Anything Considered

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was my first introduction to Peter Mayle. It has caused me to go and purchase all of his other books...non-fiction as well. I think this would make a great movie, provided that the producers stuck to the manuscript.

Being a fan of Peter Mayle's Provence series I was slightly apprehensive about his diving into the work of fiction but at the same time looking forward to his offerings. And, since after reading "Hotel Pastis" I was certain that he was still the author that I had come to enjoy so very much. With the addition of "Anything Considered" his literary skills, at least for me, remain intact! Thank goodness! This book simply catches all of the magic of his previous offerings. A mystery, love story and comedy I can think of fewer books that I enjoyed so much that I picked up a copy in hardbound to keep and read again...and again. Set, once again, in the French country-side plus Monaco our protagonist Bennett, an English expatriate,lives out his meager existence until placing an ad in the Intl. Herald Tribune where he's offered the chance to live the "high-life" by providing services to Julian Poe, who delves into the illegal truffle trade. What ensues is truly high-comdey with a sprinkling of romance and French travelogue thrown in for good measure. Overall, the characters are well-thought out and brought fully to life...plus, who could not enjoy a novel where the author is simply having such a wonderful time as Mr. Mayle obviously is! Highly recommended this is...and is there any chance of having this made into a film or BBC series? A generous,delicious serving of Mr. Mayle!

A bit of mystery surrounding truffles, some intriguing characters, and the French Riviera mix up together in this Peter Mayle book about an Englishman who places a notice in the paper advertising his availability to do just about anything. He soon gets a response from a mysterious millionaire, who is in need of some English speaking assistance. I won't ruin the book by going any further, but this is a hard one to put down.

I ADORE Peter Mayle. My family and I have a house in the south of France close to Mayle's so I'm familiar with the locales in his books. His description couldn't be better, the characters are zany, and he offers little surprises in every plot. Philosophical tomes can be great at times, but when I need to relax I look for Peter Mayle. He never offers us less than a rollicking good time.

Anything Considered is written very well. Another great masterpiece from Peter Mayle. The idea of a poor Englishman on an adventure in France is riveting. All of the characters are well thought out and descriptions are wonderful. This is my first Peter Mayle book and I am hooked on his writing. It is different from the normal fiction that I read, but it is a very, very welcome change.