The Last Chinese Chef

By: Nicole Mones

Narrated by: James Chen, Elisabeth Rodgers

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©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)

Book Review: The Last Chinese Chef

What did you like about this audiobook?

I love the descriptions of how traditional Chinese cooking separates flavors and textures in dishes, for example. I also thought the idea of meals as community (served family style) was profound. As I worked my way through the book, I began to see links between the stated theories and principles of Chinese cooking *as it is described in the book* and quiltmaking. There is a beauty and meaning to the way Chinese cooking is described, which I do not feel when I enter an American Chinese restaurant.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

The beginning of every chapter has excerpts from a book called the Last Chinese Chef. I don't know if this a real book, but the passages are evocative and towards the latter part of the book, especially the last chapters, I found my mind forming connections between what the narrator was saying and the Design Series I work on with Sandy. Throughout the book, the characters talk about links between the food and history, literature and poetry. I find this very beautiful.

Do you have any additional comments?

I think this might be one of my favorite books. I know I want to listen to it again.I wasn't sure about listening to this book. I don't know who recommended it initially or why I added it. I know I downloaded it, because I didn't know what else to download.I am not am not much of a fan of the premise, but find the food aspect fascinating. I love the descriptions of how traditional Chinese cooking separates flavors and textures in dishes, for example. I also thought the idea of meals as community (served family style) was profound. As I worked my way through the book, I began to see links between the stated theories and principles of Chinese cooking *as it is described in the book* and quiltmaking. There is a beauty and meaning to the way Chinese cooking is described, which I do not feel when I enter an American Chinese restaurant.The beginning of every chapter has excerpts from a book called the Last Chinese Chef. I don't know if this a real book, but the passages are evocative and towards the latter part of the book, especially the last chapters, I found my mind forming connections between what the narrator was saying and the Design Series I work on with Sandy. Throughout the book, the characters talk about links between the food and history, literature and poetry. I find this very beautiful.Maggie's situation is very sad, but seems to be about money and since she has downsized, I have a hard time feeling sorry for her with regard to the suit in China. I do feel sorry for her loss of her husband and think the grief she feels is fairly well described. I( don't think the name is a good one for the character. It doesn't seem to fit the story or her life story.After finishing the whole book, I see the sort of crudeness of the beginning chapters in the description of the suit and China and think that Nicole Mones smooths out the writing in such a way that the reader is soothed as the story goes on.This is a book where I might want to see the words on the page. This book also makes me want to add a section on Aesthetic to the Design series.

good story, terrible narration

The reading was so annoying I couldn't concentrate on the story. Read more like a historic English romance.

I recommend this Book

The narration was seamless and pleasant to hear. What could have been a difficult listen - or read for that matter of all of the cooking detail became interesting and enjoyable. I am interested in Chinese custom - and food, and found this book totally enjoyable.

Engaging story about food, loss and love

I really enjoyed the format of the book starting each chapter with an excerpt from “The Last Chinese Chef”. I also enjoyed that different characters were highlighted in each chapter.

My one complaint is that while I enjoyed the reader’s expression while reading, she really butchered the Chinese words. It would have been better if someone could have helped her with the correct pronunciations.

great look into the history of food and culture

I loved the side stories into the lives of certain individuals in the book. It wasn't as suspenseful as I would like but the story was well told, the way the food was illustrated made my stomach grumble with hunger at times. I loved how a Chinese male was portrayed as a sex symbol as that doesn't happen often enough, and Maggie's story was one that anyone can identify with. My only small gripe with the narrator was her pronunciation of Chinese phrases and words. it would be better off having a bilingual speaker as it has many elements of both English and chinese

The Last Chinese Chef

This book was a pleasant surprise! I was not sure what to expect when it first began but after listening I would highly recommend it. A journey through the culture and cuisine from China via a story. The narrators are excellent!

Engaging Characters in an Interesting Situation

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

Yes. It's a very informative story about the interactions between a western woman and a Chinese American man in China as they deal with two very different world views and cultures. The information about traditional Chinese cuisine is fascinating and enjoyably educational.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sam, although the Uncles are pretty interesting characters too.

What about Elisabeth Rodgers and James Chen ’s performance did you like?

Their voices were suitable for the characters and just a pleasure to hear.

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

Without giving away too much of the story, I felt like weeping when Sam didn't win the contest. The following scenes with the Uncles and Maggie were culturally realistic and very moving.

Any additional comments?

I spent a few months in China and have lived in other Asian countries and I appreciated the way the cultures were presented. The usual stereotypes were missing. Thank goodness for that.

Good flow to story

Story told well. The interplay of different narrators was good. Helped me to appreciate the basis and culture behind Chinese cuisine

More than a romance novel

This is a very enjoyable novel. Yes, it is a romance, and will probably mostly appeal to women readers, but it is not 'typical' of that genre. Because of the travel and wonderful foodie appeal, it reminded me in some ways of Eat, Pray, Love. I particularly liked the maturity of the characters, both in age and life experience. The narration was excellent as well.

A Great Read

I really enjoyed this book It was very interesting and I received greater insight into the
Chinese culture while listening to a well told story. I have recommended it to my friends and will look for the work of this author and narrators again. Thanks for the entertainment