Book Review: French Dirt

“French Dirt” is not another “Under the Tuscan Sun,” although there are some obvious parallels to be drawn: spending a year in a foreign country, learning a new language as the crazy American, and investing in something so completely un-American. In “Under the Tuscan Sun” it was all about the refurbishing of a manor house. “French Dirt,” on the other hand, is about something simple, ancient and perennial: a garden.

Richard is brought to France, on a whim, by his girlfriend, Iggy. So often one stumbles into oneself while chasing someone or something else. Though his significant other, Iggy is not the love interest in “French Dirt.” It is, of course, Goodman’s garden.

The first half of the novel Richard is courted by France, the French countryside village where he lives, its inhabitants and fecundity. The second half Richard is on his knees in and for his garden, begging for help from his fellow French gardeners and for the scorching sun of the south of France to shine just a little less brilliantly. This encourages his reputation as the crazy American and also further endears him to the St. Sébastien de Caisson community. 

Do not be quick to write off “French Dirt” with the assumption that Goodman will eventually find himself, hoe in hand, tending the ubiquitous clayey soil of southern France. Goodman, much like Julia Child, finds his French alter ego by connecting with an integral part of French culture. For Julia Child it was, of course, cooking. For Goodman, it was getting his hands dirty lovingly tending a garden. 

The key to the success of “French Dirt” is Goodman’s voice. There is no superfluous word in the novel, no energy expended on romanticizing the French countryside or the villagers. It does not need his help. Goodman speaks with candid authenticity much like Steinbeck does in his descriptions of Calinas and Monterey. He balances his affection with truth, a respectable feat. 

Ideal for the armchair traveler, "French Dirt" is filled with charming, yet subtle, personal glances into the often fantasized about French village where we all hope to someday enjoy long walks and plant tomatoes. The novel straddles a line between beautiful and surprising and will have you rereading chapters just to experience Goodman's novel and unique method of description.