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The Last Chinese Chef  By  cover art

The Last Chinese Chef

By: Nicole Mones
Narrated by: James Chen, Elisabeth Rodgers
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Editorial reviews

Food writer Nicole Mones has spent 18 years traveling to China, so it's fair to say that when she writes about a food writer who spends two weeks in China, Mones is up to the task. Although the novel contains no actual recipes, it won a World Gourmand Award in the category of Chinese cookbook. Such is the extent to which Chinese food is the thread that holds this story together. Cutting a clear path through the forest of noodles is narrator Elisabeth Rodgers, giving voice to the metaphor that extends from cooking to loving with a refreshingly crisp negotiation of the Chinese language.

The food writer in the story is a widow on a mission to determine if her late husband fathered a child by some other woman during his work in China. Since she may as well do some work while waiting for the paternity test results, Maggie profiles Sam, a competitive cooking descendant of the famous chef who authored the canonical kitchen text The Last Chef. Each chapter begins with a short excerpt from this mythic cookbook that relates as much about Chinese sociology as it does about the value of pork fat, read by the always delightful James Chen, whose voice unfortunately pops up only in these opening bits.

Foodies will find a treasure trove of practical information on the unjustifiable undervaluing of Chinese cuisine, and all listeners will enjoy some extended lessons on the cultural traditions that can heal lonely hearts. Rodgers is terrifically funny as Sam's uptight uncles, as well as the enigmatic lawyer and translator who assist Maggie with her husband's estate. Mones has written her third paean to Chinese virtues, and whatever you may make of the legal drama or the love story, you will never look at a takeout menu the same way again. Megan Volpert

Publisher's summary

In her satisfying, sensual third novel, Nicole Mones takes readers inside the hidden world of elite cuisine in modern China through the story of an American food writer in Beijing. When recently widowed Maggie McElroy is called to China to settle a claim against her late husband's estate, she is blindsided by the discovery that he may have led a double life. Since work is all that will keep her sane, her magazine editor assigns her to profile Sam, a half-Chinese American who is the last in a line of gifted chefs tracing back to the imperial palace. As she watches Sam gear up for Chinas Olympic culinary competition by planning the banquet of a lifetime, she begins to see past the cuisines artistry to glimpse its coherent expression of Chinese civilization. It is here, amid lessons of tradition, obligation, and human connection that she finds the secret ingredient that may yet heal her heart.

©2008 Nicole Mones (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The novel is rich with meaning and lore and an examination of loving relationships. Don't even touch this book when you're hungry. The descriptions make the aromas and textures float right off the page." (Amazon.com review)
"Early in her visit, Maggie scoffs at the idea that 'food can heal the human heart.' Mones smartly proves her wrong." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Elisabeth Rodgers delivers the novel with verve. James Chen narrates the chapter openings, which are quotes from a revered ancient tome on Chinese food preparation and philosophy. Cookery lore; subtle aromas and flavors; bold colors and textures all vie with story elements that focus on culture and family to keep listeners fully engaged." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Last Chinese Chef

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story!

I loved the cultural aspects of this book. Learning about China and the culture / history of the food there was very interesting. The story is uplifting, but not overly sweet as there are themes of grief, death and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire read and I didn't want to it end!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved It

A unique book that includes a peek into Chinese culture in a very enjoyable way.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

great food but predictable love story

What did you like best about The Last Chinese Chef? What did you like least?

The descriptions of cooking and food were fascinating. The story itself was not. It was formulaic and predictable, and mildly entertaining.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Predictable.

What three words best describe Elisabeth Rodgers and James Chen ’s voice?

Elisabeth Rodgers's voice is a bit depressing and flat. James Chen's voice is more interesting and engaging.

Was The Last Chinese Chef worth the listening time?

It was OK. At first, I wasn't going to finish it but I got hooked on the food.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story and performance.

I wanted to listen to this straight through. The cadence was great, the historical commentary on both food and politics were perfect. I really cant think of a way to improve on the entire experience.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

learning about China

A very good introduction to the way life and food unfolds in China. It brought me a lot of nostalgy, for we used to live there for three years....

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great fiction book woven with Chinese culture

This book is so delightful in the way that the author woven Chinese history and food culture into a romance. I was enchanted! I learned so much about the Chinese views on food which was eye opening and beautiful. Very good performance too except that the reader made this dip in her voice at the end of many sentences that became slightly annoying but overall good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Delectable!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you want to listen to something soothing, refreshing and that will just make you feel warm and cozy, this is the one

Any additional comments?

So nice to read a simple romance with so much heart.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • 12-21-12

Learned a lot from this book

I did not know there was an art to Chinese food. It makes me want to have the authentic Chinese food instead of the fake stuff hear in America.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Good and very interesting story.

I really enjoyed the story and learning about Chinese food and some of the Chinese customs. After finishing the book, I was so hungry that I had to go out for Chinese. The pdf with a couple of recipes was pretty neat. I only wish it had more recipes.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

disappointed

from the reviews I expected a better story. It was ok, worth finishing, but not a great story.

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1 person found this helpful