"The Chateau" by William Maxwell

[Margaret Pilgrim]

With several current threads dealing with first/early visits to France, I can't help but think about the experiences/education of the young couple who are the central characters in this vintage novel by William Maxwell. Arriving in France shortly after the end of WWII when France was little prepared to receive guests, and with little cultural understanding of the French, the young Rhodes instruct us (or remind us of our own past mistakes) in the subtleties of French life as they learn the ropes.

While almost 50 years old, their experiences at table are point on today. Tuck a copyin your carry- on and arrive ahead of the game.

[maggiethecat]

Thanks, Margaret -- this is the book I want to read now. I'll follow eGullet's amazon link and order it tonight. Vintage Maxwell -- how could that be bad?

Your description reminded me of another novel, its close contemporary: Rumer Godden's The Greengage Summer, about innocence and ones first experience of France. I loved that book.

[Poppy Quince]

I came across a used copy of The Chateau a few years ago and have read it at least twice since then. It's definitely worth searching out.

And thanks for the reminder of Godden's Greengage Summer. I recall reading it decades ago, enjoyed it a lot, but have very little recollection of it now. I think I would like to re-read it.