On Rue Tatin

On Rue Tatin chronicles Susan Herrmann Loomis's journey as she relocates from the U.S. to a small Norman town in France with her husband and young son. The memoir centers on their purchase and restoration of a 15th-century convent building in Louviers, which they transform into their home. Loomis interweaves her experiences learning French cooking techniques and regional food traditions with observations about adapting to life in a close-knit French community. She details the seasonal rhythms of Norman cuisine, local markets, and relationships formed with neighbors and food artisans in her adopted town. The narrative follows the family's renovation challenges while capturing daily moments in French provincial life - from morning visits to the bakery to celebrations of local customs and holidays. The author includes recipes connected to specific memories and milestones throughout their first years in Louviers. The memoir explores themes of cultural adaptation and the deep connection between food, community, and sense of place. Through food and architecture, it examines how outsiders can gradually become integrated into the fabric of traditional French village life.

Readers describe On Rue Tatin as a memoir that balances cooking, renovation challenges, and cultural observations about life in France. Many reviewers connect with Loomis's detailed accounts of market shopping, recipe development, and adapting to French customs. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of daily French life - Clear, approachable recipes - Honest depiction of renovation difficulties - Cultural insights about food shopping and preparation Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Too much focus on construction details - Some found the author's tone privileged or complaining - Limited emotional depth in personal relationships One reader noted: "She captures the small moments of French life without romanticizing everything." Another said: "The renovation portions dragged on too long." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings)

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🥖 Susan Herrmann Loomis found her 12-room convent-turned-house in Louviers, Normandy while working as an apprentice to Patricia Wells, the renowned cooking teacher and author. 🍳 The building that became her home was originally built in 1683 and had served as both a convent and a schoolhouse before falling into disrepair. 🇫🇷 The book's title comes from the street name where the house is located - Rue Tatin - which sits directly across from the Notre-Dame church of Louviers. 🏰 Louviers was once known as "Little Manchester" due to its thriving textile industry during the Industrial Revolution and still maintains many architectural elements from its prosperous past. 📚 Following the success of "On Rue Tatin," Loomis established a cooking school in her restored home, where she continues to teach traditional French cooking methods and techniques to students from around the world.