Francophiles discussion

Just finished Perfume from Provence, the first in a series written by Lady Winifred Fortescue based on her life in Provence in the 1930s. Despite a slight pretentious/patronising tone, (one has to make allowances for the era...) I enjoyed it immensely. (I'm beginning to sound like her!) Has anyone else read any of these books?

I haven't, no, but what a crackingly splendid name, "Lady Winifred Fortescue." I'm surprised she got up to anything worthy of putting in a book, let alone a series, but as a sucker for all things French, and that era, I may have to check it out. Are you going to continue with the series?

Much to my surprise, I think I will! They're an easy read and there's something beguiling about her descriptions of pre-WWII Provence - an innocence almost.

On the list they go, then. :)

Thanks for the recommendations, definitely sounds interesting!!

I, too, enjoyed Lady Fortescue's book. I also agree that the writing was somewhat pretentious. I couldn't help wondering if Peter Mayle and Frances Mays didn't follow her legacy with their popular series along the same genre.

Same thing crossed my mind, Mj! But I think it's the backdrop of the imminent war that makes her books stand out from the crowd. And the fact they were written before ex-pat memoirs became en vogue.