À La Mod cover art

À La Mod

My So-Called Tranquil Family Life in Rural France

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À La Mod

By: Ian Moore
Narrated by: Ian Moore
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About this listen

Ian Moore is a stand-up comedian in the UK and a husband, father of three boys, farmhand and chutney-maker in France. He is a mod in both walks of life and most of his time is spent travelling grumpily between the two. Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.

Several years later, Ian finds himself up to his neck in bilingual offspring, feral cats, promiscuous horses, dysfunctional spaniels and needy hens; he’s wrestling with electric fences, a foreign language, a mountain of animal waste and a wife who collects livestock like there’s a biblical flood on the horizon, all while trying not to dirty his loafers.

But despite the ups, downs and increasing demands of Ian’s showbiz career, the Moore family persevere in true Brit style to create a unique, colourful and ultimately rewarding life in their new home - a la campagne and a la mod!

©2013 Ian Moore (P)2013 Audible Ltd
Europe France Performing Arts Travel Writing & Commentary Comedy Western Europe Marriage Funny Feel-Good Witty Thought-Provoking Celebrity
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Critic reviews

"I hate mods, I hate France and I hate reading but I still loved this book." (Lee Mack, comedian)

What listeners say about À La Mod

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I loved it!

Where does À La Mod rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a great audiobook. Its 'feelgood', light, funny and endearing. I very quickly felt like I knew all of the family. Even half way in, I knew I would listen to this book again. Ideal relaxation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of À La Mod?

Dealing with French officialdom!

Which character – as performed by Ian Moore – was your favourite?

Himself!

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1 person found this helpful

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Fab!

I laughed out loud quite a few times - at one point I had to tell my husband about the frottage (he was trying to work) and also vasectomies (he was trying to enjoy his lunch break). Sadly I wasn't as funny as Ian but it (he) was a tough crowd.
I spent a lazy Sunday listening to the first part and finished Tuesday - probably because its very moreish- or mooreish even. I love Natalie because we are definitely from the same soul tribe. I love cushions, shopping and I am obsessed with animals! I convinced my husband a python in the Friday Ad looked sad and we adopted her.
Anyway my binge was so bad I listened in the bath and one of the cats Angus aka "Wise Guy" came in and became extremely zen listening to the narrative. .. I will be listening to the next instalment

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

tale of ex pat Brit in France with a Parka & pets

What did you like most about À La Mod?

Realistic overview of many problems encountered by a ex Pat moving to but not working in France. Loved the less than glamorous travel options he had to use in order to make the life economically viable. Great descriptions of the local customs and rubbish disposal options.

What was one of the most memorable moments of À La Mod?

This has to be the family's attempts to sell bric a brac at the French equivalent of a car boot sale - only to end up taking more home than they brought.

What about Ian Moore’s performance did you like?

Reading his own story, Ian Moore brings just the right balance of emotion and dry wry humour to the book

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Merde pets & Parkas

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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À La Mod, a brilliant listen

Where does À La Mod rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

We chose it to listen to as a family in the car and we have all absolutely loved it.

What other book might you compare À La Mod to, and why?

It reminds me of the equally good 'Road to Rouen' by Ben Hatch

What does Ian Moore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His tone of voice beautifully illustrates his circumstances and his warmth when reading about his family is delightful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We gave it a fair shot. As soon as we got in the car for the next leg of our journey the cry went up, 'put the book on!'

Any additional comments?

We were able to relate to the book, being amateur rural dwellers ourselves. It's a lovely book about the life and it's challenges that made us giggle and guffaw.

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1 person found this helpful

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My go to audiobook

I suffer from tinnitus and cannot go to sleep unless there’s something playing. I think I have listened to this literally thousands of times. It’s still funny and Ian’s voice is soothing. My daughter love it too.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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An Easy Listen

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not, I rated this book as interestring, but, so many better books out there that I would recommend.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

If the author was more descriptive of the obviously wonderful area of France in which he lived. It felt like the author just scraped the surface.

What three words best describe Ian Moore’s performance?

Good

Could you see À La Mod being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

No, not really, not this book.

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2 people found this helpful

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Moreish

A great story read by an excellent storyteller. I kept wanting to know what would happen next and there was none of the tweeness or 'stupid foreigner abroad' you often get in such tales. On to the followup!

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A great, witty listen

I loved the way Ian Moore both wrote and read this very warm and amusing book. I laughed out loud several times and really enjoyed his dry narration of his family's and animals' antics, and the characters in his adopted home. Looking forward to listening to the next one!

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A great story, well written and narrated. 5 stars!

I chose this title as I’ve had a desire to up sticks and move to France for as long as I can remember. With Ian being a fellow Englishman I figured that the book would provide some encouragement and insight.

Ian, despite making his living in stand up, is a remarkably well accomplished writer and narrator. His comedy timing shines through occasionally and will have you actually laughing out loud at several points throughout. The theme park suggestion during the car licensing chapter being a stand out moment.

Ian leaves you feeling like you know him and his family to the point where you feel you could sit down with him and Natalie and share a glass or two of wine and feel like they’re old friends.

I’ve just bought C’est Magnifique which is the second book in the series, so, should you see a middle aged man in a blue Jag laughing to himself whilst in traffic then don’t be alarmed.

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2 people found this helpful

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“French mod” triumphs!

Really enjoyed this - he does have a soothing voice and look forward to more books. I’m a farmers daughter and have to laugh at the animals having to come inside- you’ve got barns - just give the dogs and cats a nice straw bed in one and they’ll be fine - no need to mess up your house with them!!

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