A French food critic faces his mortality in an "entertaining [and] witty" novel by the New York Times-bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Newsday). In the heart of Paris, in the same posh building made famous in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Pierre Arthens, 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 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 protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery's story celebrates life's simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power. "Lush and satisfying prose."--Publishers Weekly
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Gourmet Rhapsody
von Muriel Barbery
A French food critic faces his mortality in an "entertaining [and] witty" novel by the New York Times-bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Newsday). In the heart of Paris, in the same posh building made famous in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Pierre Arthens, 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 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 protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery's story celebrates life's simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power. "Lush and satisfying prose."--Publishers Weekly
Aktuelle Rezensionen(1)
Rezension von kenI bought this book a few years ago but only read it now because I'm an insufferable hoarder. I'm glad I waited because my understanding of theoretical language is more rigid. And not to mention my appreciation of food is more obsessive. I've come a long way since I bought this book in 2015. <i>Gourmet Rhapsody</i> follows the structure of Monsieur Arthens' culinary memories. Enshrouded by his genius, told in his perspectives, and of the people that surround him, the novel touches upon the foundations of food appreciation. From bread to wine to stews and sorbets, Arthens has an anecdote to say about it. I enjoyed the rhapsodizing about food—pretty much the only rhapsodizing I can tolerate. To follow the genius of a food writer, it ensures some kind of neurosis in their private life. Monsieur Arthens is no exception. He's a useless husband and father, but I guess it's okay because he's such a great writer and foodie. My favourite part? The chapter on bread.