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jlsjourneys's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasant if dated audiobook listen for lovers of France and gastronomy
fabacious's review against another edition
5.0
Charming and delightful, this book is a gem. Contrary to what one might think based on the title, this is not a book that teaches French. It is a non-fiction by an Englishman living in France. The author takes us on a tour of different culinary festivals throughout France (truffles festival, escargot festival, frog legs festival). Unexpectedly funny at times, I found myself laughing until I cried. This book is well written; I was transported to France with all the sounds, sights, smells and tastes. Lucky for me, Peter Mayle has several other books about France and I will be doing my own “dégustation” of each one in the upcoming weeks. If you love France and everything French, I highly recommend this book. 5+++ stars.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
If the goal of this book is to make the reader want to go on a food tour of France, then it 100% succeeded as far as I am concerned. The food descriptions in "French Lessons" were mouthwatering. I never wanted to eat frog legs until I read Mayle's descriptions of their buttery garlicy goodness.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this, but if you're not interested in France and food, you probably wouldn't be interested in this book. I happen to have a strong interest in both, so it worked for me.
wrentheblurry's review against another edition
2.0
This one leans more to 2.5 stars for me. The writing was solid, I just found the stories to be bland and lacking. Maybe I enjoyed Kitchen Confidential a bit too much, but after reading Anthony Bourdain, this book lacked excitement, drama, scandal and food (or other) sensuality). The premise involves Mayle participating in or visiting many food related events, fairs, etc. across France. I like his writing and the idea enough to finish it, but it certainly left me wanting more.
krpollard's review against another edition
5.0
I first read French Lessons when I was in my teens shortly after returning from my first trip to France. If I wasn't already in love with the culture, this book solidified it. You might know of Peter Mayle from the Toujours Provence fame. He's British, but has a deep appreciation for all things French, most notably the food. Each chapter takes you to a different festival or culinary experience around the country, from "The Mass of the Truffle" to "The Fair of the Frog" and the "The Fair of the Snail". His descriptions are both humorous and mouth-watering as he dines on decadent cheeses and sips rich Burgundy wines. Best of all, there's contact information for each restaurant and fair in the last chapter of the book so you can take a culinary tour of France yourself.
thereclamationproject's review against another edition
3.0
a fun culinary tour that started out a little weak, with a strong middle, and a dry end. Good, not great, but I would recommend it nonetheless.