From Minnesota to Autignac: A Writer's Journey of Self-Discovery in France

Steve Hoffman, a James Beard Award-winning food writer, joins the ranks of authors drawn to France in his memoir "A Season for That." Unlike his predecessors who sought the bustling expat community of 1920s Paris or the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, Hoffman's journey led him to Autignac, a small village in southern France with fewer than 1,000 residents.

In 2012, Hoffman, along with his wife Mary Jo and children Eva and Joseph, embarked on a six-month sojourn in this unassuming locale. Their goal was not merely to experience France as tourists but to immerse themselves in the culture and potentially discover new facets of their identities.

Hoffman's relationship with France began in his youth, offering an escape from a complex family dynamic in Minnesota. His early experiences in Paris during college left an indelible mark, promising a life beyond the confines of his American identity.

The memoir delves into Hoffman's attempts at cultural integration, from participating in the grape harvest to working with the local butcher. These experiences provided insights into French business practices and the rich traditions of country cooking, passed down through generations.

"This is what you get after you've done the work. But you're not doing the work. You're just playing some character, and I don't even like him."

This critique from his wife served as a turning point, pushing Hoffman to engage more authentically with his surroundings and the people of Autignac.

"A Season for That" is not a linear narrative but a collection of anecdotes and reflections that gradually coalesce into a portrait of a family navigating cultural differences and personal growth. Hoffman's prose, honed over eight years of writing, shines with polished brilliance, particularly in passages about his children.

The memoir touches on the concept of "terroir," a term used in French winemaking to describe the environmental factors that influence a crop's characteristics. Hoffman applies this idea metaphorically to his family, recognizing the unique qualities they possess whether rooted in France or Minnesota.

While the book offers profound insights into family dynamics and cultural adaptation, it leaves some aspects of Hoffman's personal history unexplored. His inability to reconcile with his childhood self remains a poignant, unresolved thread throughout the narrative.

"A Season for That" invites readers to appreciate the cyclical nature of life, echoing the French approach that values seasonal rhythms over constant progress. Through his family's experiences in Autignac, Hoffman discovers that the essence of belonging and self-discovery can be found in everyday moments, regardless of location.

This memoir stands as a testament to the enduring allure of France for writers and the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound discoveries occur not in the glamorous cities or picturesque landscapes, but in the quiet corners of the world where we least expect to find ourselves.