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.
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.
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: 1
Loved it.
Fast, fast read.
Utterly charming.
Fast, fast read.
Utterly charming.
Helpful Score: 1
The author's banters about everyday life in Provence are absolutely delightful. A quick, fun read. Will be coming back for more.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this one aloud with my aunt, and we laughed and laughed the whole way through. The French phrases were a bit trying at times, but we didn't feel like that took anything away from our enjoyment. I want to move to Provence now! I will be finishing this series, for sure! Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book so much that I ordered the sequel right away! The scattered French terms throughout were easy to understand within the context of the story, and what few I couldn't figure out, I Googled.
I love these books. Anyone who has ever travelled over seas, particularly to Germany, Austria, or France can certainly appreciate the situations which arise in this book. I laughed all the way through it!
This was a nice, light read. Enjoyed the author's description of their "culture shock," and reading about the things they fell in love with and wouldn't ever get used to. Thought it funny how they come to view "tourists." Similar to "Under the Tuscan Sun," I recommend this to all who enjoy sitting down with a book with the ability to take them away to another country and life.
This is just a really enjoyable read - - loved the insights into French culture, the love of food, and could completely envision the appeal of of Provencial lifestyle.
I loved this book so much I have collected the several sequels to it. Being a retired French teacher and having visited France at one time, though not Provence, made this memoir all the sweeter, although it can certainly be enjoyed by anyone. The account of Mayle and his wife's year is amusing, informative and terrific story-telling. I laughed out loud more than once!
I really enjoyed reading this.
I liked the chronological format.
Each chapter is a month of humorous events that begin early in the year, with buying a nice fixer upper in the French countryside, and conclude at year end with finishing projects and celebrations with food, fellowship and fruitful harvests of the region.
I like maps and found myself looking up the places mentioned so I could see it the areas for myself. To read about fields of lavender sounds nice; then to look it up on Google Maps (or geographic source of your choice) and read first hand reviews and see photographs of the lavender fields... that was pretty cool.
I liked the chronological format.
Each chapter is a month of humorous events that begin early in the year, with buying a nice fixer upper in the French countryside, and conclude at year end with finishing projects and celebrations with food, fellowship and fruitful harvests of the region.
I like maps and found myself looking up the places mentioned so I could see it the areas for myself. To read about fields of lavender sounds nice; then to look it up on Google Maps (or geographic source of your choice) and read first hand reviews and see photographs of the lavender fields... that was pretty cool.
If you aren't able to visit Provence, do so vicariously by reading this book. And if you are planning on going, this is a must read.
A wonderful quick read.
Very funny look at living in southern France as an outsider.
This book is fun to read! Peter Mayle and his wife move to Provence and he writes about their experiences in one year there. Getting to know the neighbors and their ways, learning about business, culture and FOOD, and all with a great sense of humor. You could put it on the travel book shelf, the humor book shelf, and probably several others. I recommend it!
Absolutely hilarious and charming! I laughed until I cried.
Very good book, a quirky look at France. Be warned - you will get VERY hungry while reading!
Charming book. English couple setting up household in France.
This was a great book. It was entertaining from beginning to end and I felt like I was there in Provence. I grew to love the characters immediately and am ready to move there after reading this delightful accounting of Peter Mayle's first year of living in Provence.
A very enjoyable read.
A delightful book. An Englishman moves to Provence and the colorful story of how the French work in a renovation project. The description of the French food and restaurants makes this a worthwhile read.
Charming read despite its age.
Peter Mayle brings Provence to life in this wonderful narrative of his travles through the region in the 80's. Very enjoyable and lyrical recounting of his adventures.
A wonderful look at the French!
Classic travel lit. The British author describes his first year as a resident of Provence after years of visiting the fabled region of France. Funny and insightful.
You really get a feeling for what it would be like to live in Provence including the local preferences in foods, social settings etc. If you can't go there, this book is the next best thing.
If you are planning to go to France...read this on the way!
Delightful!
Delightful!
loved it! you must read the whole series...makes you want to go there and meet the characters.
English folk move to France and rusticate. Good food and wine, lots of sun, and interesting locals.
A pleasant, literate, read.
Wonderfully funny. I had to put the book down repeatedly because I was laughing so hard
Warm, funny, wonderful! Made me feel as tho I lived there with them.
Really, really fun read! Just all around enjoyable!
Loved it!
A favorite!
Very enjoyable true story. Author describes fulfilling dream of moving into 200-year-old stone farmhouse in France.
great read
Very easy and pleasurable read.
I loved this book, which is a humorous account of one family's experience on moving to the French countryside. It is extremely entertaining, a wonderful read !
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle is a humorous account of a British couple who moves to an old farmhouse in Southern France. Thinking back on this book, the IHOP slogan keeps running through my mind. Come hungry, leave happy. I read this book over twenty years ago when it was first published and I still drool when I think of all the delectable food Peter Mayle mentioned. From the sugared slices of fried bread called tranches dorées, to the cold roasted peppers, slippery with olive oil and speckled with fresh basil, tiny mussels wrapped in bacon and barbequed on skewers, salad and cheese, my taste buds never forgot my little jaunt to Provence with Mr. Mayle. His writing style is memorable, too. With charming wit Mayle takes us with him month by month as we explore his new surroundings and neighbors. We learn about truffle hunting, the mistrals, and how to move a frozen stone table with a little help from your friends. I highly recommend this book enjoyable book! Read other reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com
Reading their story of moving into a home in Provence as "outsiders" proves interesting, just as one would hope it would. This book allows you to try it out vicariously. It's a good little read.
Entertaining, amusing, and the best of Mayle's French series. Highly recommended as a light but edifying read.
I read this book quite awhile ago and remember loving it. I never laughed so hard and thinking my how we americans are so spoiled.
I think this is must reading for anyone planning a trip to the region. it's amusing and informative. I can hardly wait to get there!
Armchair travelers will love this account of Brits moving to a vacation spot and the adventures of their first year.
