I received the ARC of Once Upon a Villa by Andrew Kaplan courtesy of Netgalley and The Book Whisperer. This well written, warm and witty memoir of residing in France in Monte Carlo and nearby during 1968 brought back so much history! I adored the food and restaurant descriptions, the abundance of wine and interesting people, and the remarkable sites to visit. Having insight into the writing of the novel Dragonfire was like being in the room where it happened! This glimpse of another way to live was like travelling to France! I thoroughly this book!

Andrew Kaplan's "Once Upon a Villa" is a delightful journey into the charm and quirks of life on the French Riviera. With wit, warmth, and a healthy dose of humor, Kaplan recounts his family's decision to embrace the fantasy of living in a villa by the sea, offering readers a glimpse into the glamorous yet idiosyncratic world of the Côte d'Azur.

Kaplan's narrative is infused with insightful observations and laugh-out-loud moments as he navigates the complexities of French bureaucracy, indulges in culinary delights, and encounters a colorful cast of characters, from eccentric ex-pats to Monaco's royal family. His anecdotes, whether partying on Onassis' yacht or engaging in philosophical conversations with a police chief, are engaging and entertaining, capturing the essence of life in this unique corner of the world.

What sets "Once Upon a Villa" apart is Kaplan's ability to blend humor with genuine warmth and affection for the people and places he encounters. His storytelling is both witty and heartfelt, inviting readers to join him on a journey filled with adventure, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.

Overall, "Once Upon a Villa" is a charming and shrewdly-observed memoir that transports readers to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera, leaving them craving more of Kaplan's delightful storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or armchair explorer, this book is sure to delight and entertain.

I came into this not really knowing who Kaplan is and so I had no real expectations beyond wanting to read a few interesting anecdotes about living the life on the French Riviera. It not only delivers on that, but you also get to enjoy side quests to gorgeously described cities in Italy as well as the trials and tribulations of an author trying to birth their masterpiece.
Kaplan is really good at describing people and places so that it feels like you are right there with the people he got to know while living on the Riviera. I left the book wanting to know if things worked out with the people he and his family left behind when they returned to the US, which, to me, is a sign of good writing.
My one gripe is that it sometimes feels disconnected as Andrew and Anne are constantly worrying about money but go to fancy restaurants, stay at high-class hotels, and shop at high-end boutiques. It's obvious being worried about a budget was different for them at the time, but it made it a little difficult to join in worrying about how they're going to make it in the Riviera if they're having nightly cocktails at the hippest Monte Carlo bars of the era. A minor thing that it might not be noticed by other readers, but the only fault I found with this engaging memoir.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the second-hand adventure.

This was a delight. Reading about the scenery, food, scandals, celebrity encounters, and adventures of a family who uprooted to the south of France in the 80s. A dream of mine, lived vicariously through the pages of this charming memoir. One hundred percent recommended!

Once Upon a Villa by Andrew Kaplan is a memoir set in the French Riviera, Monaco, Italy, London, and more.

Several stories are wrapped up within the main narrative, and multiple characters became part of their circle while abroad, so I found it a little challenging to keep track of who was who. I liked Andy’s relationship with his wife and young son and how he gave his best to his writing. I definitely will read one or more of his spy thrillers, as will my husband.

We were taken on a rollercoaster ride throughout Europe, and it was easy to visualize everything—the food, apartments, small businesses, restaurants, parties, roads, and the beach. The story has several parts, and I loved the chapter titles that hinted at what was to come. The inclusion of their son Justin and seeing the world through his eyes was a novelty. I enjoyed the author’s name-dropping of those they met and the inclusion of real-world events in various fields and locales. Their visits to Florence, Venice, and London made me feel like I was reliving my visits.

There is a good flow to the story, but the inclusion of various languages without explanation often made it difficult to follow and interpret it to mean what the author intended. I liked the conclusion but wished it had gone on a little longer with an epilogue explaining where he and his family ended up. We definitely know he was successful in his writing.

Once Upon a Villa is a memoir that drew me in despite my not knowing the author at all. I enjoyed the literary references and seeing how hard the author worked at his craft. It’s definitely an enjoyable read in a genre I’m not usually drawn to.

Book Review: Once Upon a Villa: Adventures on the French Riviera by Andrew Kaplan
Published by Smugglers Lane Press and Book Whisperer, March 6, 2024

★★★★★ (4.5 Stars rounded up!)

Côte d'Azur, Southern France
(Also known as "The French Riviera")
Circa 1985 /1986.

From the get-go, the Kaplans pull out all the stops! They snag the so-called "Polanski" villa at Cap d'Antibes, about 35 miles due southwest of Monaco. (See Footnote 1.)

A stone's throw to the northwest of the villa, you'd find le Baie des Milliardaires d'Antibes, or the Bay of Billionaires, where the yacht of the King of Arabia lays anchored. And a mile northeast, la Plage de la Garoupe beach, nicknamed "Gatsby's" beach by the Kaplans, because, Kaplan writes, that's where F. Scott Fitzgerald had written much of "The Great Gatsby" (1925).

