An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography

by Jamie Beck

Let Jamie Beck transport you to the South of France with An American in Provence: part art book, part travelogue, part memoir, and part cookbook, and perfect for art lovers, Francophiles, and armchair travelers alike.

An American in Provence is a beautiful collection of exquisite portrait, scenic, and still-life photography from wildly popular and award-winning photographer Jamie Beck. Looking to slow down from her fast-paced life in New York City, Beck moved to the French countryside documenting her life as “An American in Provence.” What started as a one-year getaway became five as she continues to chronicle her life there through her photography on Instagram @JamieBeck.co, including the birth of her daughter, Eloise, all in the most breathtaking way.

In An American in Provence, Beck shares her tips and techniques for creating incredible photos and details her transformational journey as an artist and woman. Beck also includes farm-to-table recipes she's learned along the way, including Braised Beef Stew, Spring Chicken with Herbs de Provence, Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta with Spring Asparagus, and Lemon Meringue Tart. This stunning visual journey is sure to delight anyone who wishes to escape reality and immerse themselves in life in Provence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, France, Memoir, Travel, Photography, Cookbooks

Audiobook

Published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh - too much 'it's all about me' and way too many dramatic selfies.

[Jean Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos. Self-aggrandizing writing.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and sub-title tell you what the book is about – an American (woman) moves to Provence and slows down to really experience her life and to spend time making photos just for herself. The title doesn’t tell you that it’s a lovely, oversized coffee table book full of gorgeous photos, French recipes, instructional photography tutorials and more. I have been following Jamie Beck on Instagram because she lives in France and is an amazing photographer. When I heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it.

I had to laugh at the reviewers who criticized her photos and her writing. Yes, it’s all about her – it’s a memoir for crying out loud! She writes about how she discovered herself in the peaceful French countryside after living for years in the high-stress, fast-paced world of New York City.

The book is organized by seasons, with a French glossary and an extremely helpful index to assist you in easily locating what you’re looking for.

I found her writing style to be thoughtful, reflective, and often poetic. I do agree with other commenters that the font is too small (I’m glad to know it wasn’t just me). But the beautiful photos - of which many look like just like paintings – compensate for that issue.

This would make a wonderful gift for a Francophile, art lover, photographer, armchair traveler, or anyone who appreciates well-written memoirs.

[Agnes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot recall where I heard about this book a couple of months ago, but I had forgotten all about it when it popped up as available in my library holds. I came for photographs of Provence, which are generally welcome in the dregs of a DC winter. What I got instead were “art photos” of the author herself, generally in terrible taste (e.g., posing to recreate famous paintings, almost exclusively in either flowing white dresses or mostly nude) and staged still lives, all with a very under-saturated palette. The book would more aptly have been titled “My Breasts in Provence.” And don’t get me started on the tiny font text. It is the most self-congratulatory drivel I’ve read in a long time, full of “discoveries” that people just live normal lives outside of Manhattan and a great deal of self-promotion. Bill’s assessment is that it reads like a printed Instagram feed, which is far too generous an assessment in my opinion, as the book lacks any wit, which can occasionally be found on Instagram.

[Ashleu · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a point in this book where she was like "I know how privileged this sounds"...because it was. There was wildly so much privilege that was never mentioned more than one fleeting sentence. I'm not denying that Beck worked hard, but there was so much "deeper" things she could have discussed.

I'm sure this book is perfect for so many people, I was not that person.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

If for no other reason, buy this book for the photographs! They are beautiful. I fell in love with them. When I look at them, I can feel myself escaping inside them and having all kinds of wonderful adventures!

