French Lessons

If "the education of the stomach is never complete," as bon vivant Peter Mayle contends, his travelogue of French festivals and gastronomic ftes is a delightful lesson. Simon Jones performs Mayle's firsthand account with absolute assurance and skill. With a flawless accent, and perfect tone and pace, Jones is our fearless guide to some highly unusual but diverting events. He uses just the right sotto voce asides on wine-tasting spitting manners and delivers mouth-watering descriptions of local cheeses and cuisine minceur. The author could not ask for a better rendition, as Jones teases out the humor and farce while delivering Mayle's keen observations. Listeners will find themselves planning their own excursion. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine