The Little Englanders will hate it. Another one to get up the noses of the boring old farts who look only for a corner of little England when they venture overseas. George does it with such affection that even the bad times feel tolerable. We did it the wrong way round and decided to live in France before we had read George's series in detail. I can only echo the laughs, the frustrations, the disasters and the triumphs of coming to terms with a culture that is geographically so near to but spiritually so far from the UK norm - which is precisely why we like it. George has captured it perfectly.

More magic moments from rural France The latest commentary on George and Donella's life in rural France and the way they interact with its people and customs. Sometimes sad, frequently hilarious but always well observed and wittily recorded. Having just finished reading the book I know that by tomorrow I will be forced to start reading it again!

A warm, and witty story, beautifully written. I spent the nearly the entire time reading this book falling about laughing and wishing I had this man's gift for story telling, and as a result, bought everything George has written. George gives life and depth to the characters he encounters in Normandy, and involves you in their triumphs and tragedies so that they become as real to you as your friends. His dealings with the wily fox of the Cotentin, alias Rene, are very well written and funny, and occasionally, just occasionally, will bring a lump to your throat.