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)

Exotic

I enjoyed all the information about Chinese history and food. Pleasant experience. The narration was well done.

Fast, Flavorful read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Chinese Chef to be better than the print version?

N/A

What other book might you compare The Last Chinese Chef to and why?

none

Which character – as performed by Elisabeth Rodgers and James Chen – was your favorite?

Really liked both Maggie and Sam

If you could rename The Last Chinese Chef, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change the name

Any additional comments?

This if a wonderful cultural journey through food, friends and tales of the past. There is enough intrigue to keep the you engaged but no violence. It has me ready for some real true, Chinese cuisine.

Terrifically Satisfying

It's kind of what would happen of The Pilot's Wife and Eat, Pray, Love were put in a Vitamix and spun around: sadness gives way to curiosity, then self-discovery and, ultimately, romance. Maggie, a thirty-something widowed food writer, is called to China by her late husband's Bejing office to resolve a possible paternity suit that demands attention according to Chinese law. Since she's going, she accepts an assignment from her employer to profile a rising-star chef, and parallel discoveries begin: Was her late husband unfaithful? Did he leave a child behind? Can Sam Liang, the Chinese-American chef she's come to profile, admit Maggie beyond his protective armor to allow her to see the emotional center of true traditional Chinese cuisine? Will Sam win a critically important competition that will finish the arc of Maggie's profile? This modern story is interspersed with the diary of Sam's grandfather, chef to China's Dowager Empress, and Sam's father, who spurned his inheritance as culinary royalty to begin a humble life in America. Family, food, forgiveness are the backbone of The Last Chinese Chef. Fans of Nicole Mones' previous work (Lost in Translation and A Cup of Light) will feel full and happy at the end of this book. New readers will be left with an appetite for more.

Beautifully written

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I have never been inclined to visit China, but the author has convinced me that I am missing something wonderful. She also made me feel deprived that I have not experienced "authentic" Chinese cuisine.

Didn't Want It to End!

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

I already have.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Chinese Chef?

The kitchen with his father and uncles all working with him.

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

Clear and just the right amount of drama.

If you could rename The Last Chinese Chef, what would you call it?

For Love of Food and the Stories it Tells

Took me to another world

I enjoyed this book completely. Well read. I loved the interspersing of quotes from the old book . Took me to another world Good for some armchair traveling. Prepare to be hungary

Love it!!!

As a Chinese American, I grew up under the watchful eye of fob parents. this book took me back and showed me that there are those who knew that Chinese food of America is not necessarily chinese and I'm happy to finally see it in written works in its true form.

Lovely Performance of a great story

I had read the book ages ago and was very excited to see a book on tape. The dual narration for the story and the excerpts were very well done.

For anyone who loves food!

I loved this book. If you love food this will carry you to the clouds!

a masterful listen

Nicole Mones tells wonderful stories that weave detailed lessons in Chinese culture with interesting characters and situations. Here, the three uncles are charming and demanding characters, unique and memorable. This is a book to satisfy the senses. I wish the author would write more books.