Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
Although I wish the author had continued writing books about the other tenants from The Elegance of the Hedgehog, I did not enjoy this book. I'm not sure why. It was a short 150+ pages, but just dragged. Maybe it was too short to build a rapport with the characters?
"In the heart of Paris, in the posh building made famous in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Pierre Athens, the greatest food critic in the world, is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many, Monsieur Arthens has been lording it over the world’s most esteemed chefs for years, passing judgment on their creations, deciding their fates with a stroke of his pen, destroying and building reputations on a whim. But now, during these his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the Flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste. Thus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars—relatives, lovers, a would-be protege, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people."
"In the heart of Paris, in the posh building made famous in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Pierre Athens, the greatest food critic in the world, is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many, Monsieur Arthens has been lording it over the world’s most esteemed chefs for years, passing judgment on their creations, deciding their fates with a stroke of his pen, destroying and building reputations on a whim. But now, during these his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the Flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste. Thus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars—relatives, lovers, a would-be protege, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people."
I enjoyed the format of the book: alternating chapters in Arthens, the dying food critic's voice about food/flavor and sensuality with chapters narrated by characters he has touched throughout his life.
I found it ultimately depressing as at the moment of his death, Arthens realizes he'd missed the mark.
I found it ultimately depressing as at the moment of his death, Arthens realizes he'd missed the mark.
There was some lovely language here, especially in the food descriptions, but overall I didn't care too much for this book because it was a bit difficult to figure out who the characters were, and once I did, I didn't care for any of them.
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo, ha sido casi una experiencia culinaria. La estructura además hace que sea mucho más interesante su lectura. Un libro muy recomendable para aquellas personas que disfruten de la gastronomía y que busquen una lectura ligera.
Really enjoyed all the food descriptions, mad me hungry on every page but didn't find it an overly easy read. Can;t really pout my finger on what I didn't like but wouldn't read it again.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this one. The writing is beautiful, and very poetic. Some of the descriptions are mouth-watering - it's not a book to read when you're hungry. Short, but very very enjoyable. I think it's actually a sequel (of sorts) to the Elegance of the Hedgehog, which I am very much looking forward to reading soon.