Francis Jammes’s Les Robinsons basques (The Basque Robinsons) is a quiet, pastoral twist on the classic desert island tale. Forget palm trees and shipwrecks; this family’s adventure begins with a deliberate choice to leave city life behind.

The Story

A family from the city decides to start over. They move to a simple, remote house in the Basque countryside, determined to live a self-sufficient life close to the land. The story follows their daily rhythms—tending animals, working the garden, and navigating the challenges of their new isolation. Their "island" is the hills and valleys of this unique region, and their "rescue" isn't a passing ship, but the decision of whether this simpler, harder life is truly the happiness they sought.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a love letter to a way of life. Jammes writes with a poet’s eye, making you feel the sun on the stone walls and smell the earth after rain. The beauty isn't in grand plot twists, but in small, perfect moments: a child discovering a flower, the satisfaction of a harvested vegetable. It’s a deeply peaceful read that makes you slow down. In our busy, connected world, it’s surprisingly radical to read about people finding joy in disconnection and manual work.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves nature writing, gentle stories about family, or needs a literary palate cleanser from fast-paced fiction. If you enjoyed the calm spirit of My Family and Other Animals or the rustic charm of The Egg and I, you’ll find a friend here. It’s a short, sweet escape into a quieter time.