Mayle leaves a bitter taste

Your article in February regarding Peter’s Mayle’s books about Provence and the similar stories written by other people since reminded me that Lady Fortescue’s book ‘Perfume from Provence’ bears a resemblance to Peter’s Mayle’s ouvrage.

Yet Lady Fortescue published her work in 1935. Plagiarism?  I don’t think so but Mayle’s idea that seemed so original at the time was perhaps not that innovative.

Also, if you have ever visited the places Mayle wrote about, including his favourite café, you will find his memory is not that cherished.

To write about people citing their real names in such condescending and even rude terms is not likely to endear you to the local populace.

G. Auckland, Loir-et-Cher