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. //

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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.

Delightful, witty and charming. I certainly enjoyed this light hearted book. I loved the glimpse of living in France. This memoir was also enlightening. I was blessed with a free advance review copy, and I am submitting my review voluntarily. Highly recommend if you want a fun, enchanting read.

"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.

Andrew Kaplan's "Once Upon a Villa" is as a gust of fresh air in the expatriate writer genre that frequently seems like a case of déjà vu with different covers.

Set against the mid-1980s backdrop of the French Riviera, this narrative goes beyond the usual self-discovery trope. Kaplan, with his wife and new child, departs the U.S. for France with 17 suitcases, leaving behind their familiar lives. Rather than succumbing to the clichés of bureaucratic red tape or painting a broad stroke of French society as universally snobbish and lazy, Kaplan takes a refreshingly nuanced approach. He steers away from stereotypes and instead highlighting the genuine warmth and charm that define his newly adopted home.

The author's accounts of the writing process, interspersed with anecdotes that give the story its (situational) humor, made me feel as though I had been lent the very eyes writing. From 12-hour Sunday lunches to day trips, nights out with friends, and even a round of roulette at the renowned Monte Carlo casino, the memoir presents a unique blend. While offering a taste of glitzy escapism, the memoir also gently highlights humanity. I felt like a silent observer during the Kaplan family's sabbatical It felt like finding the one croissant in a bakery full of baguettes—distinct, indulgent, and a delightful departure from the norm.

A thoroughly enjoyable work! On the first page, I became aware of the quality of writing that draws one in with smoothness and humour. I was ignorant of Kaplan's work - I am not a crime thriller reader, and do enjoy going into NetGalley suggestions with no author background- so the surety of the writing was a pleasant surprise to me.

The lightness of the writing was perfect with the glamour of the setting and characterization. The fact that this was a memoir was even better. Reading this book was like taking a trip to the coast of France itself. For a fan of writing about this area (the Murphys, the Fitzgeralds, the Hemingways), it was pure nostalgia.

The tale of Kaplan's young family and their difficulties as well as joys, was well drawn, and realistic. Once Upon a Villa is definitely on my list for gifts to all that love the Riviera, if only from afar!

Many thanks to NetGalley and BookWhisperer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by Mr Kaplan, and I enjoyed everything about it very much. First and foremost
it’s hilarious, possibly without intending to be, which makes it funnier. I enjoyed all of the settings
from Southern California to countries and villages in Europe. For those who are familiar with the
publishing industry there is plenty to drive the story, and there are some shocking surprises around
every corner. There are a couple of moments of sadness, however, the Author does a masterful job
with the events and the aftermath, bringing us back to the general levity of this story.
Imagine, if you will, deciding to pack up life, which includes a toddler, to relocate to the UK. WHY?
To get your novel kickstarted, to make big money on your as of yet, mostly unwritten book…for which
you have have been paid… For a lot of people, the moment you say, “toddler,” you have a
problem! However, this little guy is a gem. And the same folks might blanch hearing about the
hassles involved in simply finding a place to live in Italy, or France. I, on the other hand, enjoyed
every page of the fabulous experiences our friends had in each place they called home for a few
months at a time.
I highly recommend this book.! My thanks to Smugglers Lane Press for a download copy of this
book for review purposes.

Adventures on the French Riviera

This is a LOL hilariously funny true account written by Andrew Kaplan telling us what it was like when he, his wife and two year-old son decided to leave everything behind and live the fantasy life on the Cote d’Azur. In the French Riviera the Kaplan matched wits with French bureaucrats, searched for the perfect French cuisine, met with con men, eccentric ex-pats, Monaco’s royals, attended Onassis’ parties, made friends with a police chef and had adventures with the rich and famous.....as the story goes....pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy this wise, warm and witty story.

For most parts I loved this account. It is written to bring us into his world and makes us feel we are sharing a meal, paying at the casino, partying with the rich and famous along with him. Also interesting is the journey getting to the Riviera and the struggles to find housing and trying to fit in. The Kaplan did well and even managed to rent Roman Polanski’s estate. Of course being in France it is inevitable the French language is spoken and Mr. Kaplan makes great use of his knowledge and seasoned his thoughts throughout with words and long sentences. If you know some French, you will feel right at home.

It is evident that rubbing shoulders with the upper class Mr. Kaplan is well-off and is used to the finer things. But ¾ into, I lost interest in the excessive partying, drinking, eating, and the name dropping of designer clothes and of famous people.....enough was enough. Mr Kaplan is clever, along the way why not promote his other books and he did so with finesse simply slide this in during a conversation....Ok...I am interested.

The author touches panoply of subject that happened during his stay that brought back events that happened a long time ago: ex. the Challenger disaster and Chernobyl and the bombing of Libya. He expresses mostly the widespread sympathy from people around him.

It is a good book although the beginning was by far much more captivating then the last ¼.