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| | Location: Home » Europe » General » Aveyron, a Bridge to French Arcadia | December 1, 2008 |
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| Aveyron, a Bridge to French Arcadia | 
 enlarge | Author: Thirza Vallois
Publisher: Iliad Books
Category: Book
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $15.74
You Save: $9.25 (37%)
Buy New/Used from $13.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  (8 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1041644
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.9
ISBN: 0952537842
EAN: 9780952537847
ASIN: 0952537842
Publication Date: September 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 Revelation and Discovery May 5, 2008
This book is not written as a travel guide but a revelation, introducing the reader to a place through its centuries of evolution. From its religious history and turmoil to a small town in Aveyron considered the birthplace of France's Industrial Revolution, the book delves deeply into so much about Aveyron that it brings it to life on the page. Today, Aveyron may be the most technologically savvy place in France, yet on the surface it could seem backward and out of touch. Thirza Vallois went far
below the surface and exposes, among other facets of Aveyron, its people's aspirations which are much more twenty-first century than you'd expect. Aveyron is the land of contrasts ~ of protests against globalization and herds of goats walking down a mountain road; of people linked to the Internet and those making Roquefort cheese, as it has been done for eons, from the milk of the red Lacaune ewes grazing on the plateau of Rouergue. She has shown the differences between today's
Aveyron and yesterday's, while helping us to understand that one has not replaced the other ~ only enhanced it.
Aveyron is only one departement of France, but when you begin to read this book you know this is about something much larger and more important than one departement. You sense the author's pleasure in meeting each person. Each individual and family has a great story to tell or leads an exceptional and unique life. Perhaps the most interesting recurring theme of this book is the author's personal visits with so very many of the Aveyronnais ~ whether they are cheesemakers, wine producers, innkeepers or a man named Jean-Yves Bonnet who has been a horse whisperer (and a man with a true love of nature) long before Robert Redford's film about Monty Roberts. This story, along with so many others in this truly interesting book, is so well presented by the author whose intellect and curiosity make every chapter a fascinating read and hard to put down.
The book has wonderful color photographs by Patrice Geniez to take us further into the festivities, landscapes and daily life of Aveyron. We're especially fond of one entitled, 'Friends', showing a shepherd and his dog ~ one easliy senses the love and loyalty between them.
Ms Vallois' original intent was not to write about Aveyron but to just experience it. One thing led to another and a book was born. We are all very grateful as we have been beautifully introduced to exceptional people ~ people not sitting still but building bridges to the outside from their equally exceptional French homeland.
The Aveyron and secrets of the heart May 4, 2008
Thirza Vallois' book on the Aveyron is filled with incredible insights and knowledge, not to mention a mischievous love of anecdote. You have to read Thirza the way you visit one of the fascinating "marche aux puces" in Paris: you don't go looking for anything in particular; you simply stroll through delighting in everything you find.
Perhaps if you are looking for a step-by-step guide to point and shoot historical monuments, Thirza Vallois' sophisticated examination of the Aveyron and its people may not be for you. If, however, you want to fall in love, this book is key. The author, whose guides to Paris I have read and re-read, is renowned for her attention to historical detail.
In her Aveyron book, she guides you lovingly through a magical area of France that will call to you like the Sirens: you will find it almost impossible NOT to move there tomorrow. She introduces you to the people and the food and the roads and the sunrise; once introduced, you discover those secrets you alone are meant to know, ones found only in the heart, a place where no one is allowed to take pictures. If you want to experience and understand an important and fascinating part of France (not just say you have been there), read this book.
 Interesting as an autobiography May 2, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Thirza Vallois is an extreme romantic. Her book,is a lovely and charming portrait of the peoples and places of the Aveyron but is not to be used as a guide book. Not having an index or reference guide or even detailed map it would not be useful for a "quick find" if one happened to find oneself in that beautiful region of France. Rather if you think you may be traveling through,I'd suggest reading the book first while keeping a highlighter/pen handy and perhaps making your own index or note cards. Ms. Vallois book could benefit from more practical organization.
 Very Disappointed April 17, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
I recently took this book with me for leisure reading on my first trip to the Aveyron. Based on other reviews, I anticipated being caught up in her stories and observations. However, neither I nor my 2 traveling companions could find a way to get involved! We are all avid readers, especially a good book about the our travel destination. But we just could not get past what felt like rambling, disjointed anecdotes. It appears to be good for others, but the 3 of us were very disappointed. We left it in our cottage, hoping the next occupants were more in-line with the author and other reviewers.
i would not recommend it.
A compelling, magical read February 25, 2008
I relished reading this book, not wishing the last page to turn so soon. It was captivating to acquaint myself with a region of France about which I thought I knew nothing - that this would truly be an enlightening of `la France Profonde'. Indeed, I found I'd already gathered key Aveyronnais markers in my years' study of France and its culture without realizing they sprang from Aveyron: St. Foy, the Road to Compostela, the Wild Child of Aveyron, Roquefort cheese, the Knights Templar, even the farmers' famous demolition of the McDonald's (in defiant demonstration against globalism) in Millau where the magnificent new Aquaduct opened in 2004...
Thirza Vallois conveys the wonder of her own discoveries in Aveyron with a literate grace that draws one to imagine and dream of following in her footsteps, marrying the rich history of the Aveyron with its modernization and charms, blending a guide for visitors in a respectful narrative for mindful tourism.
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