Year In/Toujours Provence Box

Provence #1-2

by Peter Mayle

When Peter Mayle and his wife traded England's long, gray winters and damp summers for life in southern France, they entered an enchanting, wonderful, sometimes bewildering world. Now, share their adventures, pleasures, and frustrations: the joys and occasional hazards of wining and dining in France, taking part in goat races, attending a Pavorotti concert under the stars -- and much more. Meet Provence's unique characters: a wary truffle hunter, a gourmet in a track suit, the wise and crafty Massot -- and many more. Funny, touching, endearing -- Peter Mayle's Provence proves the adage that while you may not be able to escape from it all, you sure can have fun trying.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Food, Audiobook, France

Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Peter Mayle was a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in advertising before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people. In 1989, A Year in Provence was published and became an international bestseller. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and he was a contributing writer to magazines and newspapers. Indeed, his seventh book, A Year in Provence, chronicles a year in the life of a British expatriate who settled in the village of Ménerbes. His book A Good Year was the basis for the eponymous 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle died in Provence, France.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earns 5/5 Mercí & Smiles...Entertaining Redux (Abridged)!

It’s been quite awhile since I watched my favorite production of “A Year in Provence” with John Thaw and Lindsay Duncan or read the trilogy on which it is based, so it’s time for a quick revisit. Like an amuse bouche to whet one’s appetite, this abridged audio version includes delightful portions from both “A Year in Provence” and “Toujours Provence,” and the big perk? It is narrated by Peter himself. Mayle’s year in the picturesque Luberon Valley is filled with language faux pas, cultural misunderstandings, and some missteps in their efforts to fit in, but all through the changing of the seasons, Mayle and his wife make good friends and become infused with the aroma and taste of French culture. Mayle’s narrating was very pleasant, going beyond a traditional read with tone, emotions, and several entertaining accents. I know some prefer the full-length version and maybe “abridged” should be more prominent in the tags, but I enjoyed my revisit and recommend it to others.

[Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect listen for puttering around the yard and making home repairs while in stay-at-home orders. This edition has two books in one. Peter Mayle's reading is far superior to Patrick Macnee's reading of Tojuours, but both had me chuckling. Transporting and wonderful.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for "A Year In Provence" narrated by Peter Mayle

3 stars for "Toujours Provence" while this is wonderfully narrated by Patrick Macnee, the book itself felt a bit contrived and forced and suffers from a lack of continuity.

[Alison White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Mayle writes well and is sometimes really funny. Easy to read and could be described as lightweight, but if you are a francophile, as I am, I would recommend it. He gives insights into French culture which I really appreciate. The one drawback is that because he is male, he doesn't deal with the topic of male chauvinism that is endemic in the south of France. I have talked to several women who live on their own in the south of France, and the consensus seems to be that some tradesmen at least don't like dealing with women, and expect business to be conducted with males. There are many virtues to compensate for this chauvinism however.

[Deb Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just back from a week biking in Provence. This book was recommended as a "classic" of the area and so I gave it a go.

Quaint and provincial :) it depicts the day-to-day life of a couple from England who "take to the country."

It has its share of warmth and endearing characters but it lacked deep insight. It read more like a Hallmark movie.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed it a tad more if it was told from the female perspective. It did make me miss the delectable food from the region. Mon Dieu.

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Mayle. I love travelogues that show you that being a good travel writer does not mean going very far from home and doing the extreme. Being funny and observant is really all that it takes. This book is mostly about Peter Mayle and his wife trying to get tradesmen to fix up their decrepit new house in Provence. And it’s a delight the whole way.

[SG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than David Sedaris (who I find to be a bit crass and generally not my cup of tea). Spawns a bit of dreaming for the international life, but significantly less than other books in the same genre. A bit dated at this point.

[Betsy Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this set of short stories. A departure from my typical genre, I found this book to be delightfully entertaining. I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator’s accent. I read A Year in Provence decades ago but will reread again soon for a little book vacation.

[June Centonze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and fun.

[Marybeth Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toujours Provence was also very good, follow-up to A Year in Provence. More charming customs explored as well as colorful inhabitants and how they know how to truly celebrate life.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming & pleasant to read. The one thing the reader is left wanting is "un tout petit peu plus."

[Sydney McAlister · Rating 4 out of 5]

it does make you want to live in france…….

[Renata Shura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t get much cozier than this!

[Darlene Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel with vivid descriptions of scenery, foods, and emotion. Knowing many savvy readers had raved about these books in the past, when a friend recommended them, I was curious and since I am an avid audio book reader for those times when I am unable to hold a book in my hand, I decided to give it a try and listened to them on my morning walks. While I found them enjoyable with beautiful language, but not sure I would have finished the entire books had I had the print editions, since I prefer books with more store and motivation to keep me turning the pages. Guess I am somewhat of a adrenalin addict. However, to be fair, I accidentally ordered this package in the abridged edition, which is I never would do intentionally.

[Allison Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed out loud!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

More funniness from Peter Mayle. I have the BBC video if you want to watch:)

[Susan Mv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, but not as good as his first

[Cheryl Sharkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A follow up, so with the little more contrived feel, but he is an easy happy read.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this I remember thinking, "This guy can write." It still holds up after many years and on audio as well.

[Sandy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite from years ago!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as A Year in Provence but still worth the read.