The Gourmet

2 Reviews

• 1 person find this helpful

  

  The story of the great food critic, Muriel Burbery's first novel, is definitely not up to the expectations arisen by her second novel, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog".
  In my opinion, the descriptions of the special tastes of the past recalled by the man on his deathbed are maybe too detailed. On th ... (continue)

  The story of the great food critic, Muriel Burbery's first novel, is definitely not up to the expectations arisen by her second novel, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog".
  In my opinion, the descriptions of the special tastes of the past recalled by the man on his deathbed are maybe too detailed. On the other hand, the characters surrounding him through his life are instead poorly sketched.

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  Manu said on Dec 25, 2009 | Add your feedback

• 

  This short but compelling novel is set during the last forty-eight hours in the life of Pierre Arthens, France’s premier food critic. It alternates between his last thoughts as he strives to remember the greatest flavour he has ever tasted, and the people he has affected most in his high-flying care ... (continue)

  This short but compelling novel is set during the last forty-eight hours in the life of Pierre Arthens, France’s premier food critic. It alternates between his last thoughts as he strives to remember the greatest flavour he has ever tasted, and the people he has affected most in his high-flying career.
  Barbery cleverly creates a picture of a man who obliviously created his own success, but also a real feeling for the people he trampled on to get there. You will both love and loath this character in the same chapter, his understanding of food is brilliant but the way he treats his family, friends and even his lovers leaves you feeling unsure whether one great ability can offset the many faults he has.

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  The Lamb Bookshop said on Mar 3, 2011 | Add your feedback

Book Details

• Rating:
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• English Books
• Others
• ISBN-10: 1906040265
• ISBN-13: 9781906040260
• Pub date: Sep 01, 2009

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