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A Plane Tree in Provence
Five women, four young forty-year-old plus one matron or sixty-one, take a life-changing three-week holiday to Provence, France. Each is anxious to escape from their robotic lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Adventures and conflicts emerge as the five wind their way through Provence and conclude each day around the large plane tree at their rented farmhouse, with spirited conversation and a generous portion of food and wine. By the end of the trip each return home anxious to change their lives
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 9, 2026
I’d had this book sitting on my shelf for years and finally decided to pick it up, drawn in by the premise: five women more acquaintances than friends traveling together for three weeks through one of my favourite parts of the world. I was looking forward to exploring the group dynamics and the adventures that might unfold.
Unfortunately, the book was a real letdown. There was little to no meaningful character development; most of the women felt shallow, judgmental, and aside from Rose, not particularly likeable pr interesting. Their interactions lacked depth and at times felt reminiscent of being back in high school, surrounded by self-absorbed mean girls rather than complex adult women.
Provence itself should have been a standout character, but the author missed the opportunity to truly bring the setting to life. The story ultimately fell flat, and the experience was further undermined by frequent grammatical and spelling errors, which made the book frustrating to read rather than immersive. Would not recommend!
Unfortunately, the book was a real letdown. There was little to no meaningful character development; most of the women felt shallow, judgmental, and aside from Rose, not particularly likeable pr interesting. Their interactions lacked depth and at times felt reminiscent of being back in high school, surrounded by self-absorbed mean girls rather than complex adult women.
Provence itself should have been a standout character, but the author missed the opportunity to truly bring the setting to life. The story ultimately fell flat, and the experience was further undermined by frequent grammatical and spelling errors, which made the book frustrating to read rather than immersive. Would not recommend!
September 11, 2014
If you've ever been to France you will enjoy the setting of this story and what happens when five very different women share their vacation. As they travel together they learn about wine, the country, and each other. Makes me want to go back and see these places and take a few friends along.
September 13, 2014
predictable..couldn't capture my interest
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews