by Cara Black

Sarah Turnbull's memoir of her life in France, her 'adventure' she terms it, paints a warm, insightful view of the French and why they remain the idiosyncratic, artistic and savvy scarf-tying population we secretly aspire to. Elucidating the love-hate relationship the non-French world feels for the Gallic one, Turnbull illuminates the equation of seduction, fascination and frustration in her own experience. And I loved it. Let's face it, we'd all like to have a French boyfriend (or girlfriend), live in Paris and savor a butter croissant on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the rooftiles of the City of Light. But understanding the bill, avoiding chien poo-poo on the pavement and those slippery, cobblestone cracks in the rain rate just the tip of the iceberg for her. Speaking French, looking French and understanding them tower like the French Alps for Turnbull in her quest for un peu comprehension.

The double-entendre of life in Paris, webbed with familial obligations and formality and how nothing happens in July or August are must learns for anyone planning to set up camp there. Turnbull gives us the tools, having maneuvered the narrow, worn, spiral staircase herself. Making it all the more a poignant and charming tale of fitting in. Almost.

Attending her boyfriend's(later her husband) old friends' late-night dinner parties and trying to communicate in a friendly open Aussie manner, illustrates her maddening desire for acceptance but not being 'accéptable.' Turnbull explores the myths and attitudes of both sides and I was rooting for her all the way.

Expats, colorful clochards, the local fromager pepper the pages as she describes her new apartment in the Sentier, a quartier I savor also. So much so, I set my third mystery novel there. Turnbulls' descriptions of the quartier brought Almost French close to my heart. Living off the tourist track, near Les Halles once the 'belly of Paris' as Zola called it and center of the wholesale garment industry, Turbull's Parisian journey takes the road of self-discovery, finding a Journalists in Europe course and finally, making it freelancing and on her own terms.

Turnbulls discerning view of French society likens it to a starchy French grand-dame 'she is utterly unapologetic about being difficult, considering it merely a sign of strong character.' For me, that says a lot. So refreshing in this day of political correctness,corporate branding and sameness. Vive la differénce! I think Turnbull would agree.