A Good Year

I picked up this copy of "A Good Year" at my local [...]. I bought it on a whim, not sure exactly why. It was relatively cheap which was a bonus. I set it down in my bedroom and never thought much more about it. Finally, one day, I was looking around for something to read and saw it. Being a little interested and seeing nothing else better at the time, I picked it up and started reading. Immediately, I was hooked. The writing style is on target. The pace is fast, but not hurried. There's no long periods of flash backs, detailed analysis of the furniture and a history of road construction in France. What the reader needs to know is relayed to him/her. What information is required to set the scene is provided. Anything else is left to the readers imagination. In other words, this book is perfect for the reader who is short on time, but still wants the privilige of enjoying a good story. Chapters are divided up into aproximately 10 minute blocks if I had to guess. I've not timed them, of course, but they're short and complete the scene. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story and doesn't have a lot of time to invest in a 500+ page epic novel. I may even rent the movie, who knows?

As many others I wast dragged to this book by the film it inspired. And to my delight I discovered that the book was not adapted. I say this because many adaptatios fail to catch the spirit of the author's work. Not the case here.Although in the begining one might feel the prose a little sluggish by the end one can't deny the charm of "A good year". Not only it makes you feel like a holiday, it introduces a gamma of characters that are lovely (even though they are not deeply developed). As a matter of fact I would say the main character is the pass of time itself along with the enviroment of Provence.Every character is there just to justify the description of an event or place or gag about the French, English and American culture. Nevertheless you won't complain when you find yourself smiling at the incredibly ridiculus situations."A good year" leaves a good taste in the mouth (both from describing wines and a delicious tale). Unlinke many other books or stories there seems that nothing goes wrong, and even if it does that doesn't stress you out. A book that indeed feels like a holiday very much like the film.P.S. In this case there is no "the book is better" because each story is suited for the media it was produced for. A joy to read.

Read this again, after many years. A delightful read, a gastronomic feast, and an ecological immersion, all at once. Uncomplicated, pleasurable reading. This book prompted to visit Provence for the first time, which has led a a fascination for the region and a deep longing for its scenery, food and culture. There is no better start into Peter Mayle's other books than A Good Year. A pleasure-filled, satisfying and easy read. Bon voyage virtuel en provence.

This is a far better story than the movie that was made from it. I enjoyed the movie, I loved the book. So sad Mr. Mayle is no longer able to entertain us with his brilliant writing! A Year in Provence is a book I’ve read 5 times and will probably read another 10.

Like another reviewer here, I had seen the movie first and bought the book because I wanted the fuller, more developed story line. What I found was a completely different story. Other than the same character names, location, and the fact that Max's Uncle had died leaving him the house, the story is completely different. One reviewer here loved the line "Excuse my lips, etc." - guess what - he did not read the book, he saw the movie - this line is not in the book. Please do not expect the same story in the book as the movie.That being said, I did find the book enjoyable. It is a good read - not quite up to Peter Mayle's previous efforts but fun. Without spoiling it for you, the ending left me a little disappointed. Like so many novels today, the author does not have an ending - they just stop without resolution of the plot lines. If you like Peter Mayle's other books, you will also like this one. If you have never read any of his books, Hotel Pastis is far superior - a beginning, a strong plot line, and a good ending. A Good Year only comes close to this superior novel.

I had seen the movie and there are many differences with the book, but that makes the book a little more substantial. The book is enjoyable light reading, overly positive in all aspects but that did not detract from the enjoyment of a story set in provencale France. It evokes a great sense of romantic French countryside and makes you wish you were there. I had never heard of Peter Mayle but I will definitely be reading more of his books. Highly recommended if you want to get away from the thrillers and mystery that seems to abound with novels these days.

Bought A Good Year because it was such a great movie ..

The story line is one many people who travel will find one of those "maybe" some day dreams. The narrative is just wonderful with humorous banter and amusing exchanges between the characters. Great book, Peter!

De este libro surgió la película del mismo título que me decidió a leerlo. Aunque la historia es similar y muchos de los personajes són los mismos que ya conocía, a medida que vas avanzando en la trama descubres que la historia es otra. Supongo que para el cines era mejor y tenía más gancho hacer ciertos cambios respecto a la trama del libro. Así que es mejor leerlo sin esperar nada preconcebido y dejarse llevar. Tiene el mismo encanto que la película y algo más de misterio.

Excellent book to go with the excellent dvd. Feel good Book.

Non è certo un capolavoro della letteratura ma è comunque un bel libro, leggero e scorrevole. Racconta la storia di un manager londinese che eredita una tenuta vinicola in francia e si ritrova ad affrontare gioie e dolori della vita di campagna in un contesto rurale. Divertente e ben scritto è servito come base per un bel film di Ridley Scott, anche se la trasposizione cinematografica si è concessa parecchie licenze rispetto alla trama del manoscritto originale.Nel complesso lo ho letto volentieri.

Good book. Easy read. But I think the movie was much better.

A light and happy tale of an Englishman finding good fortune in France.A bit of a caper, a touch of romance and some well drawn characters. Just what you need on holiday.