Best known for her contribution to the 734-page Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia Child penned over a dozen books, starred in a number of TV series, and won various awards. However, I want to commemorate by sharing her book, My Life in France, with you.
Written by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme
ISBN-13: 9780307277695
ISBN-10: 0307277690
Publisher: Anchor Books
Paperback: 368 Pages
This is a book full of love. Julia Child tells us right from the start: "This is a book about some of the things I have loved most in life: my husband, Paul Child; la belle France; and the many pleasures of cooking and eating." How amazing is it that? I can't speak for everyone, but if I were to write about anything, it would loosely be about those topics. (Well, what is this blog about anyways? My partner, Howard; travel, which I would love to expand on; and the pleasures of cooking and eating.) It's no wonder we're drawn to her, we can relate.
As Julia recalls her journey to France, we get a sense of her adventurous spirit. Best of all, we get a glimpse as the book includes photos that Paul took. Of course, the pages that really make you lean in are her lessons at Le Cordon Bleu, opening her own cooking school, the work behind creating Mastering the Art of French Cooking, the frustrations of getting published, and her rise to fame on television. And funnily enough, she even writes, "In late 1949, the newspapers informed us that something called 'television' was sweeping the States like hailstorm ... we read an article about the horrifying effects of TV on American home life..."
Most of all, this read provided insight to her friendship to Simone (Simca) Beck and Louisette Bertholle. To say that Julia had dedication towards their project is an understatement. No matter where she was, she was determined to work on recipes, test them until they were right, and research all the right measurements and ingredients for the American household.
Regardless of Julia's frustrations, ups and downs, you become immersed in her world. My Life in France is lighthearted, humourous, and an engaging recollection of a woman who changed the food landscape in America. She was brave and fearless, and not only in cooking!
Bon anniversaire!
Disclaimer: A review copy of My Life in France was sent to me for review from Lindsey Reeder at Random House of Canada Limited. Thank you! No incentives were used to produce a positive review of this book.
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