Rating: 
Summary: Fun
Review: This book is a journal about the adventures of a British family who have recently moved to an aging farmhouse in rural Provence. The author, Peter Mayle, is resolved to let nothing get under his skin, whether it be the unexpectedly cold winter weather, the unpredictable work schedules of the crew fixing up his house, or the unending stream of acquaintances from rainy London who decide that they would like to spend their vacations at Mayle's home in the sunny south. Mayle's style is to treat all of these happenstances with humor, in a British sort of way. At the same time, he manages to squeeze in many details of typical life in rural France. If you've spent any amount of time yourself in the French countryside, you will recognize the scenery that Mayle describes immediately. Mayle also expounds on the pleasures of eating in France- -don't pick up this book if you are trying to control your appetite. Occasionally, Mayle's descriptions of the people he encounters come across as a little too flippant, but overall, the book is quite enjoyable.
Rating: 
Summary: A sweet taste of France
Review: This being my first entry into the world of travel memoirs, I'm not sure how A Year in Provence compares. However, my uninitiated opinion is that of a pleasant surprise. I thought this book was very well written; a nice and light story; and a tempting depiction of rural France and all its glorious food, festivals and residents.A Year in Provence is written in monthly chapters and tracks the days in the life of the English author, Peter Mayle, and his wife who have purchased a home in a small village in Provence, France. Readers are witnesses to blustery Mistral winds, torrential summer downpours, the finer points of wine harvesting, installing central heat, business practices of Provencal businessmen, and the joys of goat racing through the town. While there is no action of great depth or importance, I found this book to be a pleasure to read. At first thought, I wasn't too sure I liked it. There is no plot, no surprise, no twists in the storyline like my usual reading. However, if my mindset was set in low gear prior to the first page, I would've been prepared for the meandering, languid story that was to follow. Also, beware of the liberal tossing of french words and phrases that are never explained or defined -- a translation dictionary would be a trusty and helpful companion. Now that the book is complete and back safely on my bookshelf, I have decided that A Year in Provence was indeed enjoyable. If one goes into the book with no ideas for a fast-paced, action-packed story and takes it for what it actually is -- a travel memoir -- the reader will undoubtedly have a wonderful reading experience. It just took me 207 pages to realize it.
Rating:
Summary: Can't wait to move!
Review: A wonderful read that I continue to share with friends and family.
Rating:
Summary: Provencal Prose at its finest
Review: Ignore all the other reviews telling you that Peter Mayle is a "snob" who belittles the "peasants" living near his home. They obviously haven't gone to this little corner of the world and left the touristy areas like Nice and Cannes. Peter Mayle's Provence is exactly what I found when I recently visited. It is a luxurious, sunny and friendly place, filled with great food and kind people. Most of the "peasants" in Mayle's book are builders helping to reconstruct his newly purchased home. It's absurd to criticize him for describing these men because the book is essentially a running commentary on rebuilding his home over the first year. Sure, some of his accounts of events and people are fictionalized somewhat, but they reek with the genuine charm that I experienced first hand in Provence. His portrayals of the locals are much more than mere amusement. They are an eloquent and entertaining tribute to their grace and character. Through his telling of the Provencal lifestyle, I was for the first time able to truly understand the meaning of a siesta. As an American, it seemed ridiculous to spend three hours of the busiest time of day eating and drinking Pastis. After reading this book and spending a couple weeks in the area, I find myself wishing everyone would slow down and join me for an extended lunch along Wall Street's East river. The only point of criticism I would levy against him is a brief interlude demeaningly and bigotedly describing Little Richard's music as a "great SQUAWK from the jungle". That was the only moment of snobbery I detected and it faded quickly. Pick up this little gem and read it once or twice. You'll want to go visit this little understood spot of earth and you may be surprised at how badly you too will want to stay.
Rating:
Summary: FUN!
Review: Fun AND FUNNY! It was like going on vacation... with someone else's money! :-)
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!!
Review: I read this book after I had travelled to Paris and experienced a small part of French culture. After I read it I wish I would have gone to Provence. Peter Mayle's memoir of relocating to Provence from England is laugh out loud funny. Like many of us Mr. Mayle fumbles about as he learns new things and manages to entertain his readers with his follies. So sit back with a glass of wine, cheese and a comfortable chair and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: funny and delightful
Review: In A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle descibes his and his wife's first year living in Provence as British expatriats. The book is divided into twelve chapters, one for each month, and takes us through the Mayles adjusting to life in France and getting their old farmhouse renovated. Mayle writes with self-deprecating wit and genuine pleasure for his new home. He is clearly bemused and captivated by his new friends. For example, before the cherry harvest (his land has 30 cherry trees), natives warn him repeatedly of the coming migrant "gypsies" who officially come to harvest the cherries but also have a habit of thievery. The stories are so overblown, that Mayle can't wait to meet these horrible gypsies; the results are hilarious. He and his wife also learn to contend with the Mistral, a harsh wind coming from Siberia, which their plumber informs them is getting stronger year by year, which can only mean that somewhere between Provence and Siberia the earth is getting flatter. In addition to all the home repairs are descriptions of excellent meals in perfect little restaurants around Provence. All is written with breezy good humor and infectious delight for both Provence and the Provenceaux.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth a read
Review: An account of one man's move to Provence and his first year there. The book deals with mundane issues - building a house, meeting neighbors, and eating - but it is well written and successfully interests the reader in the small details of his life.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely Book
Review: Usually I write long and detailed reviews. For this book let me just say that it is a unique and wonderful description of a year in rural France with all of its charm. It is a fascinating story of a outsiders trying to adapt to this established rural place with its complex native (need I say French) people and the food. I just love the parts about truffles and their home falling apart and the local repair contractors. To me it is a "must read" and makes a great gift. With all due respect ...if you have a problem with this book ...it is fair to say you do not like books or are having a bad day. It is that well written and it is still popular many years after its first publication. Jack in Toronto
Rating:
Summary: Lovely little read.....
Review: If you've ever lived overseas, or felt like "an outsider" in a different culture, this book is for you. It captures regional details that one can only experience by "living" in a new place, as opposed to just traveling. I learned more about realtionships between cultures than I just did about French living. A must read!
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