ENCORE PROVENCE

In a tip of the hat to his American readers, Mayle's book opens with a surprising commentary on life in the U.S. (Long Island), where he and his wife have recently been living. Perhaps his observations, delivered in a humorously forbearing tone by reader David Case, are intended to show that our culture has its own charm if only we look closely enough. Happily, we're soon off to Provence and Sunday lunch at an outdoor restaurant that keeps a supply of straw hats on hand for patrons. Case captures all the Gallic eccentrics and eccentricities with savoir faire. E.K.D. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]