by Peter Mayle
First published 1991
Peter Mayle's "Expensive Habits" is a delightful romp through the indulgent lives of the elite. When a struggling writer stumbles into the lavish world of a wealthy Londoner, he finds himself seduced by the trappings of luxury - fine wine, exotic cars, and a cast of eccentric socialites. But as he sinks deeper into this gilded lifestyle, he discovers the hidden costs of maintaining such an extravagant existence. With wry observations and biting humor, Mayle peels back the veneer of wealth, exposing the fragility and loneliness at the heart of this gilded cage. In the end, the writer must confront the true price of his newfound privilege and decide whether the allure of the high life is worth the sacrifice of his principles.
Genres: fiction, satire, literary-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, wry
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, social-climbing
Setting: London
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
256 pages · Paperback · Bantam