Eternal Provence

Author: (English) Peter Mayle
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-04-01
Features: This book won the "Best Travel Book of the Year" award from the British Book Awards, topped the bestseller lists of Publishers Weekly and The New York Times, and was highly recommended by the British magazine "Good Book Guide." The New York Times review described these books as "charming, interesting, and highly appreciable!" Since its inception, Provence has carefully guarded its secrets until the arrival of the British Peter Mayle, gradually unveiling the unique veil of life in Provence that had long been hidden. Several years ago, as a senior executive at an advertising company on Madison Avenue, Peter Mayle grew tired of the hustle and bustle and superficiality of the office. He left the foggy, long, and gray London with his wife and beloved dog, retreating to the sunny and blue-skyed Provence in the south of France. Mayle purchased an old house, diligently learned French, said goodbye to everything in the past, lived a leisurely life, and began his writing career. "A Year in Provence," "Always Provence," "Return to Provence," each of his books related to Provence remained at the top of The New York Times bestseller list for a long time. In Peter Mayle's writing, Provence is not just a geographical term but also a symbol of a lifestyle. Urban dwellers who have lived for years in crowded, busy, noisy, competitive, and stressful environments have gained many material pleasures but have inadvertently lost their health and peaceful lives. Wealthy and prestigious, yet with less bright and clear sunshine above their heads, and even less freedom and ease in their hearts. Even if they have the "time and money" to travel, they are likely to come and go in a hurry, unable to indulge. Peter Mayle's books are written for this urban group that seems full but is actually burdened with heavy pressure. Not to teach them how to cope, but to help them learn to escape happily.