In The Ripening Sun Patricia
Atkinson tells her own story: how she gradually and painstakingly learned the
French language, including the specialist terms of winegrowing; how she learned to drive
the tractor and prune, trim, tie up and spray the vines, with plenty of mishaps along the
way. How she learned the techniques of harvesting and wine-making, and how she took a
tasting course and discovered that she had a discerning palate. It
chronicles her interaction with the local rural community, and describes the ancient
agricultural rhythms of one of the finest winegrowing areas in the world.
Since publication, The Ripening Sun
has become an international bestseller. It has been translated into French, Russian, Dutch
and Portuguese.
Patricia continues the story of her life in France in her second book, La Belle Saison. Grounded in the rhythms of the land and the seasons, it celebrates the timeless beauty of the countryside and the bounty of the land, the food and the people.
"Anyone who ever dreamed of owning a patch of vines in France and making wine should
read Patricia Atkinsons book. The Ripening Sun is a more passionate tale than
Anna Karenina, all the more moving for being non-fiction."
Malcolm Gluck, The Guardian
"This is a heroic story, beautifully written, like smelling the grapes. It is immensely humane and funny too." Jilly Cooper
"This is the genuine article - written with the real charm and passion for life, the land, and everything that lives on it." Joanne Harris
Copies of the books signed by Patricia Atkinson are available direct from Clos
dYvigne. You can order a copy or copies by clicking here
to go to the contact page.
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