READERS GUIDE

In this charming memoir, Becky Ramsey recounts the trials and delights of her young family’s four–year stay in “la belle France.” From the moment she and her husband decide to accept his employer’s offer of a transfer to Michelin in France, Becky, Todd, and their three children are on an adventure that would daunt many in their South Carolina town.

It’s not long before the Ramseys are settled in their new home on rue de Cerisiers, and gamely venturing forth into new and unfamiliar classrooms, grocery stores, and bank branches. Becky soon learns that her own neighborhood is no less of an obstacle course, as she and her wary neighbors feel each other out and establish tricky friendships that are as much a challenge as a comfort. But as time passes and she learns to accept—and even enjoy—some of the mysteries of France, pieces of her adopted culture begin to make their way into Becky’s home and heart.

The introduction, discussion questions, and author bio that follow are intended to enhance your group’s discussion about Becky Ramsey’s French by Heart. We hope that they will provide useful ways of thinking and talking about the book.

For free supplementary materials including information on book groups, suggestions for further reading, chances to win books, phone-in author appearances, and much more, e-mail BroadwayReads@RandomHouse.com.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Upon the Ramseys’ arrival in France, their temporary neighbors hear a foreign accent and jump to the conclusion that the Ramseys are “les Anglais,” much to Becky’s chagrin. It’s a mistake that’s repeated not infrequently by locals. How does Becky’s reaction change over the years, and what does it say about her comfort level in France?

2. When Becky admits to having her weight criticized by Madame Mallet, her friends congratulate her that this is a sure sign of friendship in France. Others advise that such a friendship among Frenchwomen is not as easily won as the friendships quickly forged between Americans—a truth borne out by Becky’s experience. What do you make of the theme of friendship in the book? Who do you think Becky’s friends in France are?

3. What prejudices do the Ramseys encounter during their stay in France? Do you think the negative reactions of some Frenchmen are due to xenophobia, simple misunderstandings, or something else?

4. When the tree trimmer arrives at the Ramsey’s temporary home, his incomprehensible French sends Becky into a panic, as she struggles to answer him and wonders why none of her neighbors will come to her aid. At her next home on Rue des Cerisiers, she receives more solicitous knocks–on–the–door from the church missionaries and the painter. How does her reaction change the longer she is in France? What does the evolution of her response (and her preparation) say about her changing status in France and in the neighborhood?

5. After some initial hiccups, the Ramsey children seem to acclimate beautifully to life in France. Indeed, by the end of their stay, a delighted Becky is told that they speak French with no accent. What do you expect the children’s re–adjustment to life in the United States will be like? What challenges do you think they might face?

6. How do Madame Mallet’s memories of war affect her behavior and ideas in the present? How do the events of September 11 affect her relationship to the Ramseys? Are the two related?

7. Discuss Becky and Todd’s experience with the movie club. How does it differ from their expectations? What do you think of their selection of About Schmidt as their film? In a book club or movie club, what do you think each member’s responsibility is in choosing a discussion piece?

8. The course of the book traces a finite period of time—the four years during which the Ramseys reside in France—yet the narrative does not always follow a strictly chronological path. How does the narrator define the passage of time? How does any full–time mother or father mark the events of a year, as opposed to their office–bound spouses?

9. From the social activities of the local church to the statue of Mary in her home, as well as trips to Lourdes and the family’s Joan of Arc pilgrimage, Becky consistently expresses appreciation and interest in the Church, if not exactly devotion to it. What role does religion play in the story? What struck you about the difference between her relationship to the local Protestant church and France’s Catholic tradition?

10. Madame Mallet repeatedly instructs (and corrects) the Ramseys on the sanctity of private property, and the rules of the impenetrable garden gate. Yet her own behavior toward Becky and the children demonstrates that her feelings about personal privacy and observation are not so restrictive. Discuss some of Madame Mallet’s other rules and priorities, and how they could be confusing to an outsider. Are there any that you find simply ridiculous? What do you think your relationship with Madame Mallet would have been like?

11. How does life in France stack up to Becky’s expectations? Do you think she was prepared for its challenges? Does the expat life appeal to you? Why or why not?

About this Author

REBECCA S. RAMSEY lived with her family in a small village in central France for four years, beginning in 1999, before returning to Greer, South Carolina.