Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence

Simon Shaw, a burnt-out London advertising executive, decides to abandon his high-pressure career after a series of personal and professional frustrations. Seeking a drastic change of environment, he travels to the Luberon region of France, where he discovers a dilapidated stone building. He undertakes the ambitious project of converting this structure into a small luxury hotel. The narrative follows his encounters with local bureaucracy, French village customs, and a colorful cast of characters who assist or hinder his venture. Alongside his business transition, Shaw navigates a budding romance and finds himself entangled in a local bank heist plot.

People interested in career pivots and the logistical realities of starting a business abroad read this book for its focus on lifestyle design and the complexities of rural French culture. It appeals to travelers who value specific details about Provençal food, wine, and social etiquette. Readers walk away with a realistic perspective on the challenges of property renovation and the potential for professional reinvention when moving from a corporate environment to a service-oriented life in a different country.