleries just hours away?) Would a young Australian couple from Sydney not think about travelling around Europe or have friends living in London in this day and age, and just stay in an old house and renovate it and be miserable when the female character isn't working and there aren't many young people to befriend in the local area? If so, that is sad. There was a nice Pollyanna type ending for some of the main characters following a bit of fighting and grisly drama but overall I thought the book was a bit ho hum. Others may enjoy it if they are interested in subtle commentary on moving to France and renovating a house and what goes on in the world of food critics.
December 5, 2018
Amanda Hampson is deceptively clever with her characters - while The Yellow Villa is a delightful, easy to read escape - the characters and their relationships are layered, nuanced and intriguing. I found myself laughing out loud then, on very the next page, shocked by their outrageous, but totally believable behaviour. And the ending! Well, what can I say. No spoilers here. You'll just have to read it.
May 6, 2018
I loved this book the latest by Amanda Hampson. Not a large book, but this story packs a powerful punch about people, who they appear to be and who they really are. A great read I would recommend.
October 16, 2023
I love Amanda's writing, she paints great pictures through her descriptions. The characters in this story are very interesting and complex! Recommended!
May 16, 2018
Amanda Hampson doesn't let you down. An emotional story that keeps you captivated to the end.
February 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Relationship drama set in an idyllic French village….I wasn’t sure where this book was meant to be going but I guess it’s because I’m not used to general fiction as I don’t read it too much.
I didn’t warm to any of the characters but the author did really well with them all. The ending gave me a lot of feelings and I wish the rest of the book had done the same.
Here are some of my underlines:
One simply needs to take a real interest in people, since almost no one does these days
France was always a dream. What’s not clear to me is how to live that dream in a practical sense. The attraction of a dream is elusiveness; its elevation above the every day.
Loneliness has a way of surreptitiously telegraphing itself like a disagreeable illness. There’s something faintly repellent about it.
Dominic sighs, his pleasant reverie interrupted by the sounds of Susannah’s distant sobbing. Hormones. Thank God to have been born a man.
This one is so powerfully writing in the ending:
‘Sometimes I still have dreams about the child I thought we would have. It’s a nostalgic dream of lost love but I sense that loss is like any other scar - it will fade with time. I don’t put my energies into that longing anymore. I had to let go of my dream child to share my life with many children. To be awake to the living world’
Relationship drama set in an idyllic French village….I wasn’t sure where this book was meant to be going but I guess it’s because I’m not used to general fiction as I don’t read it too much.
I didn’t warm to any of the characters but the author did really well with them all. The ending gave me a lot of feelings and I wish the rest of the book had done the same.
Here are some of my underlines:
One simply needs to take a real interest in people, since almost no one does these days
France was always a dream. What’s not clear to me is how to live that dream in a practical sense. The attraction of a dream is elusiveness; its elevation above the every day.
Loneliness has a way of surreptitiously telegraphing itself like a disagreeable illness. There’s something faintly repellent about it.
Dominic sighs, his pleasant reverie interrupted by the sounds of Susannah’s distant sobbing. Hormones. Thank God to have been born a man.
This one is so powerfully writing in the ending:
‘Sometimes I still have dreams about the child I thought we would have. It’s a nostalgic dream of lost love but I sense that loss is like any other scar - it will fade with time. I don’t put my energies into that longing anymore. I had to let go of my dream child to share my life with many children. To be awake to the living world’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2018
having enjoyed The Olive Sisters and The French Perfumer I was all set to devour this book, but I had to almost force myself to complete it (at least it is short) The characters are not hugely loveable, and their personalities seem to change from page to page. There are a couple of mysteries, why Ben and Mia left Sydney, who are the older British expats really, but this could be set anywhere. I didn't get a very French feel, apart from the constant reiteration that Mia spoke French perfectly and Ben couldn't get by without her translating. Disappointing.
January 27, 2019
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Recensione a cura di Dannyella – La villa di famiglia di Amanda Hampson. Edito il 10.01.2019 da Newton Compton. Genere: narrativa contemporanea. 320 pagine.
