Book Reviews of A Year in Provence

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.

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.

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!

Great read, Peter Mayle writes in a style which makes youfeel as if he is relaying these tales to you over dinner.

The author's banters about everyday life in Provence are absolutely delightful. A quick, fun read. Will be coming back for more.

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 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.

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.

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 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!

Warm, funny, wonderful! Made me feel as tho I lived there with them.

Absolutely hilarious and charming! I laughed until I cried.

A wonderful quick read.

loved it! you must read the whole series...makes you want to go there and meet the characters.

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.

Loved it.
Fast, fast read.
Utterly charming.

Charming book. English couple setting up household in France.

Very good book, a quirky look at France. Be warned - you will get VERY hungry while reading!

Loved it!

A very enjoyable read.

great read

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!

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.

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.

Very enjoyable true story. Author describes fulfilling dream of moving into 200-year-old stone farmhouse in France.

A favorite!

Really, really fun read! Just all around enjoyable!

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.

Wonderfully funny. I had to put the book down repeatedly because I was laughing so hard

A pleasant, literate, read.

English folk move to France and rusticate. Good food and wine, lots of sun, and interesting locals.

If you are planning to go to France...read this on the way!
Delightful!

Entertaining, amusing, and the best of Mayle's French series. Highly recommended as a light but edifying read.

A wonderful look at the French!

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