Ariège Author

Been busy writing, Sweet dix-sept! Just emerging from the woodwork and dipping a toe into the forum. Keep up those exclamation marks!!!

Just finished a thriller set in the valleys around Bagnères-de-Luchon by French author Bernard Minier. Originally called Glacé, it was a bestseller in France and is now available in English as The Frozen Dead (interesting title change!). It's a decent thriller but for me his take on the Pyrenees as a brooding, sinister place filled with menace was fascinating in that it's so far removed from my own portrayal of the area as majestic, inspiring and filled with life. Well worth a read.

A bit late to this but I'm a massive Seamus Heaney fan. And I have to disagree with you, NormanH (not something I would normally do!), as I think it is precisely his disregard for structure that appeals! As for music...his poems are infused with a lyricism that merits reading them regardless of the amazing content. But they need to be read aloud. On top of all that, he was the kind of bloke you could imagine having a pint with. Totally grounded despite his amazing talent and international fame. Like I said, I'm a massive fan!

Not that simple - the car stalled on the ramp up into the top of the ferry when boarding and wouldn't start again. But the good news is, it started no problems this morning and they are on their way...phew. Coming from a rain soaked west of Ireland, they were determined to get their holiday in France, even if it meant two weeks in Roscoff while the car was fixed! Thanks all for the help.

Cheers Russethouse! I've got the number for a garage nearby and have called them to say there might be a call for their expertise in the morning...fingers crossed it starts. Failing that, my parents get a holiday in Brittany!

My parents are on their way to France from Ireland and their car won't start. The problem happened on the boat and they will most likely need a mechanic/garage when they land tomorrow morning (Thurs 6th June). Any locals out there in the Roscoff area who can offer a recommendation? Thanks!

It doesn't take long to read and is so evocative. Hope you enjoy it!

Just finished this lovely tale of...The President's Hat (by Antoine Laurain, translated/published by Gallic Books). It's set in 1980s France and follows the impact of the President's lost head attire upon those who come across it. Very whimsical. Very French. Perfect read for a grey day!

Thanks for posting the link, Sweet17 - although describing the monarchy as a 'holy cow' could land you in the same Mantel boat!! I had read the article and agree that while some of Ms Mantel's language could have been better chosen, she is making an interesting point - but yes, takes a while to get there. Nothing new there then! And while I can't claim to know the author personally, I've met a lot of booksellers who have had the pleasure of meeting her and all of them thought she was wonderful. Arrogant never came into the equation. Given some of the stories I hear about diva writers and their behaviour at book signings, this makes a change. So it makes me think that no insult was intended. And I guess we'll never know if it was taken...

Gulp - I've got that on my to-read pile! Will give it a go anyway. But think I'll rip through a Martin O'Brien first to give me some relief.

I think it's a measure of the book that I agree with you both! The style certainly jarred in places - sporadic use of dramatic-style dialogue for one - but Sweet17 is right that Mantel manages to portray the very heart of the revolution from several personal perspectives. One of those books that stays with you for a long time. And also an advocate for getting an e-reader! It's a heavy tome.

Anyone else read A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel? It focuses on the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. I've just emerged from it - it's a huge book - and would love to know what others think.

Excellent thread! I'm with Chancer in that the bibliothèque was my first port of call. I started with books aimed at young children and found the stories so much more philosophical than you would get in comparative literature in the UK. The librarian also gave great recommendations. Right - off to make a note of all the suggestions on here... thanks all!

I've just got back from 3 days working at the France Show in London and had the pleasure of meeting Kate Mosse (author of aforementioned Citadel) which reminded me of this thread...Did you ever discover the title of the book, Chrissie? Would love to know!

I'm a bit late coming to this but could you mean Citadel by Kate Mosse? It's set in and around the Carcassonne area during WWII and she's a big enough name to be interviewed on the TV!