![Gourmet Rhapsody | [Muriel Barbery]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5147gRijmfL._SL175_.jpg "Gourmet Rhapsody | [Muriel Barbery]")
Gourmet Rhapsody
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- Regular Price :$17.47Special Offer: Learn how to get this for $7.49 !
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Average Customer Rating
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LENGTH4 hrs and 3 mins
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RELEASE DATE08-31-09
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AUDIO FORMATS
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Program TypeAudiobook
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PUBLISHER
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Publisher's Summary
But now, during these his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the Flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste.
Thus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars: relatives, lovers, a would-be protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people.
Here, as in The Elegance of Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery's story celebrates life's simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power.
©2009 Muriel Barbery; (P)2009 HighBridge Company
What the Critics Say
"In Gourmet Rhapsody, Barbery best expresses her talent, demonstrating sensitivity and profound understanding both of life's many flavors and of the ways of the human soul, with all its weaknesses and contradictions." (Food & Beverage magazine, Italy)
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What Members Say
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Carlos Caracas, Venezuela 09-13-09 Member Since 2008From Venezuela, I listen both English and Spanish books
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 27
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 115
- 12
"If you are a food lover, this is a must to read!"
I really enjoy it, The narrations are outstanding, and the descriptions of the characters and foods makes you feel the food in your mouth…
it is really sad that it is not available in Spanish.7 of 7 people found this review helpful -
"No Elegance of the Hedgehog"
This book does stand alone as a well written piece of fiction, however as I bought it after falling in love with Muriel Barbery's "Elegance of the Hedgehog" I think it is worthwhile comparing the works.
The narrators in the Hedgehog draw you in as co-conspirators, you love them & are firmly attached to their stories. Gourmet, however does not achieve this result with Mr Arthen, and I don't think it is meant to. Mr Arthen is not a likeable character, however by the end of the novel there is a certain understanding between the reader & the narrator. He lacks "humanity", a critical aspect of Hedgehog.
Neither is one sympathetic to his family. This is in part due to some whiny narration.
The food descriptions in the book are remarkable. However I don't read food reviews & no matter how good, these did little to engage me.
This lacks the language, beauty & philosophy evident in Hedgehog & is therefore disappointing.
On it's own it is a good story, well told, if you can cope with the whining narrative of some of the family members.1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"A Quirky Read"
I love this author. This is a book that stays with you after finishing it. Thought provoking and deep.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"didn't care for the story"
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?Great actors, couldn't ask for more
Would you ever listen to anything by Muriel Barbery again?Yes, I like her work.
What three words best describe the narrators’s voice?Calm appropriate enthusiastic
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Gourmet Rhapsody?none, I just didn't like the story premise.
Any additional comments?None
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
Alex East Falmouth, MA, United States 05-05-12 Member Since 2010
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 1
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 26
- 3
"Absolute delight!"
This is a sublimely delicious piece of literature. Many pages made me think of Marcel Proust, although his madeline episode sounds stale and faded when compared to any literary morsel by Ms. Barbery. Move over Marcel! The next dinner party will be a la Muriel Barbery
0 of 0 people found this review helpful