August 6, 2020
4 PM PDT | 5 PM MDT | 6 PM CDT | 7 PM EDT
Carole Bumpus
Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table,
Book Two of the Savoring the Olde Ways series
In this engaging travelogue and heartwarming culinary memoir series, replete with delicious recipes, award-winning author Carole Bumpus shares her adventures traveling in France, where she met French families in their homes to share meals. At each meal, Carole gathered information about family recipes and culinary traditions.
The series has earned critical acclaim. Booklist said, “Both a regional history and a cooking memoir, this is even more than the sum of its parts, and a celebration of living life every moment. Francophiles, history fans, and foodies will love this book.” Pink Pangea added, “Warning: Do not read this book if you are hungry or within reach of a credit card. You will end up cooking (and eating) all of the included recipes . . . all while devouring this book. Because, much like the dishes and stories she describes, Carole Bumpus’ writing is simply delectable.” The French Village Diaries called the book “a gem” and Kirkus, which gave a super review to the first book, has already chimed in on the second, calling it “An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.”
Carole’s memoirs are perfect books for the time—they allow us an escape and yet emphasize the importance of personal and family relationships.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is a culinary memoir and why did you turn from writing fiction to memoir?
- How is writing memoir different from writing fiction? How are they the same?
- How did you arrange to meet French families in their homes and join them for meals? Did it surprise you that people were willing to share their personal stories and recipes with you?
- Do you think it’s important for travelers to learn about the history of places they visit? How does history inform your memoirs?
- You are a retired family therapist. What did you learn from French families that you think American families should know?
A retired family therapist, CAROLE BUMPUS began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. She has traveled extensively throughout France and Italy, where she has interviewed more than seventy-five families to date for her food and travel blogs. Her historical novel A Cup of Redemption was published October 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, was released August 2015, both by She Writes Press. Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book One was released by She Writes in 2019 to excellent reviews. She is an active member in the California Writers Club and through them has also had three short stories published in the Fault Zone anthologies: Words from the Edge, Stepping up to the Edge, and Over the Edge. Bumpus lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her website at CaroleBumpus.com.
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