Thus the life of the Kaplan family of three begins, once upon a villa. Bestselling author, Andrew, then twice published, ex-GI, ex-IDF, ex-IHT (International Herald Tribune) journalist based in Paris; his wife, Anne, and their precocious 2 1/2 year-old toddler, Justin.

Before long, the Kaplans learn that life in France is like no other place. That the first floor of a building here is called the "rez-de-chaussée" followed by the first floor, which in American buildings would be the second floor. That the French interpretation of "punctuality" has its own special meaning. That "finger wagging" remonstrates wordless Gallic expressions. And that that the renewal of a French "carte de séjour" or temporary residence permit is not the easiest thing in the world, which is a gross understatement.

No hospital gowns needed here.
Later, when Anne gets diagnosed with tubular pregnancy, she undergoes investigative surgery at a French hospital. As Anne lays patiently in her birthday suit, Andrew asks politely that his naked wife be given a gown. The puzzled nurse looks at him oddly and asks, "Why?"

This close to Monaco, it's almost inevitable that a fairly prominent American author gets to brush elbows with royalty. Turns out Princess Caroline, herself, daughter of Princess Grace of Monaco, ends up benevolently offering to help the Kaplans find a proper "crèche" or nursery for little Justin.

Celebrity galore too, as the couple find themselves at a party on Christina Onassis' yacht. Elsewhere, in a seaside cafe in Monte Carlo, Kaplan incidentally meets an 18-yr-old German boy, whose name so happens to be Boris Becker, just before the teenager wins his first major title and becomes the first unseeded player and the first German to win the Wimbledon gentlemen's singles title in 1985.

Then a swing to Venice, Harry's Bar off Piazza San Marco, and those peachy Bellinis, living the life, and why not?

The highlight of their trip has to be "Le Bal de la Rose" or the Rose Ball, the annual charity gala for the elites at the exclusive Monte-Carlo Sporting Club organized by the Royal family of Monaco since 1954.

Santé! Skoal! L'Chaim!
And soon enough, the Kaplan family bids a fitting farewell to their friends and acquaintances, not with a goodbye, but with the French phrase for "...'til we meet again", as they head back home. Even as teenager Boris Becker sweeps Ivan Lendl in straight sets to win Wimbledon on July 6, 1986. Yellow balls were used in the tournament for the first time...

(Footnote 1. Roman Polanski was the prior occupant of the "Polanski" villa, a week or so before the Kaplans. Polanski is of course the famous director of those blockbuster movies "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) and "Chinatown" (1974); also noted for his "tabloid bacchanal indiscretions".)

// To vicariously follow the Kaplans to places of interest mentioned in the book, I'd suggest readers keep Côte d'Azur on Google Maps, bookmarked on Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (IATA: NCE) for reference. //

-----

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in its authenticity, and couldn't help but recall an all-time favorite about an Englishman who lived with his wife in Provence, about 200 miles west of Cap D'Antibes and Monaco in the Luberon mountains, during just about the same timeline as this novel.

"Once Upon a Villa" (2024) and "A Year in Provence" (1989). How do they compare?

Peter Mayle wrote his masterpiece about his immersion as a British expat into French life n Ménerbes, a village in the southern département Vaucluse, followed by about fourteen sequels on Provence and the French language and culture, for which in 2002 the French conferred on him their highest order of merit, "Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honor) for "coopération et francophonie".

I doubt if the French would do the same to Andrew Kaplan for his brief detour in Côte d'Azur. But then, his readers would gladly do the honors. We'd close the book, have one last chuckle, raise that glass, and say, "Salut!".

Kudos to you, Mr. Kaplan, for sharing it all in an excellent book. Nice title too.

Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Smugglers Lane Press, Book Whisperer and NetGalley.

If you’ve ever dreamt of packing up your life and moving to the south of France, this is the memoir for you. When author, Andrew Kaplan, decides to try and write a spy novel he persuades his wife that a move to France would greatly enhance the writing process. Before you know it the two of them have packed up their toddler and are on their way!

This tale of their expat life is charmingly descriptive and is easy to get wrapped up in. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The episode of the exploding stove had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book! Thanks to Net Galley and Book Whisperer for allowing me to read an advance copy.

Liked the way french words were in this book because I'm learning it so it was nice to learn new vocabulary but maybe someone that doesn't know anything may find it a little annoying because they were all over the book
For some reason I didnt like the way this book was written it was just like a guide for traveling than a story, which isn't really my cup of tea.
I loved the cover and gives you summer vibes but sadly the book sometimes felt like the story has no point like we are just there and nothing is happening.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity of reading this book

I love memoirs and love travel and this book was just that sort of thing. To read about other people, their lives and adventures is always a bit of fun for me. There is a bit of everything in this book and it was quite interesting hearing about his writing and his life and family.

