Hot Sun, Cool Shadow: Savouring the Food, History and Mystery of the Languedoc

by Angela Murrills

An unabashed celebration of the joys of food and cooking, Hot Sun, Cool Shadow follows the story of award-winning food-writer Angela Murrills and the artist Peter Matthews, who travel together to the southerly French region of Languedoc. The Languedoc is famed for its landscape, legendary gastronomical pleasures and rich culture, stretching from the Rhone to the Pyrennees, it is one of Europe's oldest provinces and one of it's most fertile regions. Hot Sun, Cool Shadow, is a vivid account of their quest for the finest wines, cuisine and characters. Along the way they discover ancient houses, take in the scenery that inspired great artists like Henry Matisse, retrace the steps of Toulouse-Lautrec, and recreate typical dishes of the region; finally settling themselves in this staunchly independent agricultural region, where life moves at a steady pace under the mellow sun. Hot Sun, Cool Shadow includes over eighty illustrations by renowned artist Peter Matthews.

Genres: France, Nonfiction, Travel, Food, Memoir, History, Cooking

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic idea of this book is remarkably similar to John Burton Race's French Leave. A couple of Canadians, she a food writer, he an artist, spend many holidays in the Languedoc, falling in love with it to the extent of eventually buying a house here. Of course much of their interest is in food, and each chapter ends with a couple of recipes. But the overall effect is quite different. Unlike with Burton-Race, I had the feeling that I would like these people if I met them. They seem to like doing a lot of the same things we do: markets, wandering around old ruins, eating in unpretentious restaurants, meeting the locals, the urge to find out more about the history and culture of the area. And of course, like us they fell in love with the area and its people, and bought a house here!

They've been to lots of the same places we have: Marseillan (where Noilly Prat is made), the Cathar castles, Rennes le Château, Montolieu ... and Murrills introduces historical detail with a light touch, just enough to make the reader want to find out more. It's not a work of staggering genius or anything, but it's a nice light read, and despite living here for 15 years I learned a few things -- I had no idea there's a village not that far from here dedicated to the manufacture of copper pans, for example. If you are a slow traveller visiting the region, interested in things other than the main tourist hotspots, this would be a great book to bring with you. I was pleased to find via a quick Google that Angela Murrills has a blog too. Now in my feed reader.

[Bonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys travelling, enjoys food and dreams of living in France.

This book is set partly in Vancouver, BC where the authors live for part of the year .. and drea,m of how soon they can return to the Langdoc.

I really enjoyed this bok and while I haven't been to the Langdoc, I recognized enough places from reading other current best sellers, Da Vinci Code and Labyrinth.

If you love good reading and a few mst try recipes, grab this book and a nice glass of French Wine!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this absolutely charming book, immediately after finishing another book about American expats in Europe called, Granada: Pomegranate in the Hand of God, by Steven Nightingale. Both books are highly recommended for anyone dreaming of moving overseas--and coincidentally both southern Spain and the Languedoc region of France are top choices for retiring abroad, according to multiple sources. Yes, I am hoping to move overseas. Having spent over twenty years in Japan, moving home to LA has been, how shall I put it? The pits. Hoping to get the hell out of here as soon as it is humanely possible. And Languedoc is a place I love! Unlike Steven Nightingale in Granada, Angela Murrills did not set out specifically to move to the Languedoc region of France. She and her husband actually had a map of France out and discussed many locations before narrowing in on Languedoc. Like Nightingale and his wife, their reasons for moving included a dream for neighborliness and slow food. This book really is about the slow life vis-a-vis slow foods...I LOVED it... her chapter on going on pilgrimage to the birthplace of cassoulet is inspired--it will make you hungry! From Viollet-le-duc at Carcassonne to the crusade at Albi and Toulouse Lautrec, she captures this wonderful region of France. Hopefully someday soon will be able to visit Peripignan and maybe do the Camino along the Chemin d'Arles. Now that would be something! To retire? I would still choose Beaune. I LOVE FRANCE!!!

[Agnes Goyvaerts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Murrills tells the reader about her and her husband's adventures with food and culture in the Languedoc reagion of France. She has lovely descriptive language and this, among others, makes the book an enjoyable read. Her talk about early morning croissant or baguette straight from the boulangerie around the corner made my mouth water.
Light, cheerful and delicious reading, which I would recommend with pleasure.

[Joe Pfeiler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book that takes the reader through places, time, and food. It made me want to visit towns in the Languedoc to which I've not yet been.

[Debra Hartsfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to do this!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptions of delicious culinary adventures in the Languedoc enhanced by recipes. Made me want to grab my passport and fly to France.

[Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book far more than I did

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Putting a passion into words, explaining why you are smitten with anything - a person, a job, a country - is never easy. But in the case of the Languedoc, the land speaks for itself. The appeals of its thyme-scented garrigue (the rough scrub that covers the inland hills), idyllic pastureland and sun-baked valleys are self-evident, but it's the abrupt flashes in temperament that delight us, the distant mountain crags that suddenly encroach on a serene valley, the fertile plains that give way to flawless beaches, the eerie flat landscape of the Camargue and the coastal lagoons known as ètangs."

Food critic and writer Angela Murrills along with her husband, Peter Matthews, an artist who charmingly illustrates this fascinating book, recounts their journeys of discovery through Languedoc in the South of France, whilst searching for a French second home. We discover the people of this region with their ancient customs and language and Murrills recounts its long and sometimes troubled history. I was particuarly interested in the information she gave about us about the Cathars, persecuted for their Protestant beliefs, who held out in fortress strongholds such as Montségur in the Pyrenean foothills; about the building of the Canal du Midi, an impressive feat of engineering started in 1666 and linking the Mediterranean with the River Gironde which runs into the Atlantic Ocean; and about the life of the locally born artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and about the places which caught the eye of painters such as Henri Matisse and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of whose paintings they find semi-forgotten on the wall in a small hotel. Murrills takes us through Languedoc not only area by area but dish by dish too as this is also a culinary journey. She gives information about regional wines and drink, food preparation and the varied cuisine, including some local recipes for the reader to try at home.

Just before my holiday I had wandered into our local library – in case they had any Langudoc guide books I had missed – and was fortunate to discover this newly shelved foodie travelogue. This type of book helps to bring a holiday alive and ‘Hot Sun, Cool Shadow’ certainly helped us discover, and try, the regional delights, both culinary and tourist, of the Languedoc. I had intended to just ‘dip’ into the chapters covering the area where we were staying but in the end the book was so good I read it all.

This review was originally written 7 years ago. It looks as if we might be heading in that direction again this year so I have just treated myself to a copy of this little book to enjoy again!

[Ells · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of every summer, I visit France from my armchair--or rather my lounge out on the deck. I began this several years ago when I belatedly discovered "A Year in Provence." In continuing the food exploration I began with Julia Child and Avis Devoto two books ago, "Hot Sun, Cool Shadow" delivers on what it promises--food, history and mystery in the Languedoc region of France.

Angela and her husband, Peter, annually visit France and have come to own a house there. On every visit, they would explore the villages of the region for a house to buy, as well as to explore the history and recipes. I was happy to stroll and explore with them. Peter, an artist, shows us Languedoc through his sketchings. Angela shares with us time-honored recipes.

I picked this book up at my library's used book sale. I always am drawn to the travel section! Something out this book called out to me and I am glad I took it home with me last winter. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you Angela and Peter!

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZNuV...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming entry in the Peter Mayles, Susan Loomis 'I Bought a House in France' annals of expat literature. Angela Murrills' account of her ten year adventure, along with her husband Peter Matthews, in the Languedoc region of France combines history, recipes, personal anecdotes, and delightful pen and ink sketches (her husband's) in a well-organized, gracefully written whole. I enjoyed this very much, when I wasn't consumed with envy, that is. Thank you, Bonny, for recommending this. You were right---it IS perfect for me!

[Cheryl Schibley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a couple from Canada who make several trips to the Languedoc region of France and then decide to buy a home there. It's got great recipes, history of the area, great information on the region. It does, however, lack some of the great irony, humor and mishaps that good travel writers usually include which is why I can only give the book four stars.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was perfect reading as I was headed to the Langudoc-Rousillon for an extended stay. Murrills' descriptions of places near where I'm staying added to my list of things to do, and her recipes are worth trying.

[S.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great if you are planning a vacation to this area, as we are. It should really be called "What I Ate in France" as the book is mostly about the author heading from one meal to the next. I had hoped for a little more history and information on the area.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do I keep torturing myself with these kinds of books?

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book about Canadian transplants exploring and then buying a home in the Languedoc Region of France. Recipes included!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much of a discussion on food for me and few recipes I would prepare due to time and ingredients.

[Phil Mann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written with some wonderfully descriptive passages but not quite what I was expecting or hoping for. Not enough about the region and far too many descriptions of food.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Musings on life in southwest France -- I did like that each chapter was centered on a different type of regional food or drink.

[Barbara Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graced with lovely charcoal sketches by Peter Matthews, this book tells about life in Languedoc. The sketches give you an idea about the architecture of the region. Recipes are included as a bonus.

[Chris Gleadell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, especially if you know this part of France.

[Vanessa Baker]

Made me hungry