My Life in France

By: Julia Child, Alex Prud'Homme

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In her own words, here is the captivating story of Julia Child’s years in France, where she fell in love with French food and found her “true calling.”

From the moment the ship docked in Le Havre, en route to Paris, in the fall of 1948, Julia had an awakening that changed her life. Soon this tall, outspoken gal from Pasadena, California, who didn't speak a word of French and knew nothing about the country, was steeped in the language, chatting with purveyors in the local markets, and enrolled in the Cordon Bleu.

This memoir is laced with wonderful stories about the French character, particularly in the world of food, and the way of life that Julia embraced so wholeheartedly. Here, she reveals the kind of spirit and determination, the sheer love of cooking, and the drive to share that with her fellow Americans that made her the extraordinary success she became.

©2006 Alex Prud'Homme (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"This is a valuable record of gorgeous meals in bygone Parisian restaurants, and the secret arts of a culinary genius." (Publishers Weekly)

“Exuberant, affectionate, and boundlessly charming...It chronicles, in mouth-watering detail, the meals and the food markets the sparked her interest in French cooking...It also tells the story of the inspired partnership between Child...and her husband, Paul...Every day in France brought a thrilling new discovery, but Child’s capacity for wonder and delight co-existed with "show me" skepticism...It is a wonderful picture of the most successful American export to France since Benjamin Franklin.” (William Grimes, The New York Times)

“Like a surprise nougat bursting from the center of a chocolate truffle, My Life in France also serves up her moving romance with the Renaissance man of her life...her husband, Paul Child.” (Andrew Marton, The Philadelphia Inquirer)

This is not one for audio

It is not unreasonable to expect that this iconic wonderful woman's book about her life in France should be read with correct French pronounciation. I found the reader's butchering of 'Les Halles' and 'Hermes,' among many others, so distracting, it colored my enjoyment. I still give this five stars, but I think this book would be more enjoyed when read the old fashioned way.

Good listen, but....

The only downside to this audiobook is the narrator. Couldn't they find someone who actually spoke French to read the book? Julia Child deserved as much! If you speak French, the narration may drive you crazy. For example, "Louisette" sounded like "Louis VII" and "beurre blanc" became "beurre blanK." Howevever, if you can ignore it, it's a wonderful listen. I learned a great deal about the master and her love for good food, friends, and post-war France.

This is my absolute favorite Audible title so far

What a delightful book, and what superb listening experience! I enjoyed this book on two long drives and was transported magically to France. It was entertaining without being too distracting. Ms. Farr is a fantastic performer. Her French pronunciations are credible and understandable, though not perfect, of course. Highly recommended!

I love Amy Adams - I mean Julia Child

Julie and Julia.. It's really fun to see some of the stories that end up in the movie and Julia's books sort of at first hand. I can't help but love Julia Child though I may confuse her with Meryl Streep. A wonderful view of a special time, and special life.

WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE

Would you listen to My Life in France again? Why?

Yes, I know there will be parts, I will enjoy again, more than likely the entire book.

What did you like best about this story?

It was as if, Julia was talking to me, and me only.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first meal Julia cooked for Paul.

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

The US Governments investigation of Paul. REDS under the beds, gone mad.

Any additional comments?

My first approach, was that Julia must have been a spoilt individual. But, as you read the book, your opinion of Julia, as mind did, will change. Julia is up there with Steve Job's now. Steve's input to computers, Julia's input to French Cooking.

Wonderful bibliography

I enjoyed this biography of Julia child and how she came to her life's passion. It was so interesting and filled with lovely descriptions of food and meals that it made me wish I were in France! What a wonderful glimpse into her life, her friendships and career

Great book to listen too!

Lovely and with a real sense of itself. Plus the food. I felt like cooking a grand french meal. Bon apeti!

Better than Julie and Julia

One of the finest books I have listened to. Picked me up and carried me to France, enchanted me with Julia's experience there, and made me want to experience Julia's world, but I actually did through her words.
Excellent book

Fantastic Book--So Fun!

If you're a foodie, Franco-phile, and Fan of Julia, this book is a perfect blend of the three. Beautifully written, exceptionally well performed.

Julia is the best...

loved it!
I grew up watching Julia on TV long before the idea of a 'Food' channel was conceived.
Her book is so descriptive and colorful. She has a great sense of detail and you feel like you can see, taste and smell so many of the things she is describing.
She's a humble and lovable lady. Her confidence is inspiring as is her diligence and flexibility. An great book to listen to when I was making dinner or laying in bed.
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