[Kristen Lancia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most stunning and inspirational book I have picked up this year! It exudes such joy and reading it is like taking a vacation to Provence. I will enjoy it and it’s recipes for many years to come.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Beck is a successful professional photographer. She experiences a rough airplane landing where her last thought is, if I land safely I’m moving to France. And surprisingly she actually does it. The book covers her adjusting to the simpler life style of the French countryside. She is not in tourist areas so needs to be able to communicate in French. She talks about going from staying in her apartment and trying a new restaurant once a week to embracing others and exposing herself to more as she becomes more comfortable in her surroundings. Her photos are a star of the book. Beautiful landscapes, self portraits and still life’s of food and breads that make my mouth water are lovely. She includes lessons she learned along the way. I carefully read her photography tips, some work for a camera phones while others are more elaborate. She also talks about food and includes some recipes. I really enjoyed what I read and saw unfortunately my eARC only included 99 pages of over 300. I downloaded the file a few times with the same results. So I was only able to read Autumn and part of Winter. Based on what I saw I think this would appeal to Froncofiles, travelers, cooks, photographers and anyone who ever thought of changing their life and living abroad. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for a temporary eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Jamie Beck’s photography and picked up this coffee table book expecting it to be mostly her photographs but was surprised to discover some really lovely written pieces about finding beauty, taking chances and following your passion. Her photography is stunning also and the whole book was an experience of her art and creative process.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with Jamie Beck going on a business trip working for Chanel where she fell in love with Provence! She decided to pursue a long-term stay visa to be able to live in Provence. A wonderful book capturing her experiences, recipes, and photography! I loved how she organized this book by seasons!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a gem of a book! I took my time sipping this up. The photographs are, of course, exquisite. But oh my word, so is each essay and recipe. I can't dash off to Provence (yet), but I love all of Beck's ideas for bringing more of that connection into your life, wherever you live.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous book! The photographs are stunning and I loved looking through every single one, especially of the landscapes and domestic details. Sadly, the print was way too small and the handwriting font on many of the pictures was completely impossible to read. I tried my best (with my older eyes) to read as much as I could, but it was difficult.

I enjoyed looking through the recipes and tip sections as well, especially the sections on photography and how to take better photos.

Highly recommended for a coffee table book if you love the French countryside, still lifes and portraits.

[Vanessa Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books that celebrate the glory of each season and I dream of returning to Provence so I enjoyed this book and I am sure I will return to it for the beautiful recipes and inspiration! However, I was put off by some of the cliches ("To use your gut is to free yourself from a lifetime of cultural influence, parental guidance, and educational practices and begin the journey of discovering your own truth") and while I am all for appreciating the beauty of the human form, some of the nudity was not very tasteful.

[Mae]

mommy ? sorry. mommy ?

[Julia Luckett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the message, not a fan of the messenger.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I've followed the author on social media for years and always enjoy peeking inside her Provencal world.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography (though a tad overdone with the self-portraits) accompanied by personal essays, recipes, photography tutorials. As someone who has spent much time in France and is also an enthusiastic (though amateur) photographer, I did enjoy this book. My major complaint is the difficulty in reading it (from a visual standpoint)…too small a font, too little white space, and not a crisp enough definition of print against page. Still enjoyable!

[Mikaela Corney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to love? Leave the city, move to a foreign country of your dreams to reconnect with your creative process, the land and nature, discover a new sense of self and a new community in turn allowing you to slow down and appreciate life to the fullest. Jaime is very privileged to be able to do this (something she admits early on in the book) but her journey is almost meditative and a reminder to follow your passion and slow down to observe more around you and reconnect and get out of the capitalist shitty rat race however you can. Oh and the photographs, tutorials, and recipes are great

Ps; the reviews on this book that are like “wow it’s self-indulgent/all about her” lol yeah maybe don’t pick up a memoir next time ??

[Carrie Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most gorgeous book I’ve ever read! Each page is a feast for the eyes, and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in Provençal culture through Jamie’s book. And more than that, I treasure the lessons that I’ve always known but that Jamie put into words: life should be simple and beautiful and lived at your own pace. The happiest lives are filled with good food, better friends, and as much natural beauty as you can find. Thank you for letting us into your world, Jamie Beck!

[Felicity Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book! Warm, rich, beautiful. Reading this book is falling into Jamie's story and a world as seen by a photographer.

There's so much to love: food, landscapes, cooking, self-discovery, French culture. I would have loved for this book to go on and on.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sumptuous and heartfelt.

[Anayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUNNING. well written, meaningful. Definitely makes you contemplate life and was to go out and take risks. The art is absolutely unbelievably precious. I want to frame every piece.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

notable quotes:

-Living like this is not "easy," but who said easy is good? Easy erases experience! Easy paves the road from point A to point B without any discomfort, leaving you no room for adventure.
-Did i move to France in order to make myself happy? No. i had given up on happiness, and didn set out in search of it when i moved to France. i didn't ask France so save me or bring me joy or entertain me. i just wanted France to be itself, as if I wasn't even there, so that i could learn whatever it was I didn't yet know about this country that spoke so me. I couldn't have cared less at that moment about my happines, so he honest, I just wanted to be free to live. i was gasping for air, done with psychoanalyzing all the inescapable things that were making me miserable. Happines was off the table, all i knew was that i needed to do something that was important to me before i died, with no goals or preconceived notions attached
-"I've learned that nothing lasts forever.
Not the light raking across a still life, not the way I feel today or might feel tomorrow.
If nothing lasts, then you have no better excuse than to enjoy the good moments, the beautiful light. the way it feels to be alive to its very fullest, and if darkness comes, know there will be light
again of yor yut hold or tight."
-the way you live your life can also be a form of creative expression, for creativity is present within all of us, and a little effort in everyday things has the potential to bring surprising transformations
-to use your gut is to free yourself from a lifetime of cultural influence, parental guidance, & education practices and begin the journey of discovering your own truth
-"I had a lonely childhood, and not because I wasn’t surrounded with people but because i retreated inside my head to worlds that didnt exist to the oufride. i liked to to crawl into the closet and play by myself for hours: it was a safer space to me than the rest of the world. [..] find the thing that sets you free


[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American in Provence is a surprising account of one woman's move to Provence - and I say "surprising" because an American moving to France is not a revolutionary premise, but the way Jamie tells her story is. We are taken along the journey, as Jamie sheds her old life, and her old perceptions of herself.

I was lucky enough to interview Jamie Beck for the Storytime in Paris podcast. Here is what I said:

"Ep 45. Jamie Beck, “An American in Provence”

Welcome to the season finale of Season Four of Storytime in Paris! I have a very special guest for you: Jamie Beck is a world-renowned photographer whose photographs are almost an extension of herself. Her list of credits is long and impressive, and speckled with world famous brands like Chanel, Donna Karan, Nike, Oscar de la Renta, Netflix, Disney, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, to name but a few. Among her many accolades, Jamie has twice been named as one of the industry’s top 100 creatives by Adweek magazine.

And yet, one year, she decided to give it all up. To move by herself to a remote village in Provence and see what could happen. The result was life-changing. Jamie’s book “An American in Provence,” is a beautiful memoir of that first year, combining personal relevations, recipes she loved, photographic tips, and her own stunning photography and, as of the very morning we spoke, it is a New York Times bestseller."

Find the full episode on parisundergroundradio.com/storytimein..., or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

[Yaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Jamie Beck leaves her busy New York life as a photographer and moves to a small flat in Provence. It is intertwined with her photographs, musings of daily life, and joy of slowing down to find contentment.
It also contains recipes, tips on photography, and how to pin insects (I skipped this part). I felt the book was very much her memoir and love song for Provence that transformed her. This is a lovely book, and I have enjoyed immensely.

I would recommend this book to art lovers and lovers of "Walden" or slow movements.
What would you do to make you happier?

I am being an extremely picky by choosing 4 stars, because her photos are very romantic and typical - not my favorite, but this is a personal taste. There is no doubt about she takes beautiful photos, so please don't judge before taking a look at a book. Story itself is somewhat also typical of this sort of book, yet it is satisfying and comforting. I feel this book may make a great holiday gift, with scrumptious recipes of French cooking at the end. If you are curious about this book, it's well-worth being picked up.

An Ebook copy was provided to me courtesy of NetGalley and Simon Element. Opinions stated here is my own. I am glad to encounter with this book. Thank you so much!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sort of combination memoir/photography book of Beck’s life in Provence, presented as narrative photo essay.

The format works well here, probably because the text is relatively minimal and the photos are so exceptionally beautiful. Beck’s forte is clearly photography, though she’s certainly likable as a writer. The tone is fairly casual and conversational while still feeling evocative and rich.

