I am very torn with this book about whether I liked it or not. The writing was beautiful, but the story, not so much. It starts out very good, but it takes an inconceivable and rather distasteful turn about 3/4 of the way through. I appreciate books and the topics that they deal with, when dealt with in a tasteful manner. But, I felt that this book did not. I am sorry, but to me there is nothing tasteful or redemptive about a middle aged woman sleeping with a 16 year old boy. It did show that there were consequences, but it almost seemed as though she would rather "love" this boy than be with her family and her own son. There's nothing redemptive in that. I wish that she had stuck to the story about the restaurant, more than the so-called "love" story. I picked this up at our library book sale attracted by both the cover and several nice blurbs. It's odd but also sweet and philosophical. Myriam is 43, depressed, probably a little crazy and not yet recovered from a traumatic family breakup. She decides to open a simple restaurant in Paris with the thought that cooking for others might be redemptive for all. It's not as good as Chocolat or Like Water for Chocolate but it does have lovely passages about food wonderfully prepared, the joy of unexpected friendships, and interesting literary references. Translated from the French.
What do You think about Chez Moi (2006)?
going on 2 years ive been reading this book it puts me right to sleep never fails.
—Tere
Pretty disappointing... Wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one...
—Amal
so far so good....I love the descriptions of the food the author is cooking
—davepbutcher
