First published 2012
Taylor Jane arrives in Lourmarin, a village nestled in France's Luberon Valley, to spend her summer caring for the Phoenix family's children. As someone with Asperger's Syndrome, she approaches this new role with her characteristic directness and attention to detail. The unfamiliar rhythms of French village life challenge Taylor in unexpected ways as she manages her responsibilities while processing memories from her childhood. Her babysitting duties become more complex than anticipated, forcing her to adapt to situations that don't follow predictable patterns. Through her daily interactions with the Phoenix family and encounters with village life, Taylor confronts questions about her own independence. The experience pushes her beyond familiar routines and comfort zones. Taylor narrates her story with unflinching honesty, revealing both her struggles and discoveries as she navigates relationships and personal growth in this foreign setting.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, contemporary, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, personal-growth
Setting: Lourmarin, Luberon Valley, France
198 pages · Paperback · Red Deer Press