The photos are the highlight though, and I really, really loved Beck’s still lives. The lemons! The grapes! Absolutely gorgeous. And the self portraits, landscapes, and other photos that evoke strong sense of place were also both visually arresting and well-curated in such a way that they tell a story without really necessitating much textual accompaniment.

I didn’t really need the little how-to sections (I doubt that anyone who picks up a book like this doesn’t know the basics of selecting a wine), but otherwise I thought the text married well with the photos and served to enhance rather than distract from them.

Mostly the whole thing is just pretty, in the writing, in the visuals, and in the feelings it evokes, which is exactly what I want out of a book like this.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Roseann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Jamie’s enthusiasm and romanticism during Covid, where she shared detailed BTS instagram stories of her daily isolation creation series. She created a new detailed still life photograph or self portrait EVERY DAY. Who was this remarkably talented and prolific photographer who delights in the curl of a leaf and and the path of a snail??

I devoured this book. Stopping halfway through to cook myself a lunch of pasta with onion, shallots, white wine, cream and shiitake mushrooms, topped with parsley and Parmesan (but after reading they I think I need to up my Parmesan game) because you cannot read these beautiful recipes without your stomach growling.

I loved the format—broken up into four seasons, with essays, photographs and recipes from each. It is such an ENJOYABLE read.

I was a little disappointed there was no mention of Covid or her isolation creation series, because it seemed so pivotal. And I find the whole concept so compelling. But maybe it will be a book of its own someday? I suppose one has to start somewhere and this was a wonderful place to start.

[Elisenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly one year ago, I was in Provence. My husband and I went there for our belated honeymoon. I wanted to see this old world and experience its culture, even if briefly. Not a day goes by since that I don’t think of those two weeks traveling through the Luberon. Of our little flat over the Tim Tim shop, of the sound of bells ringing through Aix, of the food, but most of all that magical light.
Reading Jamie Beck’s book was both a delight and a torture (I say this in the kindest of ways). I don’t know that I’ll go back to the South of France soon, but my heart is certainly begging for it after immersing myself in her world of flowers, food, photography, and provençal ease. I think it’s the ease that tugs at my soul. Not that her life is easy, I would not dare to think that. But that ease of life. The simplicity with which the provençal people lead theirs.
In a world where we are all burnt out, aimlessly trying to find our callings, while desperately chasing after money because there seems to be no other choice, reading this book felt like a wake up call to at least make an effort to find beauty and joy wherever we are.
First step: delete Doordash and cook my own food.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It's funny: I just read a book the other day that I couldn't get into because I couldn't seem to connect with the author's voice. I hadn't been familiar with them before, and the book made me casually interested in looking up their socials--but that was about it.

This read was similar in that I wasn't familiar with the author prior to picking up the book--but it quickly made me a fan! Her voice and story were immediately engaging, and I am glad I stumbled across it. (And now I would like to pack up and move to Provence. Thank you, Jamie Beck. ;D)

A few of the pics weren't really my jam--a bit too sensual for my taste--and there was some language, including an f-bomb, which was unfortunate.

But, I really enjoyed the photography tips and food recipes. Mmmmm, methinks I'd really enjoy (eating) French cooking! LOL! And, I loved Beck's challenging of the continual pursuit of looking young and doing more-more-more/#allthethings. In this Advent season, especially, I am encouraged to slow down, experience life, and engage all the senses. This book definitely helps with that.

[Casey Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful book about making a major life change and self-discovery in a beautiful world. It definitely idolizes French life and art, which is shown through breathtaking photos and interesting recipes. This book is a good one to relax with with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. There’s a lot to appreciate about the slow-living lifestyle that the French enjoy, and the descriptions were very elegant and pleasant to read.

I couldn’t relate to some of the author’s views and opinions like the romanticism of motherhood. I’m a naturalist myself, and being close to nature has never made me yearn to bring life into the world. The way she always described winter as dead and spring as life also irked me a little. Winter is a beautiful season to me. That said, I appreciate that self-discovery is a unique and individual journey, and as a whole I found it to be an inspiring and interesting story. I see this as a book that I’ll keep on the shelf and look back through from time to time too.