A hilarious, neurotic and tantalizing travelogue!

I happened upon this Audible book in desperation for an out-of-town Thanksgiving drive. I always do a sneak-peek listen and was immediately hooked. Mark Greenside’s brilliant and colorful writing was brought to life in perfection. If you understand and appreciate the lovable New York kvetching rants of people like Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser, Louis Black, Larry David, and Richard Kind (and also happen to be a lover of all things French), this, my friend, is for you – or, from the little high school French I remember, “Pour Vous! A devotee and lover of words the way the French love their cafe au lait, buttery croissants, au jus, and wine, Mark’s writing is strong, vivid, delicate, juicy, and overflowing.

Jonathan Beville’s flawless narration should get him an Audie Award. As in “Jerry Maguire,” “He had me at Hello.” I have never laughed so hard. He read the book as if he wrote it and was performing his own one-man show. His wry humor and French character impersonations are nothing less than hilarious! C’est Magnifique!

If you remember and enjoyed Peter Mayle’s 1991 bestseller, “A Year in Provence” – this is a new twist on a foreigner adapting to life in a new country – as Mark Greenside’s travel adventures are like therapy sessions of drippy brie – examining his messy American cultural upbringing and how he has moved through the ever-suspicious New York Jewish immigrant culture he was raised in. “Expect the Unexpected” became his motto. Amazingly, and despite the language barrier, things worked themselves out. He admits his experience softened and allowed him to become a more trusting and better human when he was uncomfortable and out of his element – living in a culture that allowed him to unwind and to be exasperated at the same time – watching in awe how a small medieval village and culture seemed to function like a Tesla in motion. Quiet. Predictable. Trustworthy. At ease with life. In the moment. Truth and beauty. Simplicity. It’s All Good. C’est Bon.

I just started it again because I enjoyed it so much. It was truly enjoyable, it makes me want to pack my bags and escape Los Angeles as soon as Covid restrictions are lifted and find another way to breathe in the simplicity of another culture and reimagine my so-called life.