A Good Year by Peter Mayle Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Good Year
Book Review: A Good Book
Summary: 3 Stars
After seeing the movie, I wanted to read the book. Peter Mayle paints a beautiful picture of the Provence region of France. The book is very different from the movie and if you've seen the movie, you'll be surprised at how different it is. Max in the book is much more of a nice guy than Russell's Max. Definitely worth buying.Book Review: A Good Year
Summary: 5 Stars
Great condition of book, great packaging and delivery time. Will watch for this seller next purchase.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: A foreign land to call home
Summary: 4 Stars
After writing a couple of non-fiction books about being a foreigner in Provence, Peter Mayle deals with the fictional side of living in that region -- or so it seems. In an opening note, the write claims that his "A Good Year" is a work of fiction, however, `between the lines there were several real people involved'. Fact or fiction it doesn't matter -- what matter is that he wrote a charming little novel about the changes that life brings us and his character copes them.
Max Skinner loses his job in a financial firm in London, in the same day he inherits a vineyard in France, that belonged to an uncle. Since Max has spent much of his childhood there, he has a connection with that house, that land, and at this point, "A Good Year" becomes a book about going back to the place where you belong to.
It will take some time to Max realize that, but meanwhile he will meet a couple of people who will change his life. If Mayle's narrative is never profound, or his characters never rise above the stereotypical, his book is interesting exactly because of these factors. "A Good Year" doesn't aspire to be a great book about serious issues. It is a light, funny and charming novel to be read between two heavy, serious and demanding books.
Mayle's prose is painted in Provence's paints, with local color and charm. His characters are probably based on people he met, and although not very believable they are still pleasant. Evocative, the prose is direct and fast, what keep those pages turning very quickly.
If Mayle's objective was to bring his readers part of Provence and what is living there -- his mission was accomplished with charm. A better portray of the region one can only have visiting the real thing -- and it would be very nice to have Mayle as the guide.
Book Review: A fun way to soak up the Provencal life!
Summary: 3 Stars
Peter Mayle's latest novel is charming and light-hearted and makes for the perfect beach read! His witty prose and colorful characters surely capture the attention of the reader even though the plot is somewhat underdeveloped. The many facets of Provencal life, however, are as delectable as ever, which is likely why Mayle continues to captivate his readers. So pick up a copy of this pleasing little novel, pour yourself a spot of pastis, and indulge your senses in a little of that good Provencal living!