what do you think of peter mayle's books on provence?
 

i came across peter mayle's name in the guidebooks i read before we visited provence. out of curiosity, i bought a copy of his year in provence. it was very entertaining, i found myself buying 2 more of his books - tourjours and hotel pastis. do you think his descriptors of provencal lifestlye has some good degree of reality?

I don't know how accurate they are but I thoroughly enjoyed them. They started me on a reading theme about people who leave their homes and move to distant lands. You'd be surprised how many books of this sort there are.

They're a kick, especially the first in the series and then the novel "Hotel Pastis." I picked up "A Year in Provence" in London when it first came out and before it was issued in the U.S.--sat by a pool in Provence and laughed my way through the book. When I got home the book made its way through my circle of Francophile friends, all of whom really enjoyed it.

And yes, Mayles's description of life in Provence is fairly accurate--especially the agonies of organizing house repairs. Our friends in Provence have told us some hair-raising tales. However, I think "contractor's time" is probably much the same anywhere.

I thoroughly enjoyed them. It has been ages since I read them, I should go back and do it again.
They made me want to try moving to Europe .. more than the Tuscan Sun story did.

It's too bad Humpfries of Are you being served is older now, he would have been perfect for Hotel Pastis.

I too have enjoyed Peter Mayles' books, although I have never been to France. "Under The Tuscan Sun" left me so bored, lol.

I have only read one of Tim Park books "Italian Neighbors" but for any of you that enjoy Peter Mayle's books I think you would enjoy the books by Park. An Englishman who settled in Northern Italy, east of Verona with his wife. Quite interesting, informative and amusing.

Loveitaly,

thanks for the recommendation. I have Tim Parks' Italian Neighbors book on my "to read soon" shelf, but I keep passing it over. Now I'll give it a try.

I've read all of Peter Mayle's books and think they are hilarous.

I first read Mayle's "A Year in Provence" just before I went to Provence last year and then couldn't get enough of him when I got back. In preparation for our next visit (in 14 days time!) I have really enjoyed the British actress Carol Drinkwater's "Olive Farm" series and also an Aussie called Henrietta Taylor's "Veuve Taylor" both set in Provence.

I enjoyed the books as well and when we were in the Luberon in 1999, I swear I met his dog (can't remember the name) in an olive grove one day when we were having a picnic! I know that Mayle was not living in the area at the time, but all the same, it seemed perfect!

Alison

ozgirl, I hadn't realized that Henrietta Taylor had written a book. We rented a house from her in Saignon in 2003. She is a delightful woman and offers one of the best renting experiences we have ever had.

Here's her website, for those that may be interested (we rented Rose Cottage): www.henriettataylor.com

And here is a review of her book: tinyurl.com/k4n2l

Anselm

As I looked at that photo of Henrietta on the site of the book review I realized it was taken with Rose Cottage in the background.

Anselm

Hotel Pastis is probably the funniest book I've read. It is the novel he originally went to Provence to write instead of the non-fiction he did first. Chasing Cezanne is also good.

A Year in Provence was great, even better the TV series which brought all the seasons into focus. The outstanding scenery, the kitchen remodelling was the funniest and true anywhere. Their toasting to "guddelp" had me rolling - intrepreted to mean "good help." Or when in the charcutterie everyone who walked into the shop commented on how to and what kind of meat to use for their evening meal!

As to the novel, Hotel Pastis, yes, yes and yes... the best and oh so funny.

I confess... I've got all his books
Tourjours Provence; the one he writes after an absense when he and his DW moved to Long Island for a few years to get away from "it all"...and one on just fine living or its eccentricities.
Make me laugh out loud!

"Acquired Tastes".. is a hoot.
For years now, at Christmas, if a friend has a dog, I've given them "A Dog's Life" and everyone seemed to be happy to get it.
This morning, reminded here, I did a search and just ordered a recipe book (I think) about Bread in France.

I just happen to be reading Le bonheur en Provence. Had to get it in French as my library did not have it in English. I also like Tim Park and I loved Annie Hawes (sp?) Extra Virgin.

Katharine Clifton - is that your real name or are you another English Patient aficionado?

When 'Year in Provence' and the next few books first came out they were not well-received by the French and were not published in Provence, perhaps in all of France. We have been to Provence for 13 years in a row and Mayle's books and the recommendation of a friend were the initial propellants for us to vacation there.

They are published in France now. Mayle is a Francophile, I find his books enjoyable as long as one remembers they are a bit of a caricature. "Prenez ces livres avec un gran de sel". Mayle is an excellent story-teller. We saw him in NYC at a Rizzoli's book signing and he is a most engaging Brit, a former advertising man.

I am told he has returned to France and lives in Lourmarin under his wife's name.

I found them quite amusing and thoroughly enjoyed "A dog's life." Not to change the subject at all but just tried to read Frances Mayes' new book, A Year in the World, and generally found it to be a snooze fest!

It's been years since I read Peter Mayle but when I think back to his books I smile--they are terrific and very entertaining.