Non conoscevo l’autrice Amanda Hampson, venuta alla ribalta nel 2017 con la pubblicazione del suo primo romanzo Il profumo segreto dei fiori, ma avevo sentito parlare della sua opera e in particolar modo della sua abilità nel saper caratterizzare i personaggi. È un’abilità che non ho avuto difficoltà a riconoscere anche in questa opera. Dei personaggi ben caratterizzati, a mio modo di vedere le cose, sono dei personaggi che il lettore non fa fatica a immaginare come persone in carne e ossa al di là delle pagine. Personaggi reali, così pieni di pregi e difetti da non fare fatica a immergerli nella realtà. Ed ecco la peculiarità dei protagonisti del romanzo La villa di famiglia. Da una parte abbiamo Mia e Ben, una giovane coppia che ha deciso di lasciare l’Australia per trasferirsi in un paesino francese. Il loro è un tentativo dovuto alla voglia di ricominciare e di dare una nuova opportunità alla loro coppia, dopo aver fallito una prima volta. Ecco il lato umano di Mia e Ben: non stiamo parlando di una coppia da Mulino Bianco, ma di un uomo e una donna messi a dura prova da un’esperienza tragica che li ha portati a separarsi, e che hanno scelto di continuare a crederci, decidendo quindi di dare un nuovo sfondo, quello francese, alla loro coppia. Ma non basta scegliere di ricominciare: bisogna impegnarsi ogni giorno. Ed ecco Ben alle prese con una nuova lingua con la quale non sembra andare d’accordo e Mia alla ricerca di quell’ispirazione che sembra aver perduto da un po’. E poi ancora rivediamo Ben alle prese con gli stessi errori del passato: rinchiuso nel suo lavoro e Mia costretta a reinventarsi da sola.
Ma Mia e Ben non sono gli unici protagonisti di questo romanzo, anzi, i veri protagonisti sono in realtà i nuovi vicini che non tardano a presentarsi davanti alla loro porta per porger loro il benvenuto nel quartiere. Dominic e Susannah sono due sessantenni, ma ben lontani dall’immagine dolce e gentile che una coppia sposata da tanti anni potrebbe suggerire. Per loro un terapista di coppia dovrebbe saper fare miracoli. Dominic è un uomo inquietante, sempre troppo preso da se stesso e dalle sue idee geniali per sbancare il lunario. Susannah è una donna che ha perso il rispetto di sé e la propria strada da troppo tempo. Un uomo e una donna non adatti a stare insieme, sposatisi sull’onda di un’attrazione sessuale che si è subito esaurita lasciando il posto a della cenere inumidita. Eppure Susannah spera in un nuovo inizio quando fa la conoscenza di Mia e Ben nella speranza di poter rubare alla coppia un po’ di quella loro apparente felicità . Ecco, tornerebbe alla mente quello che numerosi scrittori hanno detto in mille modi diversi: la felicità è un concetto astratto, nessuno sembra essere davvero felice dietro quei sorrisi così facilmente elargiti.
Ma il romanzo va ben al di là di questo e si fa leggere con vera curiosità e interesse dall’inizio alla fine. Un romanzo consigliato a chi legge con interesse le storie famigliari e che abbia voglia di farsi stupire da un finale inaspettato, ben lontano da quel vissero felici e contenti convenzionale.
Ottima l’edizione a cura della Newton di cui ho anche molto apprezzato la cover.
Recensione a cura di Dannyella – La villa di famiglia di Amanda Hampson. Edito il 10.01.2019 da Newton Compton. Genere: narrativa contemporanea. 320 pagine.
