A GOOD YEAR

The brief bio on Peter Mayle's latest literary soufflé says he "eats, drinks, writes, and lives in Provence." As the emphasis indicates, the taste buds play a starring role in this novel. Wine is the focus as a broke young Englishman inherits a run-down Proven?çal vineyard. He finds a mystery involving a forgotten corner of the vineyard, a long-lost cousin, romance (with a restaurant owner, of course), and lots of fine dining. Ben Chaplin reads with lively good humor and heavy, yet clearly understandable, French accents. After the novel, you'll hear Mayle himself talking about his experiences in France. This well-crafted escapism will be welcome to listeners looking for a break from everyday cares. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]