Toujours Provence

I actually read Toujours Provence before the first of the series, A Year in Provence, and loved it! I hadn't ever thought of throwing it all in and moving to the South of France but after reading this book it seems like a wonderful idea. Mayle makes even the frustrations in Provence sound romantic and wonderful. This is a great book to read if you are in need of a vacation but just can't get around to it. You'll be dreaming of vines, Pastis, wonderful food, and the French. Eh oui. A great travel book!

Another "le home run" by Peter Mayle. He makes the reader feel that he or she is right by his side as he discovers new restaurants, goes to market, or takes part in a fantastic experience tasting wines in a local cave. After two of his books I feel like I know the locals and could feel right at home in his village. His books are difficult to put down. I found myself looking forward to "going to Provence" for a few chapters every evening. Thank you Peter.

Peter Mayle has written a very entertaining view of rural French people and life in Provence. His view contrasts sharply with the idea most Americans have of that region -- very glitzy and refined. Instead he paints a picture that pretty much excludes the tourists that flock to the area in July and August. Very humorously and quite accurately, he paints a charming picture of people who lead pretty plain lives that seem driven mostly by pleasures of the palate and a lack of concern for problems of the world. His verbal renditions are packed with French, which adds a lot of flavor but might turn off those who speak no French. This book is most delightfully enjoyed as a book on tape, read by a Brit, who also has command of French. It will be enjoyed by anyone who has traveled to and through Provence. Those who have not been there, may or may not appreciate his very colorful, wry, and vivid British descriptions.

This book provides a vehicle to escape to the sunny south of France without leaving your house. The characters and setting are richly described, and you can almost smell the aroma of country provencal cooking (don't read the book on an empty stomach) Very humerous. A great escape!!