Helpful Score: 8
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...spent last night after supper at the table sipping wine and reading bits out loud to my husband! I found it a bit eye-opening to read about the more "rural" French....they are surprisingly "down-to-earth". Some of us Americans tend to think of all the French as sophisticated snobs...apparently those are the Parisiennes to some degree, but the French farmer and laborer are much like us...only with a huge zest for life...and food and drink-whew! I also found it interesting the way the French get around the exorbitant taxes imposed by a typical European socialist government...we may, très infortuné, need some of those tips in the years to come here in America.
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed reading this, although, I would have probably enjoyed it more if I knew French. :) There are French words and phrases scattered throughout, but it is not essential to understand French to read the book. The book was very enjoyable, regardless. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor. Overall, I would recommend this book.
A lighthearted account of the first year's happenings when two English writers move to Provence. Recurring characters include restauranteurs, neighbors, handymen, and their wives. Fun commentary on the adjustment necessary to move to another country, buy a house, renovate, and finally settle in as townspeople.
This was a delightful book which I read while on vacation in South Florida - so it's not Provence, but it was a close as I'm getting right now! I waffled between wanting to hop on an Air France jet to Provence or Delta back to Jersey several times. Let's say the heat and the cold didn't endear me to Provence, but spring and autumn sounded just about right!
I enjoyed the written feast of life in Provence immensely. One of these days my husband and I will pack our bags and play tourist in Provence, but you bet it won't be in August! :)
I enjoyed the written feast of life in Provence immensely. One of these days my husband and I will pack our bags and play tourist in Provence, but you bet it won't be in August! :)
Helpful Score: 2
Great read, Peter Mayle writes in a style which makes youfeel as if he is relaying these tales to you over dinner.