'A glowing memoir of Provence.' -- New York Times
'Fisher writes with such intimacy and style about her corner of Provence that it will make you want to travel there immediately.' -- Stylist
M.F.K. Fisher moved to Aix-en-Provence with her young daughters after the Second World War. In Map of Another Town, she traces the history of this ancient and famous town, known for its tree-lined avenues, pretty fountains and ornate façades. Beyond the tourist sights, Fisher introduces us to its inhabitants: the waiters and landladies, down-and-outs and local characters, all recovering from the effects of the war in a drastically new France.
Fisher is known as one of America's most celebrated food writers; here she gives us a fascinating portrait of a place. It is, as she confesses, a self-portrait: 'my picture, my map, of a place and therefore of myself'. This is an intimate travel memoir written in Fisher's inimitable style – confident, confiding and always compelling.
'A splendid and lovable book.' -- The Times
'If Fisher's food writing makes you want to eat, preferably with her, Map of Another Town will make you long to book a budget flight, so you too may stroll down the Cours Mirabeau.' -- Lauren Elkin, from the introduction
'An elegiac ode to one of the Mediterranean's most colourful cities that will delight all lovers of Provence . . . A tantalising memoir.' -- France Magazine
'Many authors whisper, as though to a diary, or chat, as though to a friend, but Fisher communicates with the heady directness of a lover.' -- Bee Wilson, author of The Way We Eat Now
'She is not just a great a great food writer. She is a great writer, full stop.' -- Rachel Cooke, Observer