This was a wonderful book about a country and people I knew nothing about. The writing and descriptions were so good I could smell the dust and taste the olive oil! The cast of characters wasn't overwhelming or confusing and the story flowed easily broken up by Months making each chapter a new adventure in weather, food and friends.
I wouldn't say it was laugh out loud funny, but it was highly entertaining and I read it in one huge gulp. ( )

I can see why so many people like it, but this just wasn't for me. Endless lists and descriptions of meals bored me quickly.

Recommended: for some people (who are not me)
For people who like food, for people who like reading at length about people, for people interested in home restoration. Stay away if you want any kind of events or... anything of interest to happen.

Thoughts:
WOW did this bore the hell out of me. I can acknowledge that his writing style is smooth, with lush descriptions and lively characterizations of the people around him.

That said, nothing happened. The main elements of the book are:
- lengthy descriptions of food and meals
- various random conversations with locals
- details of home maintenance

That's just not interesting for me. This one star is not to say this is a poorly written book, but that I personally did not enjoy it. The overall experience was like talking to an older relative who unhurriedly traps me with boring descriptions of their trip. ( )

A delightful read. Each chapter represents a month in the author's first year living in Provence, France. Gradually you get to know the people, the customs, the places and to see the progress or lack thereof of the renovations to their home. There are lovely descriptions of the food as well. ( )

I've never really had much desire to go to France but now, I want to go and try all the foods. ( )

Such fun! The dream was tarnished a bit when all the boorish uninvited guests started showing up; I simply do not understand the author's inability to tell them to fuck off. Once that part was past it was back into the fantasy life of rural France.

Overall a very good read. ( )