A Good Year

De: Peter Mayle

Narrado por: 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 reading?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

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A delightful divertissement. . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment.” —The Seattle Times

“Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading.” —Chicago Sun-Times

“Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?” —People

“Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . [Mayle’s] descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation.” —The Baltimore Sun

“Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good.” —Rocky Mountain News

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...

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.