Are you tired of reading about all those clever, temporary expatriates, who buy a run-down dwelling in Provence or Tuscany; then spend happy years renovating it with the cooperation of laughing locals and rustic characters; eventually producing a home fit for Architectural Digest?

Are you weary of reading how these intimidating people concoct fabulous meals based on local produce; all worthy of inclusion in Gourmet Traveller?

Are you sick of chick lit with its stories of thirties singletons and their angst; who, in spite of many self-imposed hurdles get their man and fade into some...