Peter Mayle - A Year in Provence

Pros: Beautiful autobiographical account of life in Provence
Cons: It had to end

"What is it...that changes from the colour of a dead rat to the colour of a dead lobster in three hours? Les Anglais en vacances..."I was in the bookshop the other day looking for a fun book to read for the train ...

Pros: wonderful anecdotes about daily life in Provence
Cons: plane ticket, lodgings and meals sold separately

Every so often, I get the urge to run out and buy a French farmhouse.

The reason for this bizarre impulse? "A Year in Provence," the enjoyable memoir from Englishman-turned-expatriate Peter Mayle.

The British Book Awards named "A...

Pros: vivid details
Cons: don't read it when you are hungry

In the course of thinning out my book herd, I've been reading books that I haven't read in years, trying to determine whether I should keep them, or move them along. Going back to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence was like going back to an old ...

Pros: warm, tasty and savory language. easy to digest chapters.
Cons: none

Some books are for chewing, others are for observing from a distance and still others are for slathering all over the body. A few books, however, are for savoring. These books, rich in people, places and flavor make perfect companions for curling up on...

Pros: Humor, charm, luscious food and countryside revealed
Cons: Too short

Peter Mayle's first Provencal adventure made a big stir when it first came out in '93, and being a bit green with envy that I as a writer hadn't done what he did, and operating under the misconception that he was a snob, I totally avoided the book....

Pros: addictive, charming, well-written
Cons: may not appeal to everyone, will make you seethe with jealousy

Have you ever dreamt of giving up everything and moving to another country, slipping into the gentler lifestyle and experiencing, and indeed being part of, a whole new culture? Do you long to pass your lane in the rat race onto someone else? In that case...

Pros: A wonderful description of the Provencal life
Cons: no

This book is a wonderful novel. I am French and I recognized and felt, all along the reading, the "atmospher" you can find in the south of France (I come from the south).
Peter Mayle managed to express and to brush, trough his characters...

Pros: Wonderful descriptions of food and French culture
Cons: How do these people afford their life?!

Having worked in a bookstore and being a bibliophile myself, I had heard of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. It wasn't until my bookclub chose to read it, however, that I actually picked it up. I am happy that I did - it is wonderful...

Pros: A nice leisurely read
Cons: Not much of a plot

What a wonderful little book "A Year in Provence" is! Peter Mayle takes us to France to experience a year filled with colorful characters and local challenges.

Although the book doesn't have much of a plot (and certainly no suspense...

Pros: Wonderful beyond belief!
Cons: Makes you hungry.

Without a doubt, this is my favorite book of all time. In fact, I have read it so many times, I've practically memorized the whole thing. This journey into the South of France is utterly delightful. It's like going on vacation without leaving your...

Pros: edible, fragrant, comfortable, funny
Cons: Hey, does his wife have any opinion?

This book is for anyone who wants to quit their measly job or existence and move to foreign country where nature rules and good food and wine is a must. I lived in San Francisco for four years and spoiled myself on wine and great food. You must have an...