A Year in Provence discussion

Which of his books should I read first?

I'm on it! Thanks.

And then, for something light and fun:
Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence

My particular favorite is Chasing Cezanne... sooooo good.

Deanne wrote: "My particular favorite is Chasing Cezanne... sooooo good."

Also, try Anything Considered

Being a Francophile, I loved all of Mayle's books. The humor is infectious. Arm chair traveling is cheap. Getting to know the natives is great fun. Why not start with his first book....Year in Provence.

Follow A Year in Provence with Toujours Provence -- its "sequel". I love his dry witty humor!

I would love to hear more specifically about what you all think makes his settings so embraceable. Most of my writing takes place in foreign countries and I am curious how great writers draw the reader in so that they feel like they are living the experience along with the main character. Thanks.

In the case of "A Year in Provence", I think it's the fact that anyone could have a similar experience.

Kirk wrote: "In the case of "A Year in Provence", I think it's the fact that anyone could have a similar experience."

Yes, I can see that. Both the positive and the more humorous parts of it. I like to think of myself drinking wine on a cute little terrace overlooking lavender.

Also, for anyone who is looking for another fun, French, sojourn book, try, Extremely Pale Rose, by Jamie Ivey. I don't love the writing nearly as much as Peter Mayle's, but the setting is lots of fun.