The P. Word: Provence Traps and Initiates the Unwary

Renee Rosch Lewis
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440187339
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (06/10)


Andy and Margaret Becker are settling into the daily routine of retirement when Margaret attempts to lure a reluctant Andy into a spirit of adventure as she begins plans to visit Provence, a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy, rich in history, beauty, and culture.

Margaret is soon collecting travel guides describing the best places to visit in Provence, tips on planning the trip, and suggested itineraries. Andy finds himself enmeshed in a plan to rent a house in Provence for thirty days. Margaret appoints herself navigator and Andy as driver on an unguided tour of the region.

In a unique fictional travelogue Renee Rosch Lewis takes the reader on a roller coaster of laughs in “The P. Word” as Andy narrates the story of Margaret’s planning, of his attempts to thwart the plans, of farewell parties, and the final goodbye to Spooky, their dog.

In twenty-six short, fast-moving chapters Lewis expertly uses Andy’s voice to relate the tale of their adventures. Andy exaggerates his experiences, including: appearing on the “no fly list” at security check-in, his “bunny hopping” while driving in their rented Opel, through the traffic circles of Provence, of their first night in the wee bed at the wee rental house, and of his difficulty with an almost non-existent understanding of the French language.

The hub of the Becker’s adventure features L'Isle sur la Sorgue, an island city east of Avignon between Cavaillon and Carpentras.  The author’s descriptions of the mouth-watering smells emanating from the cafés and shops add to the enjoyment of dining with Margaret and Andy, and of enjoying the leisurely custom of French dining.

Art and history buffs to will be enticed to visit Provence. The less fortunate will vicariously enjoy the Collegiate church Notre dame des Anges or famous Maison René Char - Hotel Donadeï de Campredon (18thc.), now a museum exhibiting such great artists as Miro, Mauguin or Dufy and a display area dedicated to René Char. I especially enjoyed a look into the history of Provence, the imagery of the magnificent mansions converted into art galleries, museums, antique dealers, and second hand shops.

Although at times repetitive events and clichés appeared throughout the narrative, this did not change my personal overall appreciation of Lewis’ amazing ability to capture the reality of “the sameness” that creeps into an extended time away from “home” or the uniqueness of Andy’s personality.

In an unexpected twist of events Andy expressed his feelings this way: “…I felt connected. I had a feeling that our stay in Provence had been good for the soul. Margaret and I had hardly any interaction with other human beings. We’d been together continuously and enjoyed it.”

“The P. Word: Provence Traps and Initiates the Unwary” is hilariously entertaining and highly informative. I found it to be far more exciting than a travel guide. Renee Rosch Lewis has created a romantic adventure tale with a unique twist.

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