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Acquired Tastes

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Acquired Tastes

By: Peter Mayle
Narrated by: Robin Sachs
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About this listen

Acquired Tastes, originally published as Expensive Habits, is a celebration of life's extravagances. It explores an aspect of human nature that, although dormant in hard economic times, is capable of erupting with the hint of good fortune and the drop of a credit card. It samples the luxuries of Havana cigars, Parisian hotels, bespoke London tailoring, and handmade shoes; discusses the proper color for a stretch limousine; and weighs the cost versus the pleasure of keeping a mistress. The proper way to eat true caviar is explained while providing the listener with hours of pure, unadulterated escapism.

©1991 Peter Mayle (P)2011 Escargot Productions, Ltd. Essays Nonfiction Funny Comedy

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All stars
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A really great listen, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only disappointment was that it finished too soon, I could have listened to a few more hours of this story and the narrator is excellent. Now I’m going to search for more from this author and if it’s the same narrator, I be in heaven.
A first class 5 star performance.

Acquired Tastes

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Perfect narration, brilliant writing and lovely music in between chapters. I loved every second and will listen again and again.

Absolutely the best Audible I have ever listened to!

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A very amusing insight into a world that I could never inhabit being a woman not prone to extravagances, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. However, I did not enjoy the performance which I found very staccato.

Amusing Insight

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book : the descriptive prose and the humour make for very good entertainment

Brilliant

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Very well written (and read) . Amusing, observant and a reflection of the life of the Author who's good fortune to write best sellers, ensured he could develop some of the Acquired Tastes of the title!

The good life guide for men!

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Good fun, a daydream of a book. Ignore sensitive types who criticise it for being out of touch. It positions itself deliberately to be out of touch.

The point of the book is to discuss the completely unessential trappings of those with too much money to spare. It allows us an insight into aspects that we may not have ever considered. And it treats them as they should be treated; as luxuries. No-one in their right mind would consider fois-gras as necessary for life, or a second home a mere practicality. But it's fun to imagine a situation where we could do such a thing.

This book then, is a bit of an escape. And if it makes you curious to try out some of the aspects that it addresses, then where is the harm in that?

Personally, I love Mayle's writing style. It's witty and descriptive, funny and whimsical. This book isn't going to change your life, or make you examine your stance on the human condition. But it will entertain you and make you hungry to try new things. And that is objectively no bad thing.

Also, the narrator has just the right voice and style to carry off the script. An excellent job well done.

Evocative and Playful Fare

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Collection of columns about deliciously decadent luxuries.
His shameless appreciation of caviar, truffles, cashmere jumpers and limousines, and the pros and cons of having a holiday home or a mistress.
Costings are fascinating, circa mid-90s - only marked down as too much about Manhattan.
Tempted to buy a hard copy of the original version.

Can’t understand why it’s impossible to find an audio version of A Year in Provence.

Guide to high living but prefer original title

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I, like so many others, first fell in love with Peter Mayle's writing whilst reading his famous books about moving to Provence. Here once again he provides amusement with his sardonic observations on life's very finest luxuries. From truffles to mistresses, Peter, the self confessed bon vivant, guides you through the process. Excellent narration by Robin Sachs, his elegant voice suits such a subject matter.

Peter Mayle does it again!

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An unusual compilations of the good things in life.Brilliantly narrated.
One of the few books I have listened to from beginning to end and simply relished each new chapter. I will listen again and again.

Absolute joy!

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Easy listening, predictable slant, typical PM style. Still enjoyable if in the mood.
Doleful monochrome narration

Flippant Mayle

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