French Lessons

Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew

By: Peter Mayle

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Ranging far from his adopted Provence, Peter Mayle now travels to every corner of France, armed with knife, fork, and corkscrew. He takes us to tiny, out-of-the-way restaurants, starred Michelin wonders, local village markets, annual festivals, and blessed vineyards.

We visit the Foire aux Escargots at Martigny-les-Bains - a whole weekend devoted to the lowly but revered snail. We observe the Marathon du Médoc, where runners passing through the great vineyards of Bordeaux refresh themselves en route with tastings of red wine (including ChĊteau Lafite-Rothschild!). There is a memorable bouillabaisse in a beachside restaurant on the Côte d'Azur. And we go on a search for the perfect chicken that takes us to a fair in Bourg-en-Bresse.

There is a Catholic mass in the village of Richerenches, a scared event at which thanks are given for the aromatic, mysterious, and breathtakingly expensive black truffle. We learn which is the most pungent cheese in France (it's in Normandy), witness a debate on the secret of the perfect omelette, and pick up a few luscious recipes along the way. There is even an appreciation and celebration of an essential tool for any serious food-lover in France - the Michelin Guide.

Here we have all the glory and pleasure of the French table in the most satisfying audiobook yet from the toujours delightfully entertaining Peter Mayle.

©2001 by Escargot Productions Ltd. (P)2001 Random House Inc., Random House AudioBooks, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Simon Jones performs Mayle's firsthand account with absolute assurance and skill." (AudioFile)

Delightful.

A retired man enjoying food and wine and camaraderie in France amidst a mix of foibles: What could be more delicious to listen to on my way to and from work?

Additionally, Simon Jones narrates the whole romp with aplomb and panache.

Great Listen

I also thought Simon Jones did a great job with the narration. As a foodie and Francophile, only being there could be better. I'll listen to this one again and again.

Preview of A Year In Provence - entertaining!

Would you consider the audio edition of French Lessons to be better than the print version?

Yes, easily better. One cannot be nearer to the feel of living there and visiting there, and dealing with the French on their own terms.

What was one of the most memorable moments of French Lessons?

It was all equally well done.

What about Simon Jones’s performance did you like?

He does Mayle as I would expect, based on Mayle's "A Year in Provence." That makes it excellent, alone!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Prologue to A Year in Provence. And the story continues.

Any additional comments?

I really suggest that readers rent the movie, A Year in Provence. It will give a great insight into Mayle.

Good book—but narrator? Not so much.

It took me a while to determine if the narrator was offering us an impersonation of a completely pompous, prototypical stuffed-shirt snobby British male of the 1950’s or if he actually sounded like he did. Sigh...he did...he was...he is. Pity as it detracted significantly from what was otherwise a well written and humorous book.

Appetizing Read

I do not enjoy travel and have a terribly untutored palate, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love listening to descriptions of people enjoying food and wine, and Peter Mayle conveys his enjoyment and manages to include me at the table. I, like Mr. Jenkins, never eat anything I can't pronounce, but Mr. Mayle broadens my horizons and allows me the second-hand experience of far-away things without leaving home. The narrator was excellent, surpassed only by Mayle himself. This is a wonderful listen for a slow day on the porch or in the garden.

An interesting trip through France

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It had very interesting facts on French culture. I like to know why we do certian things the way we do them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of French Lessons?

The stories of all the little fairs that he attended.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could find the time to. It wasn't hard to be drawn right back into the story when I had a chance to listen again.

Delicious

Like all his other books exploration of French culture and customs with love and great appreciation. Magnificent.

Hilarious!

This is one of the funniest books I have ever encountered. Peter Mayle writes with such humour, and Simon Jones brings it to life in his uniques animated fashion. Fabulous!

Aural gastronomy

Peter Mayle’s appreciation of France and French food is seductively conveyed in this book and Simon Jones’ narration delivers his wit effortlessly. Each chapter is a gourmand’s delight, yet leaves one hungering for more.

Very enjoyable and entertaining

What did you love best about French Lessons?

We love France - especially the food and the wine. This book highlights the unique food festivals in an entertaining, humorous and educational way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We were traveling in the car, so we listened to the book in one sitting. A perfect book for that.