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Vendor
Fritz Agency
Christian Dittus
Original language
English

A PLACE IN THE WORLD

Frances Mayes

Finding the Meaning of Home

A lyrical and evocative collection of personal stories from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun, in which the queen of wanderlust reflects on the comforts of home.

While Frances Mayes is known for her travels, she has always sought a sense of home wherever she goes. In this poetic testament to the power of place in our lives, Mayes reflects on "home," from the earliest imprint of four walls to the startling discoveries of feeling the strange ease of homes abroad, friends' homes, and even momentary homes that spark desires for other lives. Her musings are all the more poignant after so many have spent their long pandemic months at home. From her travels across Italy—Tuscany, of course, to Venice and Capri—to the American South, France, and Mexico, Mayes examines the connective tissue among them through the homes she's inhabited.

A Place in the World explores Mayes's passion and obsessions with houses and the things that inhabit them—old books, rich food, beloved friends, transportive art. The indelible marks each refuge left on her and how each home influenced the next are the foundations of each chapter.

Written in Mayes's signature intimate style, A Place in the World captures the adventure of moving on while seeking comfort in the cornerstone closest to all of us—home.
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Published 2022-08-01 by Crown

Comments

"The writing is characteristically intimate, as if she is sharing her thoughts and feelings with a dear friend, and she employs eloquent and detailed descriptions, creating a wonderful sense of place. . . . A can't-miss hit for Mayes fans." (starred review)

Bulgaria: Hermes; Poland: Burda; China: Orient Publishing Center;

"As she meanders through her memories, poignant takes on transience and mortality mingle with tributes to the people who bring her homes their vitality. . . . This rich testament to the pleasures of wanderlust and permanence is a gift as well." (starred review) Read more...

“A lyrical and evocative collection of personal stories from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, in which the queen of wanderlust reflects on the comforts of home [A] poetic testament to the power of place in our lives Her musings are all the more poignant after so many have spent their long pandemic months at home Written in Mayes's signature intimate style, A PLACE IN THE WORLD captures the adventure of moving on while seeking comfort in the cornerstone closest to all of us -- home.”

“Sparkling There are so many lovely descriptions of Mayes' houses in A PLACE IN THE WORLD, but this is not a book about buildings It's about the concept of home, that intangible thing Mayes examines homes from many angles. She devotes gorgeous chapters to the Chatwood garden She also writes mouthwateringly about cucina povera Mayes remembers in striking detail the sculptures, books, kitchens and fireplaces of her friends' homes around the world. It's a whirlwind home tour and homage to friendship in 10 pages. A beautiful, thought-provoking read.” (starred review)