Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship

Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship by Isabel Vincent 240 pages

 

For fans of Ruth Reichl and Mitch Albom.

 

One of Isabel Vincent’s oldest and dearest friends, Valerie, mother has recently passed away. Valerie is worried about her father, Edward, who wants to follow her into the grave. Understandably, as Valerie lives in Toronto, her sister in Greece and Edward in New York City. She asks Isabel to check on her father, maybe have dinner. Valerie told her that Edward was a wonderful cook. Isabel was reluctant at first, but eventually she acquiesced. And thus began one a beautiful friendship.

 

Edward is ninety-three and learning to live without the love of his life, Paula. Isabel is much, much younger, with a young daughter, who is terribly unhappy in her marriage. They hit it off spectacularly during that first meal.

 

I liked that Isabel put the menu as each chapter’s heading but disappointed that no recipes were included. But then they were Edward’s recipes, and he never followed a recipe. Still, he wrote out one occasionally if Isabel asked.

 

I also liked that at his advanced age, Edward still traveled the city to get the freshest and best ingredients when he was planning a dinner. No big box grocery store for him! When Isabel arrived for their meal, I swear I could smell the fabulous aromas wafting from Edward’s apartment. Ther was always music playing in the background, usually jazz, and often Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice created a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for conversation.

 

I also like that Edward wrote poetry and would, on occasion, send some to Isabel through the mail.

 

I read this short book in two evenings. Edward departed his knowledge of the world to Isable in a manner that was subtle and interesting. I hate to entertain but reading this I want to call my friends and have them over for dinner. Knowing me, though, that isn’t likely to happen.

 

Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship received 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.