REFLECTIONS on WHY FRANCE?

              RED, WHITE et BLEU 

Why France? A question often asked whenever I announced that I would be spending my annual holidays in l’Hexagone―even more raised eyebrows on stating that I intended to live there.

The rivalry between England and France has existed for centuries, commencing with battles over territorial sovereignty and continuing today with passionate allegiance to the national rugby and football teams. Yet in adversity, the two countries often form an alliance, tolerating each other’s support until the common foe is defeated; at that point, rival hostility recommences. In addition, the invasions continue, doubtless fortified by entente cordiale: to name a few, EDF, Veolia and Orange have crossed the channel as have migrating Brits in the opposite direction.

So, what do the two countries have in common? Historically, politically, socially and individually—very little. Both sides have won and lost great battles. Blighty retained its monarchy, currently justifying its cost to the nation as an, albeit expensive, but long-term tourist attraction; Marianne looked on as French royalty and the aristocracy went to the guillotine as a short-term amusement distraction for les citoyens. Now the French have a new president as often as the English have a royal wedding. A political scandal in the U.K. can bring down the government; political impropriety in France can elevate the transgressor to hero status. Not long ago, both governments introduced targeted smoking bans. In England, the prohibition of tobacco displays has followed; France continues to promote state-licensed tabacs. The ‘frogs’ produce great wine and export it at inflated prices totalling almost 15bn€ per annum; the ‘rosbifs’ produce great beer but binge drink most of it themselves.

England has sterling and stress problems; France has the euro and a laisser-faire attitude. The English worker takes a snack lunch ‘on-the-hoof’; their French counterpart enjoys the national two-hour mandatory lunch-break. The chasm between the two countries is as deep as the English Channel/La Manche itself. However, they do share some common interests: Concorde, Airbus, Eurostar, the Chunnel, Ryanair and very soon the Navy. Geographically, they also share similar spectacular landscapes and with global warming, not a too dissimilar climate.

So, why do English people choose to holiday and live in France? Perhaps it boils down to the opportunity where one can enjoy the best of French life combined with the best of British. Surely, that is Utopia, n’est-ce pas?  

Minimalist Book Covers

Is this a reflection of current austerity measures?

The Bare Essentials: Modern Minimalist Covers

Sometimes less is more. The minimalist art movement originated in 1960s New York City. It tended towards simplicity and focus, rather than ornate background or decoration. Many book designers have utilised these principles, eschewing the busy and elaborate in favour of the bare essentials. Enjoy this selection of books whose eye-catching design proves that a little goes a long way.  › Learn more

The Crow's Vow  by Susan Briscoe		Against Happiness  by Eric G. Wilson		The Sheriff of Yrnameer  by Michael Rubens		Wet Apples, White Blood  by Naomi Guttman

Sad News

Donna Summer, mort d'une diva disco

JEUDI 17 MAI 2012, 18:41

Crédits photo : REUTERS

La chanteuse, icône des années 1970, a succombé à un cancer à 63 ans.

Elle a marqué les années 70 et 80 avec ses tubes disco et ses robes à paillettes. La chanteuse Donna Summer est morte jeudi à l'âge de 63 ans, selon les informations du site TMZ, confirmées par sa famille. Elle a succombé à un cancer. "Tôt ce matin, nous avons perdu Donna Summer Sudano, une femme pleine de talents, le plus grand étant sa foi", indique le communiqué de la famille.

The Resistance in Limousin, France

Following the success of my historical fiction novel,
Les Ruines, a tale of intrigue and mystery involving the maquis of Haute Vienne, I recently visited Le Musée de la Résistance in Limoges.

Wow...what an amazing exhibition. Set on several floors, visitors can view graphic displays and photos of Limousin under German occupation during WWII. There are also on display many artefacts from the period that include weapons (sten guns, revolvers, machine guns, grenades, bren guns, ammunition, etc) and even radio receiver/transmitters, for the most part, parachuted in along with agents by SOE, the Special Operations Executive set up by the British. Some displays include materials and equipment produced by the maquis: home-made bombs, roneo copying machines, false identity cards, ration books and other items to  thwart the enemy.
A centre-piece amongst other vestiges of the enemy's presence is the fuselage of a German military aircraft.
Space is also accorded to photos of members of the various resistance groups, their roles and the consequences of their involvement. Some photos depict various atrocities committed by the occupying forces in retaliation for the actions of the maquis. The free entrance exhibition is well worth a visit, but at least three hours are required to absorb the many aspects of the tour and its impact.

If unable to visit, check out the website. There are many interesting pics and a video explaining and showing how the museum was constructed using original materials to integrate it into that particular enviroment of the old part of the city.

http://www.ville-limoges.fr/index.php/fr/culture/les-structures-culturelles/le-musee-de-la-resistance

Les Ruines at the London Book Fair

First visit to the London Book Fair at EarlsCourt.

Spent an exhausting day enquiring about the translation of Les Ruines into French. The novel is selling well to English readers in the Limousin, but receiving many requests from local residents for a version in French. Several leads to follow-up.

http://www.amazon.com/Les-Ruines-ebook/dp/B00731P2GQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1328041631&sr=8-9

En route back home, I stopped off at the Musée de 

la Résistance in the new centre at rue Neuve Saint-

Etienne in Limoges. Well worth a visit but one  needs about three hours to fully absorb the vast amount of information and the amazing collection of exhibits. 

Musée de la Résistance, Limoges

London Book Fair

                  

Off to the UK to visit the LBF at Earls Court,

where my latest novel Les Ruines, will be on show.  

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