From Peter Mayle, a wonderful new novel steeped in wine—and the business of wine?and set in, bien sûr, Provence. Max Skinner is not exactly setting the London financial world on fire?and when his supervisor steals his biggest client, it’s definitely time to inspect the vineyard in Provence that his recently departed uncle left him. Heartily and happily distracted upon his arrival by the landscape, the weather, and the food?not to mention the gorgeous notaire handling the estate and the stunning owner of the local bistro?Max almost forgets about his inherited property. Which might have been a good idea, because the wine produced there is swill. But then why, Max has to wonder, is his caretaker so anxious to acquire the land? When a beautiful young woman from California arrives with what might be a legitimate claim on the estate, and knowledge of vineyards that far outstrips Max’s own, the plot begins its twists and turns into and out of truly wonderful complications and resolutions. This is luscious reading?soothing us with the sensual wonders of Provence while it tells a fascinating tale of the hugely lucrative and competitive boutique-wine trade. It is Peter Mayle’s most satisfying, most delectable novel yet.
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"Great easy reading. Colorful and joyful to read. I enjoyed the movie and liked the book better. The book is more complex and not so easy. didn't ruin the movie for me, like books usually do. And although not a big fiction reader right now I will be reading more Peter Mayle, I like his style." — Heather (4 out of 5 stars)
"Great easy reading. Colorful and joyful to read. I enjoyed the movie and liked the book better. The book is more complex and not so easy. didn't ruin the movie for me, like books usually do. And although not a big fiction reader right now I will be reading more Peter Mayle, I like his style."
" a great book about slowing down your life to smell the roses... "
" Nice, fun escapist read. Young heir comes to France reluctantly to claim his chateau and vineyard. "
" As with others I loved A Year In Provence and I must admit to relishing the idea of being able to live life in an area such as Provence and enjoying a simpler life. The escapism is so captivating. This book was a bit of a disappointment however and I found myself anxious to finish it. I will watch the movie for the first time in a couple weeks when it comes on TV and see if I agree with the critics. In the mean time--on to the next book. "
" You can't go wrong with any Peter Mayle book! "
" Lovely descriptions of idyllic French provincial lifestyle, bland plot. "
" 3 1/2 stars! Loved the movie too! "
" An amusing read, but a little disappointing after truly enjoying the gorgeous descriptions and lively prose of some of Mayle's non-fiction works. "
" Great escapism, wonderful images of the South of France in a lighthearted setting. Would recommend! "
" Great summer/airplane read. I was completely hooked. But, the ending was a let down and I think the movie might be better. "
" Another entertainment from Peter Mayle! "
" European charm, perfect sence of humor. "
" Felt like this book was written in the 80's. Seemed old. "
" Read this on the plane back from Rome, so it was appropriately set in Europe--France. It was good, light hearted and an easy read. I've read most of Peter Mayle's books, so I might be partial. "
" Want to move into this chateau. "
" I like Peter Mayle's memoir's better but this was fun. As a LOVER of France I found lots to be intersted in. "
" Yet another Brit fluff novel - 2 in a row is quite the record for me. "
" This book was a find. I needed something to read on the weekend. Set in Provence it appealed to my French interest. As always I enjoyed the story. I would look forward to reading more by Peter Mayle. "
" movie > book. both = formulaic. "
" This was told with a French accent and is about France so that made it enjoyable to begin with. The story was light, romantic and sweet. "
" Easy read - not much in it! "
" Not as wonderful as his "Provence" books. "
" Mayle's fiction is just as great as his non-fiction travel essays and memoirs. Ben Chaplin did a great job at narrating this audio version of the book. I really think he would have been a better canidate for the role of Max instead of Russell Crowe in the movie adaptation. "
" Much better than the movie (as usual) and an interesting commentary on winemaking. Plus, it's always fun to read a story that's set in the french countryside. "
" A good yarn, nut the ending didn't work for me. "
" Kind of a fun read, but very light and not very developed in character or plot. "
" Peter Mayle is charming. Also Rread Chasing Cezanne. When you are finished the next best thing to traveling to France is find a French cafe/restaurant of bistro. Have fun. "
" Actually,this is one of my favorite Mayle novels. I prefer his nonfiction but will take what I can get. So much better than the film (which I enjoyed). "
" The only problem with this book is that I am reminded that I do not live in the south of France, drinking wine and eating fabulous food! "
" it was alright. I love reading books that are made into movies. "
" Another winner. Every page, no... every paragraph, no... every sentence is a hook. "
" A pleasant, easy and enjoyabe read - featuring my other favourite things in life - wine and coffee. "
" As the short read time might already indicate, I really loved this book. A fantastic piece of well-written escapism fantasy for those of us who occasionally just enjoy a good read without too much pretension. I'd recommend this to pretty much anyone. "
" Read in a day on holiday. Enjoyable if predictable. "
" Loved this book. Just a fun read, nothing serious or deep. I didn't like the movied at all. "
Peter Mayle (1939–2018), British-born author of several novels and books of nonfiction, spent fifteen years in the advertising business before escaping in 1975 to write books, including several New York Times bestsellers. The British Books Awards named him author of the year in 1992, and he was a recipient of the Légion d’Honneur award from the French government for his cultural contributions. His work has been translated into seventeen languages, and he has contributed to a variety of newspapers and magazines. His A Year in Provence was produced as a television series starring John Thaw and screened in 1993. The novel A Good Year was the basis for the 2006 film of the same name directed by Ridley Scott and starring actors Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
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