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- Product code: 247216
- ISBN: 0385612028,
ISBN13: 9780385612029,
320 pages, hardback
Published by Doubleday Books in 2007
Rate this book... Rating: 2.6/5 (5 votes cast) Average rating 3 out of 5  |
Description of The Matchmaker of Périgord |
A charming and quirky debut novel with a tantalising combination of love, food, and a community of eccentric villagers in France.
A perpetual breeze blows through the village of Amour-sur-Belle, a village so ugly that even the English refuse to live there. There are numerous explanations as to how the village came by its name, but despite its moniker, love is the one thing that Amour-sur-Belle lacks.
To the rescue comes Guillaume Ladoucette, village barber and custodian of the family cassoulet started by his mother thirty-one years ago and which has been on the go ever since. Though he has dedicated his life to conquering the cow's lick, the double crown and dandruff, Guillaume is forced to give up his business as the advancing age of his customers means many have no hair left to cut. He decides to set himself up as a matchmaker instead and the barber shop receives a pink makeover into Heart's Desire.
Stephane Jollis, the baker, is doubtful that his best friend's new venture will work as the village is fraught with feuds. He and Lisette Robert, the midwife, haven’t spoken since the famous mini-tornado of 1999. Some shun Denise Vigier because her grandmother was found guilty of horizontal collaboration during the war. Fabrice Ribou, the bar owner, refuses to serve Sandrine Fournier, the mushroom poisoner. And Madame Ladoucette and Madame Moreau have been trading insults for so long they have become almost a form of greeting. And how can a matchmaker make love simmer - when he has not yet solved the problem of his own troubled heart?
"Not everyone falls instantly head over heels," the matchmaker counsels. "Love is like a good cassoulet, it needs time and determination. Some bits are delicious, while others might be a bit rancid and make you wince. You may even come across the odd surprise like a little green button, but you have to consider the whole dish."
Julia Stuart was inspired to write The Matchmaker of Périgord having visited the Dordogne on holiday several times and once the book was commissioned she stayed in France for three months to complete it. Amour-sur-Belle is inspired by the hamlet she lodged in near Brantôme and her interviews with the locals about rural French life gave her some of the amusing anecdotes in the book such as ironing ducks before plucking them.
Julia went on all the dates described in the book. She visited a chateau, some troglodyte caves, a flower festival, an Occitan folk festival, a donkey festival and went gold-panning. At the restaurant Truffle Auberge, she tried the 100 Euro truffle menu – the most expensive meal she’s ever had, but it was worth every Euro, she says.
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Reviews"A hilarious romp off the beaten track. Love it to bits."
- Joanne Harris
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