The Hundred-Foot Journey

A Novel

By: Richard C. Morais

Narrated by: Neil Shah

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

“That skinny Indian teenager has that mysterious something that comes along once a generation. He is one of those rare chefs who is simply born. He is an artist.”

And so begins the rise of Hassan Haji, the unlikely gourmand who recounts his life’s journey in this charming audiobook. Lively and brimming with the colors, flavors, and scents of the kitchen, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a succulent treat about family, nationality, and the mysteries of good taste.

Born above his grandfather’s modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumière, a small village in the French Alps.

The boisterous Haji family takes Lumière by storm. They open an inexpensive Indian café opposite an esteemed French restaurant - that of the famous chef Madame Mallory - and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. Only after Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family does she finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, the launch of his own restaurant, and a slew of new adventures.

The Hundred-Foot Journey is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. A testament to the inevitability of destiny, this is a fable for the ages - charming, endearing, and a joy to listen to.

Richard C. Morais, author of The Hundred-Foot Journey, is a contributing editor at Barron’s in New York. An American raised in Switzerland, he was stationed in London for seventeen years, where he was Forbes’ European bureau chief.

©2008 2010 by Richard C. Morais (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Outstanding! A completely engaging human story heavily larded with the lushest, most high-test food porn since Zola. Easily the best novel ever set in the world of cooking—and absolutely thrilling from beginning to end. I wished it went on for another three hundred pages.”—Anthony Bourdain, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchen Confidential

“A gorgeous novel, vivid and intimate, tracing a journey from kitchen to kitchen, from culture to culture, with a perfect touch.”—Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author

“Richard C. Morais conjures a richly woven tapestry of exotic sights, smells, and tastes that transports the reader to a world of epicurean delights. This is a charming, deeply felt novel that questions, and ultimately celebrates, the twists and turns of an authentically lived life.”—Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author

A quick and light story narrated well.

A good story and well read by Neil Sharma. It is a make feel good book.

Entertaining!

It was a delightful book! I enjoyed listening! The story was interesting and the narrator made the listen entertaining!

A bit anticlimactic

This book started off strong and then it seems to wander. For me, it was one of those stories that leaves you wondering if the author just couldn't decide where to go with the story and decided on nowhere.

This is a first...

For the first time ever, I can honestly say that the movie was a real improvement on the book.

Usually, books are much richer and detailed, and are far preferable. Films are by nature of their time constraints usually greatly inferior to the print stories from which the spring.

Just the opposite is true in this case. Although this book was interesting, and detailed in ways the movie could not be, ultimately, I found the film vastly more compelling and memorable.

Warm and wonderful story-glad they made a movie

What does Neil Shah bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His accent made me feel as if I was right amidst the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

They made a film of it.

Absolutely delightful read!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hundred-Foot Journey to be better than the print version?

An

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hundred-Foot Journey?

Madame Malarie 180* inspirationally motivated life change

What about Neil Shah’s performance did you like?

Spot on accent and gender shifts in speech

If you could rename The Hundred-Foot Journey, what would you call it?

The transforming gift

Any additional comments?

None

Sweet......

I'll admit it, I'm a foodie. So this tale of rival restaurants in the south of France is not only food-heaven but a delightful story. This is Hassan's tale. From humble and tragic beginnings in India to London and finally to France, this is the story of awakening, growth, and passion for the art of truly fine food. Family bonds and cultural heritage clash as the family opens an Indian restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred French eatery, and eventually the rivalry becomes Hassan's salvation. Richly told in lyric prose that brings the smells and tastes of French cuisine to the reader. A feast to the senses.....

Poignant

The book was interesting and entertaining. The ending was a little lighter than I hoped for but well worth the credit.

Beautiful story

What did you love best about The Hundred-Foot Journey?

I always love stories about family dynamics and very big on relationships. I love how the old chef Madam Mallory invested in Hassan.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hundred-Foot Journey?

When Hassan got burnt and Madam Mallory came to her senses

What about Neil Shah’s performance did you like?

He did a fantastic job. His narration made the story come alive.

If you could rename The Hundred-Foot Journey, what would you call it?

Frankly- not sure

Any additional comments?

I gather we human being are very interesting -
No matter where we come. It is important for us to value or place an important value on our fellow human beings.

I really enjoyed the story and Hassan's journey. Very good book. Will see if justice was done to the movie :)

Loved this book!

I've been listening to books for 20 years. This is in my all time top ten .