My Life in France

By: Julia Child, Alex Prud'Homme

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In her own words, here is the captivating story of Julia Child’s years in France, where she fell in love with French food and found her “true calling.”

From the moment the ship docked in Le Havre, en route to Paris, in the fall of 1948, Julia had an awakening that changed her life. Soon this tall, outspoken gal from Pasadena, California, who didn't speak a word of French and knew nothing about the country, was steeped in the language, chatting with purveyors in the local markets, and enrolled in the Cordon Bleu.

This memoir is laced with wonderful stories about the French character, particularly in the world of food, and the way of life that Julia embraced so wholeheartedly. Here, she reveals the kind of spirit and determination, the sheer love of cooking, and the drive to share that with her fellow Americans that made her the extraordinary success she became.

©2006 Alex Prud'Homme (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"This is a valuable record of gorgeous meals in bygone Parisian restaurants, and the secret arts of a culinary genius." (Publishers Weekly)

“Exuberant, affectionate, and boundlessly charming...It chronicles, in mouth-watering detail, the meals and the food markets the sparked her interest in French cooking...It also tells the story of the inspired partnership between Child...and her husband, Paul...Every day in France brought a thrilling new discovery, but Child’s capacity for wonder and delight co-existed with "show me" skepticism...It is a wonderful picture of the most successful American export to France since Benjamin Franklin.” (William Grimes, The New York Times)

“Like a surprise nougat bursting from the center of a chocolate truffle, My Life in France also serves up her moving romance with the Renaissance man of her life...her husband, Paul Child.” (Andrew Marton, The Philadelphia Inquirer)

A Delight, Poorly Handled

If you could sum up My Life in France in three words, what would they be?

It's a pleasure, as you can imagine, to hear Julia Child share her experiences and love of France. How sad, then, to have a reader with no understanding of the French language. Her heavy handed pronunciation spoils this story. What a waste.

Would you be willing to try another book from Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme ? Why or why not?

Yes. The story is interesting and enjoyable.

What didn’t you like about Kimberly Farr’s performance?

See above. The reader is not up to the task. It is a challenge to even enjoy it. Why was she ever chosen?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

No.

Can I trade places with her?

Not that I want to be dead.... but... what a great book! So..... I decide to go to go off the Paris for 7 weeks, and which books would serve me best? I ended up taking this one (on Audible... too bad Julia Child didn't narrate the book her self... but you can't have everything). It's equally enchanting as she gets rapturous about cheese or a fish market, and equally funny as she tussles with her co-authors. I am a Parisian trained chef, so Julia Child has ALWAYS been my hero and I loved her TV show when I was growing up for the unconscious flirtations she had with disaster (if part of it falls on the floor, just pick it up and continue on... no one will know!) and her gawkiness and her charm and wit. If you like food, or how to get a book published, or France (I happen to like all three) read it! It's very good and the movie DID NOT do it justice. As the French would say... Oh La La. (And I was just there...and not one single French person who I asked knew who she was!) It would be good to know a little French, but not as important to know as much (Spanish) if you were reading Comac McCarthy... so don't let the minuscule amount of French throw you off. It's just a great book.

Loved every second!

Definitely worth the wait. And will be back for more! Thanks you so much! Love!

What an Amuse-Bouche!

A lively, positive romp through post-war Paris, McCarthyism, the challenges of becoming fluent in a foreign country, learning to cook like a french chef and then turning that into living and a life. Julia Child (with the help of co-author Alex Prud'homme) recount her many memories of her cooking life which began when she arrived in France in 1948.

Her honest and humble storytelling reflects an ebullient person who enjoyed people, food and wine in equal measure. Her memoire captures her love of Paris and of France, her passion for cookery, her winning ways that translated so well to television, and her opinions on the issues of the day and the people who wove in and out of her life.

It was an easy and delightful listen. Now if I could only find those old Julia in the Kitchen videos...

Bon Appetit!

A true clasdic,and a joy to read - nearly 60 years after 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Beautiful. Just Beautiful

What a fun read. Read this, then a couple of the others about Julia. She was very human and down to earth. The best kind of Americans in Paris.

What a life

What a beautiful life she lived - and what a joy for her to be supported by her husband so completely- truly made me long for dinner parties, cocktail parties and what seemed like such an easier time

Love. Her.

If you could sum up My Life in France in three words, what would they be?

I love Julia.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Um... Julia.

Have you listened to any of Kimberly Farr’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's hard to pick a single moment in a life full of wonderful moments.

Any additional comments?

Did I mention I love her?

C'est bell

Wonderful story and beautifully narrated. If you need inspiration or want to know more about Julia, give this a listen. The book is beautiful.

Excellent Audiobook

What a lovely listening experience, funny charming and interesting. I couldn’t wait to get in the car to listen to more.