Idle in Provence - by Eric Idle (Hardcover)

About the Book

A funny and touching memoir from Eric Idle, founding member of Monty Python.

Book Synopsis

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

One of Town & Country's Best Books of the Fall

"A sunny celebration of a life well lived in the South of France--except for the bloody plumbing." --KIRKUS REVIEWS

In 1971, at the beginning of Monty Python mania, Eric Idle bought a crumbling ruin in the hills of Provence. With no electricity, no water, no road, and no plan, he set out to transform the neglected stone shack into what he lovingly calls a shackeau.

Idle in Provence is the story of the transformation of both the place and the man. Against the sun-drenched backdrop of southern France, Idle penned iconic songs and scripts, hosted a revolving door of eccentric and brilliant friends--George Harrison, Robin Williams, Paul Simon, and others--and found a rare kind of peace far from the madness of showbiz. Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and comedy masterclass, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and the kind of sharp, self-deprecating wit only Idle can deliver.

As he reflects on love, loss, friendship, and joy, Idle paints a vivid portrait of a place that became more than a home--it became a sanctuary. The story spans decades. It's a love letter to France, to old friends, and to the wild, unpredictable journey of being alive.

Review Quotes

'A lovingly detailed account of the transformation of this 'dream wreck' into a habitable home for himself and his second wife. Idle amusingly describes the challenges they faced, such as having to drill through 75 meters of limestone to find water and fishing an 'ex-squirrel' out of the septic tank. He also dealt with personal trials, including the collapse of his first marriage, his pancreatic cancer scare in 2019, and his daughter's institutionalization for bipolar disorder. He handles all of this with a light touch and his customary wit. Idle calls this work 'a travel book for people who like to stay home.' Indeed, it is: a pleasant holiday with an affable guide.'--SHELF AWARENESS

One of Town and amp; Country's Best Books of the Fall

'A sunny celebration of a life well lived in the South of France--except for the bloody plumbing.'--KIRKUS REVIEWS

'It's no surprise that Eric Idle's account of his Provenand ccedil;al idyll is funny, smart, and touched at times with charming celebrity appearances--what is more surprising is how much he 'gets' the spirit of French provincial life and makes us share his love for its civilization without for a moment patronizing its citizens.'--Adam Gopnik, Author of Paris to the Moon

'Those who write about Provence usually end up with a book as twee as lavender tied up with silk ribbons. Somehow Eric Idle manages to bring the beauty, wonder, and rapturous essence of the region to life while being wildly, blissfully, and divinely funny. He'd better watch out--anyone who reads this enchanting and hilarious book will want to beat a path straight to his door.'--Stephen Fry