Review - Reflections of Sunflowers by Ruth Silvestre

I have done two posts in one day and this is purely for convenience as I want to sort out all my reviews of books read in Melbourne.

Reflections of Sunflowers is a memoir, a non fiction piece of work and a travelogue of sorts of life in South West France. It also encapsulates what a lot of us would like to do. Have a second home in idyllic surroundings, find congenial neighbours, revert to a life of peace and tranquility and still be able to maintain a home in your original country where friends and family reside. The best of both worlds actually and Ruth and Mike Silvestre have done exactly that.

The book outlines a very long period in the author's life - 25 years - of how the house was originally seen and bought and their journey in this house. It also marks happiness as well as sad events in their lives culiminating in the death of Mike and how the house helps to heal Ruth with its warmth and serenity after the death of her husband.

The book is warm, compelling and also very descriptive - particularly of the foods of the region. Mouthwatering, rustic as well as sophisticated food which anyone reading the book would long for!

I am glad I picked this up at the library despite not having heard of this author or this title before. The book highlights simple pleasures in life - the warmth of family, good friends, wonderful food and wine and travel.