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)

unfullfilled potential

The premise of the story is very appealing but it is done neglegently. The most important character, Sam, has no arc and remains the same riddle he began as. the other characters similarly are static. The only character to change is Maggie but she isn't a very interesting character, as the story revolves around Sam and the cuisine.

For present and future China lovers

I loved how she wove actual Chinese into the story, though the lack of tone used by the narrator meant it was always a little off, and though set in Beijing, no Beijing accent applied. Still I loved the simple story. Not complex or too surprising but compelling enough to get to the end in a few sittings. Makes me want to track down some of the references to poems and foods. I learned a new phrase: 油而不腻, meaning "taste of fat but not too greasy" a rare thing in average Chinese meals. But having been to China and experienced real food there, I appreciated the joyous exploration of food and relationships.

Yummy !

First of all , let me admit , that I am a foodie. When my husband found out this book was about a food writer and a chef, he lost all interest. Is being a foodie a requirement ? No I don't think so. I, thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere set out by the author successfully transported me to China. The characters were developed enough that I was easily able to buy into the story. The narrators did a marvelous job of putting me in the scene. All in all a good story.

Interesting

Would you ever listen to anything by Nicole Mones again?

Maybe

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

Good. Believable.

Could you see The Last Chinese Chef being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

The book was interesting but I did get a bit bored with it. It moves at a slow pace.

Loved this story!

Loved the characters, the description of Chinese history and culture and traditions. Great book overall!!

Enchanting story

wonderful book I totally enjoyed learning about the concept of Chinese cooking. the story setting was great. I could not stop listening and I did not want it to end.

Loved the Chinese food and poetry connections

I liked the structure of the story especially the historical references at the start of each chapter.

Awesome! Philosophy of Chinese Cooking

Loved this book! Fine story and writing, and really neat descriptions of food and fascinating information on the Chinese philosophy about the properties of food and how the top chefs interested in the imperial style strive to complement and balance the perfect banquet.

Loved it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about Chinese cuisine in the process! Great story, great narrator!

Loved the story and cuisine

I definitely recommend the book.

I had no idea that there was so much philosophy and symbolism in Chinese cooking. In the 70’s I had a friend that came from behind the iron curtain in China and he was a Chief. He gave me several recipes that I use to this day but they are much easier to prepare than the recipes described in this book. The recipes that he gave me I have never seen in a cookbook. He never told me of the philosophy and symbolism.

The American food critic in the book was use to writing about American foods and knew nothing about Chinese cooking; so like me she was intrigued by the entire scenario. Loved the story and the way the author intergraded the food, history, culture and attitudes into the plot.

The narrator was okay. She had the pronunciations down pat but when she switched to some of the male voices I was not always sure which character was speaking.