A Good Year

By: Peter Mayle

Narrated by: John Lee

From Peter Mayle, a wonderful new novel steeped in wine - and the business of wine - and set in, bien sûr, Provence.

Max Skinner is not exactly setting the London financial world on fire - and when his supervisor steals his biggest client, it’s definitely time to inspect the vineyard in Provence that his recently departed uncle left him. Heartily and happily distracted upon his arrival by the landscape, the weather, and the food - not to mention the gorgeous notaire handling the estate and the stunning owner of the local bistro - Max almost forgets about his inherited property.

Which might have been a good idea, because the wine produced there is swill. But then why, Max has to wonder, is his caretaker so anxious to acquire the land? When a beautiful young woman from California arrives with what might be a legitimate claim on the estate, and knowledge of vineyards that far outstrips Max’s own, the plot begins its twists and turns into and out of truly wonderful complications and resolutions.

This is luscious listening - soothing us with the sensual wonders of Provence while it tells a fascinating tale of the hugely lucrative and competitive boutique-wine trade. It is Peter Mayle’s most satisfying, most delectable novel yet.

©2004 Peter Mayle (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Happily snide (and knowledgeable) [with] wicked turns of phrase." (Chicago Sun-Times) "Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations anyone?" (People)

True to life in Provence

I love the book. I was back in Provence with the life of a village

Simply lovely

I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, and of course, the setting. The narration was perfect! The only thing that was missing was the English vocabulary. It was odd to not hear the British vernacular used, ie: hoover rather than vacuum; Celsius rather than Fahrenheit, etc...

Five stars aren't enough

Entertaining, funny, superbly written, and superbly read. Mayle at his best.

OK if you're painting the hallway

Would you try another book from Peter Mayle and/or John Lee?

No, I don't think so.

If you’ve listened to books by Peter Mayle before, how does this one compare?

I have not.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance was OK, about on par with the story.

Did A Good Year inspire you to do anything?

No, I looked forward to more about travel. I didn't hate it, but it never grabbed me you might say. I listened while painting the interior of my house and it served it's purpose - meaning I didn't really have to listen much to get the gist.

Any additional comments?

This story might be good for a drive or a listen while you're painting the house. It doesn't sag or go off in monotonous tangents. It's just forgettable.

Worth it!

I found this purchase completely worth while! I wasn't very keen on the narrator, but he does great accents and soon I was hooked. This novel took me away, as good books should. The movie seems like ridiculous fluff after having read and listened to the novel.

O.K.

I thought I'd submitted a review of this already! Not as good as Hotel Pastis, John Lee fantastic!

Always liked his style.

Always liked his style. Always liked his style. Always liked his style. Always liked his style. this is no exception.

A Good Year and a Great Listen!

Both my husband & I were captivated by the movie which inspired our purchase of the book. John Lee's wonderful voice added greatly to the book's ability to transport us into a delightful world of eccentric and lovable characters; we tasted the foods, delighted in the wines, felt the sun, and were cheered by the dry humour all the while commuting to work in a rainy and chilly Canadian summer. We are looking at ways to bring the tastes and experience of Provence into our own home. We will be certainly going back to this book again and again and when we get the opportunity, we will vote for John Lee as a favourite narrator (I enjoyed him every step of the way through the unabridged Pillars of the Earth as well!)

Fluffy not stuffy

Well written story. Good narration. Probably better as a short story. Nothing heavy here. Best read on a cold rainy day when there is nothing else to do.

Makes me want to move to France

What made the experience of listening to A Good Year the most enjoyable?

Relaxing and fun.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Good Year?

The plan to trap the wine merchant.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

I felt like I was listening to the character in the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I read anything with Peter Mayle on the cover. Fiction or non, he tells a great story.