Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence

Title: Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence
Author: Peter Mayle
Publisher: Vintage Books
Pages: 389 (softcover)
Rating: 3 out of 5

Simon Shaw is a successful advertising magnate, with a string of unhappy marriages behind him. His confidante, Ernest, orders him to take a few days off from work and relax. Recently out of a bad marriage, he agrees and decides to go spend time in France. A friend in Paris recommends spending the weekend in Provence, stating that he had the best time he’s had ever, in Provence.

The rest, as they say, is the story *grin*. There is some insight into advertising and running a hotel, but only on the surface. Simon meets a French lady he likes, in Provence, and decides to start a hotel in a little town there along with her and Ernest. He counts on a simple and quiet life in France, after his hectic days in the advertising business where holidays are rare. In short, he is counting on life becoming one long holiday.

What he doesn’t count on are bank robbers in the area, the local mafia using threats in the guise of providing security, and the local journalist who hypocritically hates change and progress.

The book makes for good humor, and essentially takes digs at marriage, the English and the French

I give it 3 stars because it started dragging out at the end.. and somehow I felt I had lost the story in the last 80 pages.