Play Book Tag discussion

A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle
4****

This is a re-read and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it back in 2001. What a delightful diversion! Mayle's account of his and his wife's first year owning a house in Provence is entertaining, relaxing and inspiring. I love the way he accepts his status as an outsider but tries to understand and join in with the local traditions. A few of these characters are definitely memorable, including his plumber Menicucci, neighbors Faustin and Henriette, and the colorful Massot, who lives alone in a ramshackle mountain cabin with his trio of vicious dogs and feels proprietary about the national forest.

As they stumble from one catastrophe to another during the remodeling of their home, they still manage to find humor in most situations (almost anything is helped with another bottle of wine) and enjoy life in the surrounding villages. I loved his descriptions of the many extraordinary meals, the shops, markets and scenery. I could practically hear the bay of hounds on the hunt, smell the enticing aromas of butter, garlic and truffles, and feel the sunshine on my face. The book inspires me to enjoy life - good food, good wine and the siesta.

I’ve read many more of his books since first reading this one, including a couple of his novels. There are a few that I haven’t read and I’ll definitely add them to my TBR, and I may have to revisit some of those I’ve previously read. I will miss Mayle’s writing, now that he has passed away.



LINK to my review

(almost anything is helped with another bottle of wine)

A man after my heart!

I treasure Mayles' books about life in Provence, for much the reasons you describe. And I am a serious francophile! Your review has me yearning to re- read them.