The Stories Behind Fat Dogs and French Estates
Beth Haslam shares her journey from Wales to France, discussing her love for animals, cultural adaptation, and the humorous adventures that inspired her bestselling “Fat Dogs and French Estates” series.
Beth Haslam is a remarkable storyteller whose life journey has taken her from the rolling hills of Wales to the picturesque landscapes of rural France. Her deep-rooted love for animals and the countryside, nurtured from a young age, has profoundly influenced her writing and lifestyle. Beth’s ability to weave humour and heart into her narratives has captivated readers worldwide, making her “Fat Dogs and French Estates” series a beloved favourite. Her books not only offer a delightful escape into the charming chaos of French country living but also provide insightful reflections on the joys and challenges of adapting to a new culture. With her keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Beth Haslam has established herself as a cherished voice in contemporary travel literature.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Beth shares her experiences of transitioning from a life in Wales to embracing the quirks and charms of rural France. She discusses the influence of her upbringing on her current lifestyle, the serendipitous beginnings of her writing career, and the cultural surprises that have enriched her understanding of community and belonging. Beth also delves into her passion for animal care and conservation, revealing how these endeavors have deepened her connection to the land and the local community. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Beth Haslam, where humor, heart, and a love for animals create a tapestry of unforgettable tales.
Growing up on a country estate in Wales must have instilled a deep connection with the countryside. How has this early experience shaped your approach to living in rural France, especially regarding animal care and conservation?
A countryside upbringing has been hugely influential. My passion for animals began early. Surrounded by dogs and cats, I woke every morning to the chatter of birds and farm stock.
We ate home-grown produce, and from the youngest age, I was encouraged to respect nature and care for animals. The spring months saw us fostering orphaned lambs, keeping them warm in the kitchen on chilly nights. All sorts of abandoned creatures found a home with us. It was my Ma who taught me how to patch up injured ones. Years later, many of these lessons have become valuable to our lives here in France.
When did you first decide to write about your life adventures in France?
The decision was made by accident. Jack, my remarkably grumpy husband, and I sat one evening in our local French auberge, exhausted, at the end of yet another tough day. We’d been working on our domaine home renovations whilst trying to calm Jean-Luc, our nutty decorator.
Jean-Luc is neurotic. He had abruptly downed tools and refused to work with the tiler. Why? Nobody knew. Jean-Luc had regular traumas. Reflecting on this latest tantrum, Jack sipped his gin and tonic and sighed. “The things that have happened to us with this bloody project are so unbelievable,” he said, “you should write a book about it.” So I did.
Your Fat Dogs and French Estates series blends humour with the challenges of finding a home in a foreign country. How did you balance the comedic elements with the underlying stresses and uncertainties during your house-hunting visit?
Jack and I share a similar sense of humour, which certainly helped, as did the philosophy of ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ Although, as things turned out, that throw-away line was tested several times.
Our project was innocent enough: buy a country home in France with a chunk of land. Off we went with our two portly dogs. Confident. Utterly naive.
Despite life-threatening situations, an eccentric aristocrat estate agent, misbehaving dogs and several nightmarish property visits, we didn’t give up. After each visit, we found ourselves giggling about the latest disasters. It was precisely the pressure valve release we needed.
Adapting to French customs and the local dialect must have been a challenging but rewarding experience. What have been the most surprising cultural differences you’ve encountered, and how have they influenced your understanding of community and belonging?
I fear our battle with the southwest dialect will be a lifelong challenge. Still, we persevere despite regularly murdering the language.
Living in our sparsely-populated rural backwater is like stepping back thirty years. We had no idea how caring our community would be. Nor did we realise that we had bought a domaine with such a noteworthy local history. That reality emerged slowly and somewhat mysteriously.
Life is simple here. Markets with freshly picked yields buzz with local gossip, while fêtes celebrate farming traditions and the season’s fruits. Gifts, usually produce, are often left on our doorstep. We frequently have no clue who they’re from, and nothing is ever expected in return. It’s part of countryside life.
Integrating into the community where almost no English is spoken was an important goal. It happened gradually through experiences, some dire, which I relate in my books. We are now immersed in a farming group that operates in tune with the changing seasons, respecting one another’s values. We love it.
Raising and saving animals is now a significant part of your life in France. What has this responsibility taught you about empathy, and how has it deepened your connection to the land and the local community?
I have a natural affinity with animals, nurtured from childhood. Neither Jack nor I could possibly ignore an animal in need, and each case enhances our determination to try and help.
Many of the tales I share in my books refer to the gradual changes we are making to our land. We’re responsible for the wildlife and try our utmost to ensure their habitat is safe and bountiful.
Raising different species evolved along with our lives here, as did caring for abandoned animals. Because of this, we have gained a quirky reputation for being the go-to people in a creature crisis.
How would you define your style of writing?
I’m a descriptive storyteller. I try hard to create images for the reader so they can visualise each scene. My style is light-hearted, so there’s lots of humour, but since I share tales from life, there are serious points and sadness, too. My ambition with every book is to make readers smile, laugh, perhaps shed a tear and sense drama, just as I did when living through each of the scenes described.
What’s Next for your Fat Dogs?
When Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part I was first published, I was astonished when it became an Amazon international #1 category bestseller. To my delight, readers asked for more, and the series grew. Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part VI will be published later this year, and with no shortage of tales to relate, the series is set to continue. I couldn’t be more grateful to those who continue to share our charmed, slightly wacky lives here in France.
