Customer Reviews

The Magic of Provence: Pleasures of Southern France

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I was introduced to this book by a friend who's travelled extensively around the world and visited France several times. He was really taken by the book because he always thought Provence was pretty special, but for some reason he could never quite explain why. This book, he said, captured the ambience and spirit of Provence like nothing else he had ever read on the subject. He thought I might find it a good read even though I've never even been to France.

Boy was he ever right! This book is wonderful. The author writes in a way that makes you feel almost as if you know her. I like that. Best of all, the stories carried me away to Southern France, and the recipes--some of which I actually decide to try--brought the "magic" of Provence to my house. Now, I've got to go to France. I may even take up French . . .

This book lets you join in the adventure of living in Provence. You can practically feel the sunshine, and taste the wine. All the people seem like neighbors. I can't wait to try some of the recipes. If you can't travel to Provence, or are considering it, this is the book to read.

My wife and I discovered this book just before a planned trip to Provence. Yvone's tales of her lovely village of Ansouis inspired us to seek it out and it was everything she describes, down to the quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful Chateau. If you are planning a trip to France, or just dreaming of one, this book will inspire you. The stories are filled with humor and passion, and her love of the people and region are evident on every page--never patronizing or condescending. As a bonus, she shares recipes at the end of each chapter--we have tried several and they are delicious! We are looking forward to reading her new book, "Love in Provence."

Although Lenard's book is not really a "bad" read, I agree with the other reviewers that it can be very dry and progress slowly. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with the dutchess, and I do love the chapter about the cats--but something is lacking. Therefore, I suggest that readers with an interest in Provence try Peter Mayle's books about the region. Mayle is much funnier and his books hold one's attention and flow smoothly from one anecdote to the next; something that Yvone Lenard should aspire to.

Yvone Lenard's tale of her times in Provence, is magical and very beautiful. Her writing style is great and I loved the recipes throughout the book. I keep this book in my kitchen for the great recipes!

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in various areas of Provence as well as reading many books on the subject, I found this to be one of the worst books I have read to date. In reality it is more about the author than Provence. To make matters worse the recipes are far from authentic. Whoever heard of anyone in Provence using Worcestershire sauce? I read the book last month while working with someone at a cooking program in Provence, and we had some good laughs over the recipes. If you want to read something new and authentic try Carol Drinkwater's, The Olive Farm or The Provence of Alain Ducasse.

Madame Lenard's book is really quite a charmer, and it is her simple adventures that outweigh her rather amateurish writing. Regardless of the imperfections of the book, it is still delightful and interesting. She writes from her heart and you can feel her love for her village stretch from the pages. Some may find the author a bit pretentious and full of herself, but I dismiss that as just part of being French. (She is much more French than American, having been born and raised in France.) Enjoy this book for its content and the author's affections and just dismiss the lack of writing prowess.

As a collector and reader of books on Provence, I was entertained by the book; however, it is a quite modest addition to the body of existing personal narratives. The book's most off-putting aspect was the author's constant gushing over neighbors who are minor lapsed royalty. At one point she even labels an airport worker a communist for reacting negatively to her namedropping reference to the duchess in order to obtain more favorable treatment. Her inclusion of recipes, although not novel, did provide optional ingredients to permit their preparation with easily obtainable ingredients. Nothing as profound as Durrell's or Ford's books on Provence, the book most resembles a predecessor which title it appears to borrow from: Lady Winifred Fortescue's "perfume From Provence".

I absolutely loved this book! I've read all of Peter Mayle's books on Provence, and while his are charming and wonderful, they're a bit snobby sometimes. Yvone Lenard writes in a more personal, honest and open way. You really feel like you get to know her neighbors, and the way of village life. Her stories are funny, intriguing, and draw you in - I picked up this book every time I had a few moments to read. There's a Web site for the book and you can see pictures of the amazing house they renovated. Made me want to go to Provence even more, and if I can find 5 friends to go along with me, I'm going to rent her house for a week and see those mountain views for myself. All in all, a very enchanting book. I'd still recommend Peter Mayle and eagerly await his next novel or travelogue, but now count Yvone Lenard among my new favorites. Vive la France!!

What a great pleasure, from laughter to tears, to read The Magic of Provence! This review comes after a second reading, which is a first for me. I feel as if I know both the author and her husband as good friends. My compliments for a delightful mental trip to France.