Non conoscevo l’autrice Amanda Hampson, venuta alla ribalta nel 2017 con la pubblicazione del suo primo romanzo Il profumo segreto dei fiori, ma avevo sentito parlare della sua opera e in particolar modo della sua abilità nel saper caratterizzare i personaggi. È un’abilità che non ho avuto difficoltà a riconoscere anche in questa opera. Dei personaggi ben caratterizzati, a mio modo di vedere le cose, sono dei personaggi che il lettore non fa fatica a immaginare come persone in carne e ossa al di là delle pagine. Personaggi reali, così pieni di pregi e difetti da non fare fatica a immergerli nella realtà. Ed ecco la peculiarità dei protagonisti del romanzo La villa di famiglia. Da una parte abbiamo Mia e Ben, una giovane coppia che ha deciso di lasciare l’Australia per trasferirsi in un paesino francese. Il loro è un tentativo dovuto alla voglia di ricominciare e di dare una nuova opportunità alla loro coppia, dopo aver fallito una prima volta. Ecco il lato umano di Mia e Ben: non stiamo parlando di una coppia da Mulino Bianco, ma di un uomo e una donna messi a dura prova da un’esperienza tragica che li ha portati a separarsi, e che hanno scelto di continuare a crederci, decidendo quindi di dare un nuovo sfondo, quello francese, alla loro coppia. Ma non basta scegliere di ricominciare: bisogna impegnarsi ogni giorno. Ed ecco Ben alle prese con una nuova lingua con la quale non sembra andare d’accordo e Mia alla ricerca di quell’ispirazione che sembra aver perduto da un po’. E poi ancora rivediamo Ben alle prese con gli stessi errori del passato: rinchiuso nel suo lavoro e Mia costretta a reinventarsi da sola.
Ma Mia e Ben non sono gli unici protagonisti di questo romanzo, anzi, i veri protagonisti sono in realtà i nuovi vicini che non tardano a presentarsi davanti alla loro porta per porger loro il benvenuto nel quartiere. Dominic e Susannah sono due sessantenni, ma ben lontani dall’immagine dolce e gentile che una coppia sposata da tanti anni potrebbe suggerire. Per loro un terapista di coppia dovrebbe saper fare miracoli. Dominic è un uomo inquietante, sempre troppo preso da se stesso e dalle sue idee geniali per sbancare il lunario. Susannah è una donna che ha perso il rispetto di sé e la propria strada da troppo tempo. Un uomo e una donna non adatti a stare insieme, sposatisi sull’onda di un’attrazione sessuale che si è subito esaurita lasciando il posto a della cenere inumidita. Eppure Susannah spera in un nuovo inizio quando fa la conoscenza di Mia e Ben nella speranza di poter rubare alla coppia un po’ di quella loro apparente felicità . Ecco, tornerebbe alla mente quello che numerosi scrittori hanno detto in mille modi diversi: la felicità è un concetto astratto, nessuno sembra essere davvero felice dietro quei sorrisi così facilmente elargiti.
Ma il romanzo va ben al di là di questo e si fa leggere con vera curiosità e interesse dall’inizio alla fine. Un romanzo consigliato a chi legge con interesse le storie famigliari e che abbia voglia di farsi stupire da un finale inaspettato, ben lontano da quel vissero felici e contenti convenzionale.
Ottima l’edizione a cura della Newton di cui ho anche molto apprezzato la cover.
January 12, 2026
If you’ve ever had a secret fantasy of moving to France and living a picturesque life immersing yourself in French culture, this book will kill it dead….or at least take the shine off a bit. Close to a seemingly perfect little French village, Mia and Ben buy a villa and relocate their whole lives from Australia. Unfortunately, the reality of their new life is not as easy or romantic as they imagined. They meet Susannah and Dominic, older ex-pat Brits who don’t seem to be really enjoying their French idyll either. So begins a tale which gradually reveals the backstory of both couples and asks the question, can the quintessential French fantasy really heal emotional wounds both old and new?
It took me a while to get into this novel (I was honestly close to DNFing!) as I didn’t like the characters nor the way their lives in France were depicted. However, as the story unfolds, more intrigue is revealed and some of the characters reveal hidden depths. Not everyone has a redemptive arc in this story, but ultimately I did find the second half of the book and its conclusion quite satisfying.
