Book review of Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond by Margo Lestz

Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond:Curiois Histories of France by Margo Lestz

Review of Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond

My review today is for Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond, the fourth book in the Curious Histories series from Margo Lestz. The thing I have come to love about Margo’s books is that I, a dedicated Francophile of many years, always learn something new.

This book takes the reader on a fun journey of discovery with facts about fashion, food, culture and more. I learned more about Coco Chanel and her rival Elsa Schiaparelli, I was reminded again of the baguette girls of Paris and I discovered that a man called Victor had once sold the Eiffel Tower.

I love the quirky details Margo uncovers, as well as her fun delivery of the stories, meanings and history of all things French. If you’ve ever wondered why France is represented by a Rooster, or why French people never place their bread upside down on the table, or where the Marseillaise came from, this book is for you. 

Semaine de la langue Française et de la Francophonie

Today marks the start of the Semaine de la Langue Française (French Language Week), and with a chapter dedicated to the Immortals of the Acadamie Française, the forty strong team who dedicate their life to preserving the French language, I can’t think of a better book to share in celebration of France and her beautiful language.

© Riad Sattouf/ministère de la Culture

This book is a perfect read for every Francophile who wants to know more about France and her ways; delivering the facts with humour and lots of fun.

Further reading 

Margo’s blog (see here) is always a good read and links to my previous reviews and her books on Amazon can be found below. 

French Holidays and Traditions 

Curious Histories of Provence