Title: Hotel Pastis: a Novel of Provence
Author: Peter Mayle
First published May 27, 1993
389 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780679402299 (ISBN10: 0679402292)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Peter Mayle, the beloved author of A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence, invites readers on another adventure in Hotel Pastis: a Novel of Provence. Follow Simon Shaw, a successful advertising executive tired of the demands of his job and ex-wife, as he escapes to the south of France on a whim.
After a chance accident leaves him stranded in a charming village, Simon is helped by a beautiful Frenchwoman who convinces him to buy the local gendarmerie and transform it into a stunning hotel. As Simon settles into his new life, a recently released criminal plots to rob a nearby bank, and the two worlds collide.
With Mayle’s signature wit and insight into the haut monde, readers will be enchanted by the idyllic paradise Simon has created and the drama that threatens to tear it apart.
About the Author
Peter Mayle, a British author, was renowned for his captivating series of books that recounted life in the picturesque region of Provence, France. Prior to his successful writing career, Peter spent fifteen years working in the advertising industry.
He then transitioned to writing educational literature, which included a series of books on sex education for children and young adults. In 1989, he published “A Year in Provence,” which quickly became a global sensation.
His books have been translated into over twenty languages, and he also contributed to several magazines and newspapers. One of his most famous works, his seventh book, chronicles the experiences of a British expatriate who settled in the charming village of Ménerbes.
This book served as the inspiration for the 2006 movie adaptation directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle passed away in Provence, the very region that had inspired his beloved literature.
Editoral Review
“Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence” by Peter Mayle is a delightful and charming story that takes readers on a vicarious journey to the south of France. Mayle, who is known for his love of Provence and has written numerous books on the subject, crafts a story that is both humorous and heartwarming, transporting readers to the idyllic countryside where life is leisurely and the wine is always flowing.
The story follows Simon Shaw, a failed London restauranteur who decides to leave his old life behind and start anew in Provence, where he plans to open a hotel. But things don’t go quite as planned when he encounters a cast of quirky characters, from the eccentric hotel staff to the loyal locals who are determined to make him feel at home.
The novel is a lighthearted and fun read, with a cast of characters that are both endearing and comical. Simon, the protagonist, is relatable as a man who is trying to reinvent himself, and readers will root for him as he navigates the challenges of starting a new business in a foreign country.
Mayle’s descriptions of Provence are vivid and evocative, bringing the region to life in the mind’s eye of readers. His love of the area is evident on every page, and readers will come away from the book with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and charm of the French countryside.
While the novel is primarily a light and enjoyable read, it also touches on themes of culture clash and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life. Mayle’s observations on the sometimes-clashing attitudes of locals and foreigners are astute and thought-provoking, and add a layer of depth to the book’s otherwise light tone.
At times, the novel’s pacing can feel slow, and some readers may find themselves itching for more action. Some of the supporting characters are also a bit one-note, lacking the complexity and depth of the protagonist.
However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable book. In conclusion, “Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence” is a lovely and entertaining read that will transport readers to a charming corner of the world.
It’s perfect for anyone who’s dreamed of starting fresh in a new place, or who simply wants to escape into a good book for a few hours. Recommended for fans of light-hearted novels, travel memoirs, and stories that capture the joy of living.
