A Good Year

By: Peter Mayle

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Nice story, not Mayle's best - bad French accent

I bought this book after watching the movie - I am a fan of Peter Mayle and have read all his previous works of fiction. I hadn't even heard of this one, though. When I watched the movie I knew right away it was based on a Peter Mayle book, and that somehow I had missed one. I was sure the movie had left out significant character development, characteristic of Mayle's writing. And throughout the movie I kept feeling like we weren't getting to know the characters -- the plot moved quickly without much explanation for their actions. I bought the book and downloaded the audio shortly after. I like to alternate between audio and paper, depending on what I'm doing.

I guess the movie didn't cut out much after all. The characters in this story aren't developed in the typical Mayle style. It was still a nice, light read - just not what I expect from Peter Mayle.

I am a French speaker and have lived in Provence - I love hearing descriptions and names of familiar places. These, too, were fewer and farther between than in the author's previous novels.

Finally, the accent of the narrator was BEYOND irritating. His consistent mispronunciation of the French vowel combination "ai" as a long /i/ sound instead of a short /e/ sound finally drove me to turn off the audio and read my paperback.

Oh well - I guess there's a reason I hadn't heard about this one sooner. I'm baffled that of all his excellent novels, Hollywood chose this one to make into a film.

Rural France

I picked up this book after enjoying the movie. The story differs from the movie but is still good. Solid 3.5 stars. If you have ever traveled in and enjoy rural France, you realize that Provence is much different from Paris or even the cote de jour. The book very accurately reflects the rural French people, the plumbing and the French attitude toward the English and Americans. There is true warmth and charm in the people who live in the French countryside and that charm is reflected in Peter Mayles writing. John Lee does a great job in the narration. I enjoyed the story but to be honest, this is one of the rare occasions where I actually enjoyed the movie more. Still a good read. Worth the credit.

Saw Movie first, thus fascinated by the book

Too many broad strokes . This book seems to have been abridged. Max is the central character, followed by Wine. His love of the Region translates into a John Lennon approach to life. Just be happy ,give love a chance and remove any obstacles in your life to the best of your abilities and Be Happy. Do not worry about matters you cannot control. Technology and money are tools, not Reasons for living. Count your Blessings and find Harmony.
Delighted I listened to this short book. The narration is 5 Stars.
The Author's comments at the end are an integral part of this Audible Experience.
My Rating should be a 4.4

Lovely French escape

Very evocative of its setting - I could almost feel the sun on my back as I listened. A good little plot/mystery, interesting characters and fab narration.

Predictable but Delicious and Enjoyable

I think my title says it all. Mayle continues to entice me to listen without too much adventure, though there is certainly some suspense towards the end of this novel. His works help clear away the realities and think about another, enviable life in Southern France. The characters are sympathetic and humourous, and though it's not too original I really enjoyed listening to this book.

Fun escape to Provence

I enjoyed the story and the narration by John Lee. An enjoyable journey to Provence, meeting interesting characters along the way, and tasting the wine and food at every opportunity. Things go pretty easy for our protagonist, keeping tension a bit low.

Puts you in the South of France

The story carries you to France and gives you afeeling of what it is like to live there. A glimpse of the people, the food, and wine of one of my favorite places in the world. Mayle has a great feeling for France, and expresses it well in his books. The narrator held my interest, and also did a good job of expressing the tone of the book.

You'll Laugh Out Loud

A delightful listen with descriptions and dialogue that made me laugh out loud. Peter Mayle pokes fun at the English, French and Americans through his knack for creating characters that are both stereotypical and believable at the same time. You may not know people exactly like these characters, but by the end of the story you?ll wish you did.

Light and enjoyable

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, a nice inside view of the French countryside.

Would you recommend A Good Year to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, for light enjoyment.

What three words best describe John Lee’s performance?

Crisp easy listening

Do you think A Good Year needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Possibly, the characters could be carried over in more depth.

John Lee's narration superb

This is a relaxing, pleasant book, with lots of local color, a little romance, and a bit of mystery. I liked the characters. The very best thing about the audiobook is John' Lee's narration. He was perfect.