Stephanie Dagg

Heads Above Water Stephanie Dagg

Heads Above Water is the story of our first couple of years as expats in France. And yes, I know there are lots of books about living in France out there already, but a lot of these are the short-term adventures of single people or retired couples. Moving abroad for good with a family, and without a pension as back-up, is a whole new ball game. Especially when your plan is to run a gîte and a carp fishing business and you're moving to two derelict hovels with three empty lakes... That's what makes Heads Above Water different. It's about us, a family with three children, who stick the hardships out and make things start to work. It's about hurtling enthusiastically down what turn out to be dead ends and having to do quick about-turns. It's about actually - eventually - making a living in a new country. It's realistic, honest and gritty - but also fun, lively and very entertaining. Exploding toilets and escaping llamas tend to make for an interesting life. If you've ever thought, however vaguely, of moving to France or have already done so, or are just intrigued to find out more about the courageous/crazy (delete as appropriate) people who have taken the plunge, then this is the book for you!