Peter Mayle

“It is at a time like this, when crisis threatens the stomach, that the French display the most sympathetic side of their nature. Tell them stories of physical injury or financial ruin and they will either laugh or commiserate politely. But tell them you are facing gastronomic hardship, and they will move heaven and earth and even restaurant tables to help you.”

“The funny thing in France is that writers are not allowed to retire, because the French government say you are still earning money from books you wrote 20 years ago.”

“I was lucky enough to spend some of my school days in Barbados, where my father was working, and this gave me a taste for hot weather.”

“There are plenty of miserable millionaires all over the place.”