Book Review: I Am Finally, Finally French: My Accidental Life in Brittany by Mark Greenside

Those who have read Mark Greenside’s two previous memoirs about his part-time life in Brittany, will enjoy this return to familiar territory as he stumbles his way, linguistically and otherwise, through a series of adventures—and misadventures—in his little Breton village. Those who have not read those two books are in for a treat as he opens his part-time French life—the good, the bad, and the embarrassing—with admirable candor and generosity of spirit. 

Greenside writes with self-deprecating humor and deep affection for the large cast of Breton, English, Irish and French friends, neighbors, and assorted other characters who help him keep his car, computer, furnace, washing machine, septic tank and other assorted necessities of life functioning so he can do what he does best, which is to write about it all. 

A helpful “primer” at the end of the book provides a summary of Greenside’s lessons learned about life in France, from the practical (“Vous and tu matter.”) to the philosophical (“Disagreement is a way of life in France, and one of the rules of living. To differ is not a breach, but a bond.”) 

See more of Mark’s work: www.markgreenside.com

Lead photo credit : Mark in front of his home in 'Plobien' © Norbert Uzseka