A Good Year by Peter Mayle
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Book Reviews of A Good Year
Book Review: A Perfect Antidote
Summary: 5 Stars
There is very much a place on my bookshelves, and I suspect on those of many other readers, for books that entertain, charm and take us somewhere far from our everyday working world without requiring us to enter into the dark recesses of the human mind, go through gut wrenching turmoil, or be involuntarily intellectually stretched before emerging from the final page in need of a mini break. Of course this book is a little lightweight, but just the thing to pop into your hand luggage en route to a holiday destination. Having personally travelled annually for more than twenty five years (part pleasure, part to research books) to the Drome, Vaucluse and Luberon regions of Provence, been soothed back into a semblance of sanity by good wines, good food, glorious scenery, overdosing on lavender fields and peace, not to mention the companionship of wonderful Provençal friends, I can unequivocally say that Peter Mayle does not exaggerate the charms of this beautiful part of the planet or of its people. Mayle is a master of the aptly chosen phrase, a first rate raconteur with an eye for the ridiculous, and just the amusing companion you need while resting on a deck chair or dreaming of sunshine and summer holidays in the depths of winter. Here's a glass of chilled Tavel rosé raised to Peter Mayle. Judyth McLeod, author of 'In a Unicorn's Garden'.Book Review: Turned out to be a very pleasant surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
A few years ago, "A Good Year" was the first book by Peter Mayle that I've ever read. At first I didn't know whether I would love it or hate it with a passion because of the mixed reviews here on Amazon. Well, when I was finished, I found it to be a great read. With a mildly short amount of pages (about 300 total), this became a very relaxing experience. The plot is simple and not overly complex. It's not like Dicken's "A Tale of Two Cities." Here, a thirty-something man named Max Skinner is struggling with his finances in London. His life slowly rotates 180 degrees as he discovers that he has inherited his uncle's vineyard in Provence, France. That's the main plot simply put. The characters are a bit flat (Christie Roberts can be used as an example), but all of them are fascinating nonetheless.
The plot does thicken sometime in the second half of the novel, otherwise this is a very light-hearted story with a very crisp flow. It became somewhat relaxing as I read this novel (I think the piano music that I played on my boombox in the background really helped). Try not to look for any excessive philosophical symbolisms, or any political and social commentaries. This is one of those books that makes the reader feel good.
Grade: A- (because of the few thin characters)
Book Review: Cultural Feast
Summary: 5 Stars
This book certainly follows the pattern of A Year In Provence with an up-close and in-depth look at the rural culture of a town in Provence. The book, however, starts off in London where the life of the hero, Max, has just fallen apart. His friend, Charlie, helps him travel to the warmer, more exotic environs of southern Provence where the weather is temperate and the people somewhat strange and mysterious. He takes up residence in the house of his uncle which sits on a vineyard that produces a wine of horrific qualities. The story takes off from there into a tangled but fascinating whirlwind of romance, crime, boutique wineries, local culinary customs and some rather unique, local personalities. Mayle peppers the story with witticisms that add extra life to the story...a good read.Book Review: Wine, south of France, romance and mystery - all in one
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter's novel of the blackmarket of wine industry with a little romance on the side with all his best character description. He is in his element with my favorite Mayle book yet!Book Review: Happiness Parsonified
Summary: 5 Stars
I received 4 books for my birthday. All by this author who has a marvelous way of
transporting you on a wonderfully embellished journey.