(Note: In different circumstances I’d still love a little villa in the French countryside or a tiny apartment in Paris to run away to once or twice a year and live my dream! Everyone needs a fantasy, even if it is totally unrealistic. 🇫🇷)
It took me a while to get into this novel (I was honestly close to DNFing!) as I didn’t like the characters nor the way their lives in France were depicted. However, as the story unfolds, more intrigue is revealed and some of the characters reveal hidden depths. Not everyone has a redemptive arc in this story, but ultimately I did find the second half of the book and its conclusion quite satisfying.
(Note: In different circumstances I’d still love a little villa in the French countryside or a tiny apartment in Paris to run away to once or twice a year and live my dream! Everyone needs a fantasy, even if it is totally unrealistic. 🇫🇷)
August 31, 2019
This was a light read, compellingly written- a perfect updated version of Joanna Trollope, whom I loved reading in the 1990s. This story is about 2 couples, an older, retired, profligate English couple who basically dislike each other; and a younger Australian couple, mid 30s trying to try again in a new country, following disappointment and sorrow back in Sydney. The story is worth reading because the writing is clear, relaxed but accomplished and you can get into the flow of what the different characters are thinking and feeling, their motivations and fears, without necessarily working your arse off intellectually. This doesn't mean the story lacks nuance, as it has some very sound observations about people, especially their inner lives. Overall, I liked this story and would easily recommend it as a stocking filler for Xmas that delivers a much needed escape from the routine, it is transporting in a gentle manner, and good books have the capacity to do this for us readers.
April 26, 2023
Not quite 4 stars
26 April 2023
I more than liked it, but not really liked it. Immediately after finishing The French Perfumer, I decided to start her other book, I read immediately after finishing the author's The Yellow Villa, and ...
Sheesh! This was a classic case of the dangers of judging a book by it's cover. I expected something a bit lighter. That is not what I got. The characters are deeply flawed and unlikeable. The more likeable characters are somewhat flat.
That said, I did like this book. The writing is good, and Zoe Carides' narration is strong and enjoyable.
25 April 2023
At approximately 25% through, I am wondering if there is a likeable or interesting character on the way. Oddly, I am enjoying the story, but nearly every character is deeply flawed, a bully, or milquetoast. Hopefully, this is part of the strategy to slowly reveal the secrets each has.
26 April 2023
I more than liked it, but not really liked it. Immediately after finishing The French Perfumer, I decided to start her other book, I read immediately after finishing the author's The Yellow Villa, and ...
Sheesh! This was a classic case of the dangers of judging a book by it's cover. I expected something a bit lighter. That is not what I got. The characters are deeply flawed and unlikeable. The more likeable characters are somewhat flat.
That said, I did like this book. The writing is good, and Zoe Carides' narration is strong and enjoyable.
25 April 2023
At approximately 25% through, I am wondering if there is a likeable or interesting character on the way. Oddly, I am enjoying the story, but nearly every character is deeply flawed, a bully, or milquetoast. Hopefully, this is part of the strategy to slowly reveal the secrets each has.
November 28, 2023
I have enjoyed many of Amanda Hampson’s books before, however this one was a big miss for me.
A character study of a young couple, Mia and Ben relocating to France from Australia, their back story unfolds as the book progresses but the whole feel is melodramatic, claustrophobic and stale. I didn’t like any of the characters really, especially Domenic the ‘expat’ neighbour unhappily coupled with Susannah, so it was a hard slog to finish. And the gothic ‘ghosts of secret pasts’ storylines, for all the main characters, are at odds with the contemporary timeframe.
Ultimately I just couldn’t get invested in any of them enough to care once the inevitable crescendo culminated with the big reveal. The final chapters at least were a welcome relief for both myself and the characters who are finally ‘awake to the living world’.
A character study of a young couple, Mia and Ben relocating to France from Australia, their back story unfolds as the book progresses but the whole feel is melodramatic, claustrophobic and stale. I didn’t like any of the characters really, especially Domenic the ‘expat’ neighbour unhappily coupled with Susannah, so it was a hard slog to finish. And the gothic ‘ghosts of secret pasts’ storylines, for all the main characters, are at odds with the contemporary timeframe.
Ultimately I just couldn’t get invested in any of them enough to care once the inevitable crescendo culminated with the big reveal. The final chapters at least were a welcome relief for both myself and the characters who are finally ‘awake to the living world’.
August 26, 2025
An enjoyable tale that says quite a lot in a short time about relationships & fresh starts. This small town in France has provided Australian couple, Mia & Ben Tinker, with a place to attempt a new beginning, & they are befriended by an English pair, Susannah & Dominic Harrington, who would rather keep the reasons for their own move to themselves. The characters are well-sketched, particularly Dominic, who has certainly reinvented himself, whether intentionally, or not.
The ending was a little abrupt: one moment Mia was meandering along doing nothing & feeling sorry for herself, & the next she was full of resolution & all was right with the world. I was happy to see that she'd finally pulled her finger out, but the rapid conclusion was a little unsatisfying. Overall, however, an entertaining, easy read. 3.5★
The ending was a little abrupt: one moment Mia was meandering along doing nothing & feeling sorry for herself, & the next she was full of resolution & all was right with the world. I was happy to see that she'd finally pulled her finger out, but the rapid conclusion was a little unsatisfying. Overall, however, an entertaining, easy read. 3.5★
June 7, 2019
Young Australian couple Mira and Ben sell up in Sydney to follow a dream, buying a run-down villa in a picturesque village in SW France, a move aimed at rekindling their marriage. They are taken under the wing by an older British couple who have done just that themselves, so their friendship and advice are gratefully accepted. But all is not as it would appear with Dominic and Susannah. Their relationship, their wealth, their very existence is all superficial, built on lies and scandal. As the fractures in both marriages become deeper, events lead to a dramatic climax with one couple destroyed and the other finally finding themselves in this idyllic corner of France. A very light and easy read that will keep you interested, despite the appalling behaviour of some of the main characters.
February 13, 2022
I coniugi australiani Mia e Ben si trasferiscono in un piccolo paese francese, dove hanno acquistato una vecchia villa. Accanto a loro abitano un'anziana coppia inglese, Susannah e Dominic Harrington. Se inizialmente la loro nuova esistenza sembra idilliaca, perfetta per ricominciare dopo una ferita che ha colpito entrambi nel profondo, mano a mano piccole crepe iniziano a rivelare una realtà fatta di segreti e misteri, a partire dalle stanze e dalla storia della loro stessa casa.
La Villa di Famiglia mi è piaciuto molto, sia nella sua trama con un sottofondo noir, sia nel suo stile scorrevole, molto diverso a seconda che il capitolo sia raccontato dal punto di vista di uno dei suoi quattro protagonisti. Consigliato!
La Villa di Famiglia mi è piaciuto molto, sia nella sua trama con un sottofondo noir, sia nel suo stile scorrevole, molto diverso a seconda che il capitolo sia raccontato dal punto di vista di uno dei suoi quattro protagonisti. Consigliato!
July 19, 2018
WOW! I really loved this book. I had read The French Perfumer and was a bit disappointed as the best part of the story happened right at the end. The Yellow Villa was great from start to finish. I can actually see this as a play. It reminds me a little of Who is afraid of Virginia Wolf but set in a different time, place and different characters but with a similar exploration of human character. It was very cleverly written, giving the reader a distinct idea of the setting right from the start and building the characters profiles very quickly. I got very attached to Mia, Susannah and Ben and was pleased and also relieved with the ending
August 18, 2018
Loved the cover that's what got me in to start with,But this story has more involved than you might think first imagine. A young Australian couple Mia and Ben, buy a villa in France hoping to make a fresh start. They meet a sophisticated older couple Susannah and Dominic and are initially impressed with the pair of Expat Brits.
Throughout the story, fresh information is revealed and the veneer of each couple’s ’perfect’ life gradually discloses uncomfortable truths about their relationships and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my first Amanda Hampson book and it was a refreshing find thank you.
