THE LIVELY SPIRITS OF PROVENCE Jamie Brown. Toronto, Clarke, Irwin, c1974, 1982. 180pp, paper, $7.95. ISBN 0-7720-0718-7. Grades 9 and up. Reviewed by Elvira D. Gosselin. Volume 10 Number 4. 1982 November. The Lively Spirits of Provence is a well-written "almost travelogue." Jamie Brown has captured the simple lifestyle and happy mentality of the people of southern France, in particular the people of Gigondas. His vivid descriptions of the mountain area capture the imagination of the reader and hold him enthralled by the awesome beauty.          The house faced south, and looked out          at a small pine-covered mountain which          rose immediately and abruptly on the other          side of the stream. . . To the west, there          was only wilderness and a Roman basin, and          an unspoiled forested valley for the stream          to run through.... We feel we are living in a time long passed when peace and joy and human kindness were the prevailing characteristics. Very subtly Jamie Brown recalls us to reality with reminders of the stress and self-centeredness of people far removed from this land of happiness. There is very little plot structure, no intrigue or violence in this very interesting account. A degree of suspense is created when Jamie Brown, a writer, and Lorna, an actress, try to finalize Lorna's divorce before the birth of their baby. The red tape and the necessary preparations they must complete before their marriage and the legitimate birth of the baby arouse the sympathy of the reader. The language, style, and the structure are free-flowing, easily understood and laced with imagery. This is a book that may be read by both young and old (from grade 9 to .ninety years of age) and greatly appreciated. The characters become our good friends, as we, the readers, live with them and share their joys and tribulations. Elvira D. Gosselin, Windsor, ON.