This book is a perfect example of all that is wrong with the publishing industry. They've now milked three books on Provence from this dry,empty author without said author saying anything different or new. You need only read A Year in Provence to get a sense of the author's recurring themes and subjects; indeed, you need read only one paragraph. Here is is: Provence is quaint. The pace is slow. The focus is on food. The French think they know everything. Weather is a factor. There. I've just saved you time and money. Now can Mr. Mayle please move on to something new? ANd keep it brief?