Susie Kelly

I read Best Foot Forward a few years ago and really loved it so I've been looking forward to reading this one, as well. I did like it---but not nearly as much as BFF---for two reasons.

The most frustrating thing about this book was the difficulty I had respecting Mrs. Kelly. She really let a lot of people talk down to her, walk on her, and take extreme advantage of her. She's obviously a strong woman but it seemed she thought it would be easier to allow so many complete jerks to wreck her peace than to stand up to them and set some boundaries. This is a recurring theme throughout the entire book and made me annoyed and angry with her in turns.

Secondly, and this probably sounds silly to most, but the book is VERY heavy on animal stories. She's got a lot of pets, and lives in a rodent and insect infested hovel, so I get it that animals and bugs are a big part of her life. It's just that I really have no interest, sympathy, or understanding of those who choose to live with animals (is that horrible??!!)---it's just not my thing. So animal stories tend to bore me silly. (Though my family feels completely opposite and that's why I find myself caring for a Yorkie named Mr. Darcy and a cat named Guinevere. If they are going to bring them into my home then I get to name them!!!)

Mrs. Kelly really put up with a lot to build her dream in France. I'm planning to spend some time researching her today and see how she's faring now.… (más)

What starts out as your typical "I bought a ruin in France" book quickly evolves into a romp into the crazy people the author meets and has to deal with on a daily basis.
Sure, everyone wants to find that needle in the haystack old ruin in France/Italy/Spain, and easily restore it to a beautiful estate, where one can sit and watch the sunsets while drinking incredible wine. The author did too, except she bought what, on a good day, probably should have been condemned. And then, with the financial crisis, quickly found herself out of money.
Choosing to stay in France with the home, while her husband returned to England to work, she valiantly attempts to put the home together. Dealing with unscrupulous agents and construction workers almost makes her give up. BUT...then you throw in the hodge-podge of ridiculously crazy neighbors (mostly also expats), and you really have a odd story to tell!
I don't know how the author survived the experience. I hope that now she has found it worthwhile. I know that it makes me hesitant to try this myself.… (más)