Pierre Arthens is a famous food critic, near death, who spends his last hours trying to recall a single taste from his childhood that he cannot name. While he tests his memory, the novel passes the narration to the people around him: his wife, his children, his cat, a rival chef, and others, each of whom has a different image of the man. Barbery uses Arthens's sensual descriptions of meals to build a portrait of pleasure, vanity and regret.
This short novel suits readers who like French writing about food, memory and character, and who enjoy a book where the plot is secondary to voice. It is also a good companion for anyone who has chased a flavor from the past.
Inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2008
- Publisher
- Gallimard
- ISBN
- 9782070121045
- Language
- FR
