The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard Morais 245 pages
Born above his grandfather's modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan Haji first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy strikes, the Hajis leave India and embark on a journey around the world, eventually opening an Indian restaurant in a small town in the French Alps. The family takes the village by storm, provoking the ire of their neighbor, Madame Mallory, the proprietress of an esteemed French relais. Only after waging culinary war with the immigrant family does Madame Mallory finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris and a host of new adventures.
This is a story that will appeal to a gourmand given the incredible descriptions of the exotic ingredients and culinary processes and exotic ingredients involved in the selection and preparation of meals from common Indian fare to elaborate French cuisine. Although I am not a vegetarian, I am squeamish when it comes to raw meat – the sight, the smell, the feel, oh my! –the hunting, slaughtering, and preparation details were so vivid as to make me uncomfortable.
Although food figures prominently in the story, it is ultimately the story of the personal and professional journey of Hassan as he navigates the culinary world, a journey that returns him back to where he began, having learned the moral that no one makes the journey through life alone. The author could have explored this concept more thoroughly, but fails to do so. In spite of the vivid details throughout the story, the conclusion feels hurried and confused – an unfortunate ending to an otherwise engaging read.
Posted By: Regina C.
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