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Book Reviews of A Year in Provence

A Year in Provence
A Year in Provence
Author: Peter Mayle
ISBN-13: 9780679731146
ISBN-10: 0679731148
Publication Date: 6/4/1991
Pages: 224
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 280

4 stars, based on 280 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

49 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

cedarbend avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 11 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on
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.
simgirl avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on
Helpful Score: 3
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 9 more book reviews
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.
MarciNYC avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on
Helpful Score: 2
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! :)
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it.
Fast, fast read.
Utterly charming.
reviewed A Year in Provence on
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.
booksquirrel avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 40 more book reviews
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!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 30 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on
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!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 14 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 34 more book reviews
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.
summerlady46 avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 44 more book reviews
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!
bvaughnfamily avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 47 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 117 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 11 more book reviews
A wonderful quick read.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 4 more book reviews
Very funny look at living in southern France as an outsider.
OurMissBooks avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on
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!
silksmonkey avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 21 more book reviews
Absolutely hilarious and charming! I laughed until I cried.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 5 more book reviews
Very good book, a quirky look at France. Be warned - you will get VERY hungry while reading!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 9 more book reviews
Charming book. English couple setting up household in France.
LeahG avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 320 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on
Soft cover
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 3 more book reviews
A very enjoyable read.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 18 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 20 more book reviews
Charming read despite its age.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 10 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 28 more book reviews
A wonderful look at the French!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 216 more book reviews
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.
kimeriksen avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 24 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 11 more book reviews
If you are planning to go to France...read this on the way!
Delightful!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 60 more book reviews
loved it! you must read the whole series...makes you want to go there and meet the characters.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 4 more book reviews
English folk move to France and rusticate. Good food and wine, lots of sun, and interesting locals.
itmaven avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 29 more book reviews
A pleasant, literate, read.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 9 more book reviews
Wonderfully funny. I had to put the book down repeatedly because I was laughing so hard
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 541 more book reviews
Warm, funny, wonderful! Made me feel as tho I lived there with them.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 4 more book reviews
Really, really fun read! Just all around enjoyable!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 112 more book reviews
Loved it!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 32 more book reviews
A favorite!
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 15 more book reviews
Very enjoyable true story. Author describes fulfilling dream of moving into 200-year-old stone farmhouse in France.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 34 more book reviews
great read
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 2 more book reviews
Very easy and pleasurable read.
traveller avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 80 more book reviews
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 !
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 49 more book reviews
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
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 28 more book reviews
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.
katknit avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 355 more book reviews
Entertaining, amusing, and the best of Mayle's French series. Highly recommended as a light but edifying read.
cplizza avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 12 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Year in Provence on + 161 more book reviews
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!
pottergal avatar reviewed A Year in Provence on + 91 more book reviews
Armchair travelers will love this account of Brits moving to a vacation spot and the adventures of their first year.