Great setting and a good true tale of life abroad and how people cope with this type of adventure. There is humour, there is sadness, there is everything. It is an enjoyable and entertaining read that made me want to travel and have more adventures myself.

Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The beginning of this memoir was interesting and at times even funny but as the story progressed I lost interest. The name-dropping and constant references of the author’s wealthy friends was tiresome and unimpressive. This isn’t a story I would recommend others.

"Once Upon A Villa" by Andrew Kaplan allows readers to tag along as stowaways during the time when he and his wife, along with their two year old son, ventured to France because they could. As a mother of a toddler, chronic wanderluster, and aspiring writer, this book was intriguing from the outset and I found myself looking forward to reading it in order to discover the day's adventure's through Andrew's eyes.

To read about the couples acclimation to France from luggage allowance to the appropriate number of times to exchange air cheek kisses was quite informative. To journey with them as they met fellow Americans and those accepted into French society was a joy. I could not help but marvel at their flexibility and resourcefulness with managing childcare in a foreign country and I couldn't help but wonder how much is the same/similar today!

There is quite a bit of French sprinkled throughout the text which adds character to the scenes and discussions taking place; however, as one who has not yet mastered the language, I do feel like I missed out on parts of the book simply because I had no idea what was being discussed/conveyed.

I also enjoyed reading about Kaplan's progress with writing and the developments related to publishing with "Dragonfire" during his stent in France. The support and encouragement provided by Anne is admirable and the work that Andrew put into the book to earn success is inspiring! Kaplan's other works have officially been added to the "TBR" list!

I enjoyed this book. It was a very easy fun read and I think everyone should read it. Thank you for writing such a good book!

This was a wonderful read when Andrew Kaplan his wife and their young son decide to head to the French Riviera for a year the fun begins.The beautiful setting the authors writing makes this a pleasure to read fun to share in their travels from my reading chair.#netgalley #onceuponaVilla

I couldn’t not get into this book. I kept trying and it never stuck with me. I think it had great potential, and I’m happy for the author and his family. This one just wasn’t for me.

This book was not my typical book but I’m glad I gave it a chance. It was an interesting read, although the second part of the book seemed a bit pretentious. Overall though I enjoyed the story and am glad I gave it a try.

A decadent recounting of an American writer’s life in the French Riviera in the 1980s. You’ll likely recognize many of the names dropped, including royals, as the author shares his anecdotes of yacht parties, galas, and such. It was interesting to get a glimpse of the lavish lifestyles and unique expat experience.

Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Captivating from start to finish, this romance novel weaves a spellbinding tale of love and self-discovery. The characters are richly developed, and the author's vivid prose brings their emotions to life. A perfect blend of passion and heart, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into the world of love and romance

Once Upon a Villa
By Andrew Kaplan

Mr. Kaplan is an American author writes in the espionage thriller genre. In this book, he changes things up and writes a memoir about a year his family spent living on the French Riviera.

As with all successful fiction writers, Kaplan tells a good story. He and his wife and toddler son left California for France, so that he could concentrate on his writing and try to make it big as a serious writer. And while he does write "Dragonfire" – considered his breakthrough novel – during this period, this book is the story of their adventures while in southern France, Monaco and Italy.

Mr. Kaplan claims that virtually everything in this book happened, it is a wild tale filled with excesses which stretch credibility. The life that Andrew and Anne lead, full of millionaires and billionaires, eating and drinking to excess, and dragging a small child through all this until all hours of the night seems almost unbelievable. Today in America they would be guilty of driving drunk and certainly endangering the welfare of a child,

Although I enjoy a good spy novel, I was not previously familiar with Mr. Kaplan's work. While implausible, this story is entertaining, and Kaplan's struggles to finish "Dragonfire" have encouraged me to read it!

I wanted to read the is one because I love travel memoirs. This definitely scratched that itch for me, but the French Riviera and the rich, party lifestyle wasn’t my favorite as far as travel memoirs go.

A delightful memoir of life on the French Riviera! If you enjoy memoirs you will enjoy this one by bestselling author Andrew Kaplan. It takes place in the 1980’s when he and his family lived in various places on the French Riviera while he was writing one of his books. It is hilarious at times and while I was reading it, I kept thinking, did this really happen and how did he remember everything??
Having visited the French Riviera myself just last year I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the towns and places that I visited. It brought back lovely memories for me.
The author also referenced some important news events that took place in the United States during this time period as well and I thought that was really interesting.
The writing style is very good and easy to read with lots of dialogue. It felt as though the author was having a conversation with me. It must have been an extraordinary experience for the author and his family to get to live abroad and meet so many fascinating and famous people and I wonder if he ever went back.
Thank you Andrew Kaplan for writing and sharing your stories and experiences! Bravo 👏🏼
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.