🌞 Book Review: Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence by Peter Mayle
A charming, sun-drenched escape into the French countryside—equal parts romantic comedy, travelogue, and lighthearted caper.
Peter Mayle, best known for his memoir A Year in Provence, brings his signature wit and affection for southern France to this delightful novel. With a Goodreads rating of 3.77/5 from over 6,600 readers, Hotel Pastis is a breezy, feel-good read that blends personal reinvention with Provençal charm.
🧠 Plot Overview
Simon Shaw, a wealthy London advertising executive, is freshly divorced and thoroughly disillusioned with his high-powered career. Seeking respite, he takes a vacation to the sleepy village of Brassiäre-les-Deux-Eglis in Provence. A minor car accident strands him there—but it turns out to be a blessing.
Simon meets Nicole Bouvier, a local businesswoman with a plan: transform an abandoned gendarmerie into a boutique hotel. With the help of his loyal and tartly humorous butler Ernest, Simon decides to leave the ad world behind and embrace a new life in France.
Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds involving a group of bumbling ex-cons planning a bank heist during the Bastille Day festivities. Their antics add a dash of suspense and farce to the otherwise tranquil narrative.
🍷 Why Readers Enjoy It
- Atmospheric Setting: Mayle’s descriptions of Provence—its food, wine, and leisurely pace—are immersive and mouthwatering.
- Light Humor: The tone is playful, with dry British wit and quirky characters.
- Feel-Good Vibes: It’s a story of second chances, self-discovery, and finding joy in simplicity.
- Dual Narrative: The contrast between Simon’s idyllic transformation and the comic criminal subplot keeps the pace lively.
💬 Critical Reception
- “[A richly amusing first novel… smart dialogue at full glitter throughout.]” — Kirkus Reviews
- “Perfectly plotted and beautifully choreographed… with just enough suspense to keep the action fresh.” — Carmen Amato’s review
- Readers on Goodreads praise its escapist charm, though some note the plot is more leisurely than gripping.
🏁 Final Verdict
Hotel Pastis is a delightful literary vacation—ideal for readers who enjoy gentle humor, vivid settings, and stories about starting over. If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving it all behind to open a hotel in the French countryside, this novel is your invitation.
