As They Were (along with Long Ago in France and Sister Age) was one of the books she wrote at Last House in Glen Ellen, California.

[1] Fisher was a "revered" food writer, but this volume almost entirely avoids the topic on which she built her reputation, which some reviewers found disappointing.

"[5] Reviewer Lawrence W. Markert thought the book was simply a worthy detour from edible subject matter to the similar genre of travel writing.

[4] Reviewer Fred Smock thought "She does not travel, strictly speaking; she takes up residence, and so is privileged to see, hear and taste a life fuller than any tourist.

Wallraff noted that "the world that Fisher inhabits seems a wonderful place because of the way she has made it relate to itself.