A Good Year

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

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.