This is the latest in a series of occasional posts featuring books I read years ago about which I was wildly enthusiastic at the time, wanting to press a copy in as many hands as I could.
Eating is one of life’s joys for me which is perhaps why I’m drawn to novels about cooking, food and restaurants. Monique Truong’s The Book of Salt, the story of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas told by their Vietnamese cook, is one of my favourites.
For five years, Binh has cooked for his ‘Mesdames’ in their house in Paris. In 1934, with dark clouds gathering on the European horizon, he’s faced with a choice: accompany his employers to America, remain in France or return to Vietnam from which he fled in disgrace, disowned by his Catholic father after he discovered Binh’s sexuality. Deliciously vivid descriptions of food are threaded through Binh’s thoughts and memories as he tries to decide what he should do, unfolding both his own story and that of the two eccentric women whose literary salon is about to be disbanded. A delicately written yet sensual treat as well as an engrossing piece of storytelling. I loved it.
What about you, any blasts from the past you’d like to share?
You can find more posts like this here.
Ooh this sounds excellent.
It is but it might make you hungry if you read it!
I didn’t know about this and it sounds brilliant! I’ve read The Alice B.Toklas cookbook so I have a hint of their culinary tastes!
That’s a good start! Hope you enjoy this one if you get to it.
I’m thoroughly intrigued by your description of this book, of which I had never heard. It’s definitely on the TBR!
Job done!
Is this a fictionalized version of Binh’s story? I bought Stein’s book Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas when I was in Paris in September and still have to read it. So this would be a good addition to the list as I am interested in their story.
It is, written in his voice. I don’t know much about Toklas and Stein but perhaps this would complement Stein’s book.
This sounds wonderful! I’ve read the Alice B Toklas cookbook so I’d love to give this a try too.
The writing is beautiful, particularly about food. I think you’d enjoy this one.