L’appart

David Lebovitz chronicles the long, often horrifying, process of buying and remodeling a Paris apartment in L’appart.  In a tale bound to make anyone contemplating any kind of kitchen or bath remodel have some series qualms Lebovitz relates the details of falling into the hands of an unscrupulous contractor while dealing with a culture & language that are not his own.

Lebovitz tells his story smoothly and keeps the reader interested even as you wonder why he was so willing to put up with some of the things he put up with.  Having never lived abroad I can’t speak personally to the effect being a stranger might have on my personal and business dealings.  As an added bonus, Lebovitz, a cookbook writer, spices up his story with favorite recipes.

All in all I would recommend this book for those who like an interesting slice of life in a foreign place and who are not contemplating any remodels in their near future.