My Twenty-Five Years in Provence cover art

My Twenty-Five Years in Provence

Reflections on Then and Now

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My Twenty-Five Years in Provence

By: Peter Mayle
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

 From the moment Peter Mayle and his wife, Jennie, uprooted their lives in England and crossed the Channel permanently, they never looked back. Here the beloved author of A Year in Provence pays tribute to the most endearing and enduring aspects of his life in France—the charming and indelible parade of village life, the sheer beauty, the ancient history. He celebrates the café and lists some of his favorites; identifies his favorite villages, restaurants, and open-air markets; and recounts his most memorable meals. A celebration of twenty-five years of Provençal living—of lessons learned and changes observed—with his final book Mayle has crafted a lasting love letter to his adopted home, marked by his signature warmth, wit, and humor. Adventure Travel Europe France Travel Writing & Commentary Western Europe Adventure Village Witty Food Writing France Travel

Critic Reviews

“Full of thoughtful reflections and trenchant observations . . . it all adds up to a better understanding of the people and culture of Provence. Mayle is astute at capturing the rhythm of life there.” —Regan McMahon, San Francisco Chronicle

“A warm, nostalgia-soaked look at the place [Mayle] loved so dearly, packed with fond recollections of the pleasures of life in the region, from pastis to Pétanque . . . An ideal summertime read.” —Lila Battis, Travel and Leisure

“This 25-year retrospective serves up the cozy cafes, refreshing rosés and joie de vivre that drew many people in Mayle’s footsteps to the sun-washed Luberon region . . . [a] well-loved writer’s contented recap of a life well lived.” —Maureen McCarthy, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Endearing . . . Short and sweet, these stories paint an idyllic picture of a charming, slow-paced place, the sort that might beckon for the next season of life. And with Mayle's memories, tips and powerful storytelling, you'll realize it's possible, whichever destination you pick.” —Ashley Day, USA Today

“Treads delightfully familiar ground for fans who succumbed to the charms of Mayle’s first book" —Beth J. Harpaz, Associated Press

“A bittersweet pleasure . . . While Mayle can pen a mouthwatering description of bouillabaisse, what has always drawn his readers to his writing are his loving portraits of people, community and the Provençal way of life.” —Carla Jean Whitley, BookPage

“This valedictory memoir will hold special appeal to devoted readers of his Provencal adventures as well as those in search of confirmation that daydreams do come true.” —Library Journal

“[Mayle’s] keen eye and wit are much on display in this all-new collection of writings on his times in the south of France.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Fans of Mayle (who died in January) will be delighted by this final book from Provence’s most impassioned booster. . . . Composed in a uniformly bright and jocular voice, this is a breezy valedictory note for a much admired writer." --Publishers Weekly
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Simple wonderful story of his experiences in Provenance. A wonderful insight & an escape from the every day.

Simple wonderful story

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I almost didn’t buy this because of how short it was, but I’m so glad I did. My 25 Years in Provence is a beautifully told, witty, and charming reflection on expat life in one of the most enchanting regions of France. Peter Mayle’s storytelling is warm, vivid, and filled with the dry humor that made his writing so beloved. It’s rare to get such an authentic and personal insight into life in Provence over decades, and this book captures it perfectly.

The narrator does an excellent job bringing Mayle’s words to life, making the experience even more immersive. I found myself laughing out loud at his keen observations on the quirks of French life. It felt like listening to a dear friend recounting their most cherished—and often hilarious—memories. A must-listen for anyone who dreams of Provence or appreciates well-crafted, funny storytelling!

Fantastic! Short buy oh so sweet

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Good stories of life in Provence. However, rather too short at 4 hours. Narrator a little too clunky in delivery at times, but otherwise a nice insight to life in France

Good, but very short duration!

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A delightful reflection and summary of his life in Provence. He will be missed.

Peter Mayle at his best

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If like me you love Provence but can only aspire to return due to travel bans, this audiobook is for you. The writing is so descriptive, insightful yet not too flowery. You are invited into a personal experience that would make a gourmand’s mouth water. You swear you hear smells! The narrator Lee is masterful in his take in telling of Mayle’s wonderful experience in discovering all the facets of Provence. I love it and play it again & again!

Province in a shot glass. Magnifique!

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