Anyone interested in France or French is certain to have read Peter Mayle's best-selling "A Year in Provence." Did you know that he has written about other things too? In addition to two Provence sequels, Peter Mayle has written three novels set in Provence and a couple of books on other topics. If you're looking for something funny and interesting to read, any of these books will fit the bill.
1. A Year in Provence
A light-hearted autobiography, travel/restaurant guide, and cultural study of the south of France. Mr. Mayle describes a year of adventures amid the French, including daily struggles with the Provençal accent. Whether you're interested in learning more about French, "the Hexagon," or French cuisine, A Year in Provence will get you started on your cultural discovery of the south of France.2. Hotel Pastis
Peter Mayle's novel about a rich advertising executive who gives it all up to open a hotel in the south of France has definite autobiographical undercurrents. It's an interesting and funny story with a bit of intrigue, crime, and romance thrown in for good measure. A must for Peter Mayle fans.
3. Toujours Provence
The sequel to Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" is just as warm and funny as its predecessor. Readers are treated to stories about pastis, buying truffles, digging for gold, singing toads, and, of course, a great deal of delicious food and drink.4. Chasing Cézanne
This novel, which travels between Paris, Provence, and New York, is a fun and sometimes chaotic romp with photographers; magazine executives; art experts, thieves, and forgerers; friends and lovers; and - of course - plenty of French food and wine.5. A Dog's Life
If you enjoyed "A Year in Provence" and you love dogs, I guarantee you will love this book. "A Dog's Life" is essentially "A Year in Provence" told from the point of view of Boy, Peter Mayle's third dog. Read about Boy's adventures and canine philosophy in this extremely funny and charmingly illustrated book6. Anything Considered
Imagine that you're down on your luck and decide to place an ad for any situation "except marriage." Imagine that a rich man with a truffle fetish sets you up in a new town with an apartment, a car, and a whole lot of cash. Imagine what can go wrong.... "Anything Considered" will defy all of your expectations.7. French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew
Peter Mayle has apparently "finished" Provence, for his newest book steps over the line into the rest of France. French Lessons visits festivals for virtually every culinary delight in the country, including truffles, cheese, wine, and frog's legs, just to name a few.8. Acquired Tastes
This series of articles, originally written for GC and Esquire, deals with the delightful question of how to spend obnoxious amounts of money. Pretend to be a millionaire as you read about such delights as caviar, fois gras, and truffles; true cigars and single-malt whisky; luxury hotels, limousines, and private jets; and custom-made suits and shoes.9. Encore Provence
Third in the Provence series, "Encore Provence" is funny and engaging, but some of the info (truffle trafficking, olive oil) has been shared before. This book does, however, have some new topics, like a school for noses and Mr. Mayle's response to a well-known restaurant critic. It also includes, for the first time, a travel guide for Provence, with restaurant, hotel, and market recommendations.