Throughout the story, fresh information is revealed and the veneer of each couple’s ’perfect’ life gradually discloses uncomfortable truths about their relationships and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my first Amanda Hampson book and it was a refreshing find thank you.
June 6, 2018
I can't say exactly why this book was so compelling, because it moves at a languid pace & there's so much inner monologuing that it ought to have bored the pants off me but I was deeply invested in all these people & what they were going through. Especially Susannah who was stuck with that miserable bastard Dominic. What a pig he was. Ugh. Ben & Mia interested me less than the older couple but their interactions were also enough to keep me involved. A great study of domestic relationships, the little & big disappointments that chip away at people. Will read others from this author
June 25, 2018
Despite its charming cover, this story has more involved than you might at first imagine. A young Australian couple Mia and Ben, buy a villa in France hoping to make a fresh start. They meet a sophisticated older couple Susannah and Dominic and are initially impressed with the pair of Expat Brits.
Throughout the story, fresh information is revealed and the veneer of each couple’s ’perfect’ life gradually discloses uncomfortable truths about their relationships and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Throughout the story, fresh information is revealed and the veneer of each couple’s ’perfect’ life gradually discloses uncomfortable truths about their relationships and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 13, 2018
This book was a light entertaining read about an Australian couple who move to France and buy an old house. Stories of their lives and past intertwine with an that of an English couple they meet. There is also mystery and history behind the house which and also the characters in the story. It is about the diversity of life that thrown to us all in different ways. It may not always have a happy ending but about it is about coming to terms with the circumstances and overcoming challenges and moving on.
An enjoyable story.
An enjoyable story.
May 24, 2021
V tomto případě, spojení dvou párů s osobními problémy, Francie, vína a okolností, potažmo tajemství, prostě neklaplo. Příběh je postupně vyprávěný z hlediska všech 4 hlavních aktérů, bohužel ani jeden z nich není nijak sympatický, spíše naopak - místy jsou aktéři až nechutní. Během čtení ve mně kniha budila jediný pocit, a to, že už jsem ji chtěla mít rychle za sebou. Ono totiž ani to "tajemství", zase až takovým tajemstvím nebylo, natož aby se konala nějaká záhada. Takže ano, tento příběh mě prostě zklamal - a to ještě hodně něžně řečeno.
January 26, 2025
I went through every emotion with this book.
One minute I was, oh this book is so atmospheric and artfully written, then I was laughing to myself and then I was “what?? Really?? That’s weird.”
It was very much a domestic drama with some emotionally troubled, badly behaved adults!
But overall I couldn’t put it down and like lots of reviews have said, the ending was a bit “questionable”
The Best line in the book: Susannah walks in silence, either lost in thought or continuing to sulk. Only the dogs in their ridiculous hooded tartan coats seem to be enjoying the outing.
One minute I was, oh this book is so atmospheric and artfully written, then I was laughing to myself and then I was “what?? Really?? That’s weird.”
It was very much a domestic drama with some emotionally troubled, badly behaved adults!
But overall I couldn’t put it down and like lots of reviews have said, the ending was a bit “questionable”
The Best line in the book: Susannah walks in silence, either lost in thought or continuing to sulk. Only the dogs in their ridiculous hooded tartan coats seem to be enjoying the outing.
May 25, 2018
Whilst I did not expect the way the story turned towards the end, I loved it. It's one of those stories that hooks you in - and whilst the twists and turns were a little outlandish, it kept my attention.
A short book but a great read - perfect for a holiday or plane trip or when you want a quick, lighthearted read.
I'll definitely be checking out Amanda's other books.
Find more reviews and book recommendations at www.southerninlaw.com or www.instagram.com/southerninlaw ❤️
A short book but a great read - perfect for a holiday or plane trip or when you want a quick, lighthearted read.
I'll definitely be checking out Amanda's other books.
Find more reviews and book recommendations at www.southerninlaw.com or www.instagram.com/southerninlaw ❤️
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