Reviews for Provence A-Z

The average rating for Provence A-Z based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-01-02 00:00:00 Ezzie Dubs This is an absolutely delightful book that can be read as a series of essays (sometimes very brief) on a wide-ranging list of topics concerning Provence. Over the years, Mayle has built up in me a stunning and almost wholly unrealistic view of Provence: a place that shines in my mind with quiet vineyards; lazy, warm afternoons under deep blue skies; the tang of salt in the air from the Mediterranean; meals consisting of olives, grapes, figs, and honey, with truffles and garlic everywhere; and quiet, contented, friendly people who enjoy a friendly discussion in a cafe or a warm evening by the fire. Oh, and they all speak English. Honestly, Mayle (an Englishman who moved to Provence and has written some huge number of books on it) does mention the downsides (bugs, snakes, heat, the Mistral wind, downpours, tourists) -- I just have a habit of skipping over those parts. I highly recommend all his non-fiction books (and probably the fiction, though I haven't read them) when you're in a daydreamy (or actual travel) mood. Oh, and this one does suggest some interesting things to do if you happen to decide to actually go there, as opposed to just reading his books.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-09-14 00:00:00 Mark Kauffman Holy shit, it took me a year to finish this! Mostly because I kept having to wait on the library’s hold list to check it out again (my long reading time not any reflection on the book’s merits). Filled with Peter Mayle’s usual wit, humor, and eye for fascinating detail, I enjoyed this immensely. I really like the format, as well—an alphabetically arranged “encyclopedia” of interesting tidbits and anecdotes related to all things Provençal. I had fully intended to finish the book before going to Provence in July, but as I’m just finishing it now, the result is that I want to plan my next Provençal sojourn immediately. I listened to it as an audiobook, my favorite format for nonfiction, and it was good ear training to hear all the French pronunciations. I now want to read it in book form as well, though, so I can see how to spell some of these things!