Book Review

A French Experience du Nord
A lively account of life in northern France

by Monica Stringer

Monica Stringer's recently published book presents in 76 pages her and her husband's experiences of buying a flat in Normandy, and paints a wonderful picture of the pleasures - and sometimes the frustrations for the English visitor! - of what everyday life can be like in this region of northern France.

If that was all the book did, it would still be worth buying it because of the view it gives of how different daily life can be just a few miles across the channel. However the book does a lot more than that, as Monica reminds us that underneath the surface there is a great spiritual need, a darkness that comes from life without God, without the Gospel, without hope. Monica presents this reality through accounts of her experiences and those of others who live in or visit Normandy and other parts of northern France.

The book reflects Monica's personal experiences and views, and while Normandy Vision might not hold the same views on all areas covered in the book, we would recommend that anyone who has a concern for the spiritual needs of France should get hold of a copy as quickly as possible and read it - and then re-read it!

Monica Stringer (shown in the picture on the left, with a view of Dieppe and its harbour in the background) is married to Michael, and they have six grown-up children. She and her husband are both teachers who have been involved in Christ-centred education for many years. Monica has written many articles and leaflets together with a book about Christian education. They live in Kent and visit France frequently.

Monica and Michael came to help Normandy Vision with the 2008 Bible Exhibition at Houlgate, and the book refers to that event on pp.58 and 59.