The Last Chinese Chef

De: Nicole Mones

Narrado por: James Chen, Elisabeth Rodgers

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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)

I enjoyed this very much...

What did you love best about The Last Chinese Chef?

I enjoyed the developing friendship between Sam and Maggie. Sam was my favorite character.

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

I felt Elisabeth Rodgers was by turns, superb/outstanding/exceptionally good, but also fell into a cadence at times that irritated me... Still, I had to give the narration 5 stars because I enjoyed her reading more than most audiobooks I've listened to. James Chen was incredible...

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

I was pretty touched throughout the story actually... I particularly enjoyed the last half hour of the book.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I picked this one up... I want to listen to it again...

A hidden gem

I started this audio book during a long drive. I think I bought it at one of the Audible sales, and often those turn out to be major duds. This lovely audio book was a complete delight.

The story was engaging, with believable characters with real emotions and concerns. Somehow the author manages to share everyone's viewpoint without making it a jumble of characters with juggled story lines which often leaves me confused and not particularly engaged with any of them. Each character's story is human, believable and plays a major role in helping us understand as the story unfolds.

No spoilers here, listen for yourself. It's a joy, an easy listen, yet deep in many places.

loved it!

this is one I will recommend to people! a really well done piece of writing

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!

Loved It

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

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.

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.

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....

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.

A lovely read a romantic foody

What did you love best about The Last Chinese Chef?

The use of language! Mones use of verbs and descriptors made this food/mystery/romance palatable. Since listening to it we have been on a Chinese food cooking jag.

What does Elisabeth Rodgers and James Chen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Beautifully read. One of the best readings we have heard! Lovely intonation, never over done or flat.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, we laughed. It brought back many memories for my husband.

Any additional comments?

We have already shared our love of this novel with friends