In this amusing narrative, Robert Martin reveals what life is really like in the Sologne countryside. Despite not speaking French, this did not deter the author when an opportunity arose to embrace a more self-sufficient, ecological lifestyle. However, a lot of hard work is involved in renovating an aged farmhouse. Particularly when it doesn't have a bathroom. The customary dealings with bureaucracy cause tremendous frustration for his wife (who despite being French herself has a thoroughly un-French view of things). Regional cuisine such as wild boar and mushrooms is on the menu, and a few country wine recipes are included for good measure. During the year, some well-meaning but frustrating relatives and other unusual characters also make an appearance, including some Romanian truck-drivers and a lady with a moustache.