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Title details for A Good Year by Peter Mayle - Wait list

A Good Year

by Peter Mayle
John Lee
Audiobook
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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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    March 4, 2004

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780739330319
      • File size: 212658 KB
      • Duration: 07:23:02

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Peter Mayle returns to the familiar landscape of Provence to spin another tale revolving around wine, food, and sweet relationships basking in the sunshine. On the same day that Max is downsized from the London investment firm he hates, he inherits his uncle's French estate, complete with boutique vineyard. Of course, there are gentle obstacles and puzzles to be sorted out. For one thing, the wine is dreadful. Also, an unknown Californian cousin might have a claim to the estate. John Lee turns this somewhat unoriginal plot into a delightful trifle. His American, British, and French accents are excellent. Especially agreeable is the hint of amusement in Lee's voice--you can almost hear him wink. A.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      May 24, 2004
      Mayle's breezy, uncomplicated fifth novel (Chasing Cezanne
      , etc.) and ninth book follows 30-something Max Skinner from a sabotaged financial career in London to his adoption of the Provençal lifestyle on an inherited vineyard in France. Max spent holidays at his Uncle Henry's vineyard as a child, so when he inherits the place, the prospect of returning is tempting; a generous "bridging loan" from ex-brother-in-law Charlie seals the deal. The estate, Le Griffon, is in a dire state of disrepair and the wine cellar is filled with bottles of a dreadful-tasting swill, but it's nothing that vineyard caretaker Claude Roussel and prim housekeeper Madame Passepartout can't resolve. Max settles into his new life easily thanks to the attentions of local notary Nathalie Auzet and busty cafe owner Fanny. The arrival of young Californian "wine brat" Christie Roberts, Uncle Henry's long-lost daughter, complicates matters for Max, but her surprise offer and Charlie's arrival lessen the impact of a vicious vineyard scandal involving a delicious, high-priced, discreetly produced wine called Le Coin Perdu. Mayle's simple story provides lighthearted if unadventurous reading and a fond endorsement of the pleasures of viniculture. Agent, William Morris.
      (June 3)

      Forecast:
      Mayle's soft-touch Provençal scene-setting is once again likely to translate into big bucks, with Ridley Scott signed up to direct the film version and a 175,000 first printing planned. BOMC selection; 8-city author tour.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      The brief bio on Peter Mayle's latest literary soufflé says he "eats, drinks, writes, and lives in Provence." As the emphasis indicates, the taste buds play a starring role in this novel. Wine is the focus as a broke young Englishman inherits a run-down Provenal vineyard. He finds a mystery involving a forgotten corner of the vineyard, a long-lost cousin, romance (with a restaurant owner, of course), and lots of fine dining. Ben Chaplin reads with lively good humor and heavy, yet clearly understandable, French accents. After the novel, you'll hear Mayle himself talking about his experiences in France. This well-crafted escapism will be welcome to listeners looking for a break from everyday cares. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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