Book Review: Encore Provence – Peter Mayle

3 Small Candles

Published in 1999 and after a break of four years in America, Peter Mayle is back in Provence, France. His third book outing covering varied aspects of living in Provence and a trip to La Rochelle.

This book is different from the first two books. This book although still very personal, with stories covering Peter’s activities and those he meets, it’s just not as personal as it’s predecessors. With limited coverage of his property, less details about his wife and their life. Why?

Peter writes openly about the impact the first books had on his life. The British press especially were unfair in both their coverage and actions. From accusations of the impact of huge visitor numbers due to Peter’s popular books, to sending faxes to his wife and interviewing neighbours. It is little wonder that this book, was not as intimate, yet still more than generous in it’s personal nature, still allowing us insight into Peter’s daily life and sharing the pleasures of living in Provence.

Now I must mention I am a vegetarian. Not one of those, but I eat fish or only eat chicken, but still am a vegetarian types. Neither to be confused with I am vegetarian, but still eat Turkey at Christmas. I’m vegetarian, no fish, no meat and going beyond with eating no eggs. So for those who know Peter’s books, know a major aspect of Peter’s book is covering food, an important aspect of French life. I simply ignore the meat aspect and instead saviour the other aspects of the eating experience and dishes that ‘could’ be vegetarian.

So are you new to Peter’s Provence series? Then be prepared for amusing anecdotes, snippets of information that would appear trivial written by others, yet are fascinating insights and a joy to read, written in Peter’s relaxed writing style.

Take a stroll with Peter as he walks through a local market, eardrops on fellow diners and dabble in the truffle market. Enjoy the setting for his trip to La Rochelle, experienced afresh. Sit amused as local characters at the cafe tell him stories. Journey with him to discover how perfume is created, discover more than you need to know about olive oil, yet feeling wiser for the knowledge.

This book was truly a delight to read, a breath of fresh air and ‘provencial’ sun over a rainy few days.

ISBN: 0-140-24266-X

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