Wonderful - better than Bryson!
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I've avoided this book until now because I remember the fuss about it at the time and experience has taught me that bestsellers are to be approached with caution, if not actually burnt. But my prejudice was entirely wrong - it's wonderful. Truly funny (I laughed aloud more than once) and written beautifully. The style Mayle uses - you'll recognise that amiable observer thing at once - is an oldy but a goody and he's much more elegant than Bill Bryson.
What's also interesting is the fact it's twenty years old now, which makes me wonder how much Provence has changed and whether the book is as much a slice of late eighties life, a historical piece, as the people in the book themselves.
The only thing I would have liked was more background detail about Mayle himself, and something from his wife now and then. It appears she doesn't speak - I don't think she gets a single line of direct quote. (Perhaps she wanted it that way?)
Overall, a lovely quick read - I didn't want it to end!
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Witty account of a year in a foreign country
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A Year in Provence ... Peter Mayle is a master of wit in this book. He seems to effortlessly bring his characters to life with their amusing quirks and behaviours. It is a very witty account of the problems Mayle encountered trying to get settled in the new country - trying to adapt and be accepted. This really is one of my laugh out loud books, and I would recommend it as such. Most countries/cultures have a few funny little quirky behaviours, that can be considered amusing if you can step back and see the funny side of life. If you can approach this book with that view in mind, and light-heartedly enjoy the diversity of cultures and their customs/ behaviours, you will indeed enjoy and appreciate this book.
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Fantastic, could not put it down.
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I could not put it down it was very funny and has introduced me to his other books. Despite what some other reviews might say it is not a poke at the French people. It is very obvious that Mayle is in love with the people and the country.
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Wonderfully witty read.
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This is not a high-brow expose of French culture, but rather a pleasent account of a man and his wife doing what I wish I could, moving permanently to a quiet French village.
It's obvious that Peter Mayle is not short of a few pounds as he seems able to afford all rennovations to his house (any-one wishing to read an account of pennyless people moving to a foreign country should read 'Extra Virgin' by Annie Hawes) but this is not a DIY book either.
Peter Mayle has an effortless way to make his writing feel like a long letter to a friend.
You will not discover any ground breaking revelations here but, as one who spends time with an adopted continental family, I recognised many of the quirks which Peter Mayle describes (and my continental partner did not find it in the least offensive either). If you dont have a funny bone, dont read this book.
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Easy reading at its best
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A wonderful easy read that should not be taken as seriously as some other reviewers have. It conjures up images of an almost idyllic lifestyle and I recognise many characters from my own village in rural Wales.
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