Underhill, you're the first person I've "run into" who has mentioned Debt to Pleasure--quite the story, n'est-ce pas?

I also recommend Le Grande Meaulnes and Window on Provence. Bo Niles, in W on P talks about the very area we stayed in near Gordes, several yrs. ago. It was fun to read about the same little bakeries, etc.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris did it for me.

Grandmere,

Quite the book indeed! We read it in my book group, which did "Perfume" a few years back. That book was given to me by French friends; otherwise I wouldn't have known about it.

I loaned my copy to a friend, who happens to be in my book club, and she couldn't get into it. I think one has to read a bit to get hooked! Very dark!

I reserved the Bo Niles book at my library. These have been great suggestions. Your mention of the book about the Murphys and Fitzgeralds reminded me of one that came out--maybe early '70's called "Living Well is the Best Revenge".