Firelight and Woodsmoke

This is my favorite of Claude Michelet's books, and my favorite book by a French author. I care about the Vialhe's as I do for few characters of fiction. The story is well-told, and I love the relationships between the characters. I only hope that we make a world of such enduring relationships and solid friendships. The story continues in "Les palombes ne passeront plus", "L'appel des engoulevants", and "La terre des Vialhe", right up to the present day. Not every part of every book is equally captivating, but I wouldn't miss any part of the story.

I read this book in French years ago and remember it so well. It's French title is "Des Grives aux Loups." I had to look up words on every page, but still it was enjoyable reading. I decided to look for it in English, and am happy to find it. I may read it again in English this time.The characters and historical setting are wonderful, and memorable. When I finished the book, I missed the characters. I loved how the family remained close through the years, in spite of their many differences that at times caused major rifts. I read all three books in the trilogy, which take you through three generations of the family and all the technological changes going on in the 20'th century. I would recommend the trilogy to anyone. I hope you can find it in the language you want.

I read this book while on sabbatical in Bordeaux, France and couldn't put it down. Basically the story of a farm family in the southwestern part of France from the turn of the century through WWI. Full of very human stories, but also excellent descriptions of farm life, technology, and politics within the very centralized political system of France. All this is expressed in very accessible language. Really fascinating. By the end you understand the difference between what we can get in the grocery store nowadays, and what used to be available. You also realize how impossible it is to maintain this level of quality and feed masses of people. You have also fallen in love with the family. This is the first installment in a series that goes on for 3 generations up to contemporary time. I read all the series and would read more of anything by this author.