Dirt

Adventures in Lyon as a Chef in Training, Father, and Sleuth Looking for the Secret of French Cooking

By: Bill Buford

Narrated by: Bill Buford

Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

A hilariously self-deprecating, highly obsessive account of the author's adventures, in the world of French haute cuisine, for anyone whose ever found joy in cooking and eating food with their family - from the author of the best-selling, widely acclaimed Heat.

A New York Times Critics' Top Book of 2020

A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice

Bill Buford turns his inimitable attention from Italian cuisine to the food of France. Baffled by the language, but convinced that he can master the art of French cooking - or at least get to the bottom of why it is so revered - he begins what becomes a five-year odyssey by shadowing the esteemed French chef Michel Richard, in Washington, DC. But when Buford (quickly) realizes that a stage in France is necessary, he goes - this time with his wife and three-year-old twin sons in tow - to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Studying at L'Institut Bocuse, cooking at the storied, Michelin-starred La Mère Brazier, enduring the endless hours and exacting rigeur of the kitchen, Buford becomes a man obsessed - with proving himself on the line, proving that he is worthy of the gastronomic secrets he's learning, proving that French cooking actually derives from (mon dieu!) the Italian. With his signature humor, sense of adventure, and masterly ability to immerse himself - and us - in his surroundings, Bill Buford has crafted what is sure to be the food-lover's book of the year.

©2020 Bill Buford (P)2020 Random House Audio

Non non non!

Stick to writing and leave the narrating to...well anybody else!
If you have anything equal to or more than elementary French do not listen to this book, do yourself a favor and read it because his French is incomprehensible. The book may be good but I couldn’t ignore the train wreck, why not hire a French language consultant if you don’t know what you are saying??!!
He often puts an “r” where there isn’t one and painstakingly exaggerates the guttural “r”s to the point where the name or word is incomprehensible.
The most frustrating is his not knowing that many words end with a silent letter, for instance... Lyon...a city he supposedly lived in for five years is pronounced Lyonne more often than not!!!
Stick to writing!

Horrible narration

I listened to the first 10 minutes of this book and could take no more. This is a great example of why book authors need to separate their egos from their book and let a professional narrator read it. This author, it seems, got behind a microphone and said to himself, “Wow! I’m a real narrator now!” No, you aren’t. You seem to have something of a lateral lisp, and the excessive drama in each sentence of your delivery is quickly overbearing.

It might have been a really good book. I will never know as I can’t possibly listen to another minute of it.

Write well and then get someone who can narrate as well as you write to read it well. You did not do this here and it shows.

Hire a professional reader

This was an entertaining story but so garbled by the reader, the author. His French is too guttural rendering it difficult to decipher. Reading the novel may have been more pleasurable than listening.

Disappointed

Very unpleasant voice to kisser to for so long. Overpowering. Loud, loud, loud.
Great story. Fascinating.

Like Listening to a Teenage Whine About Life

I bought this expecting a tale of someone learning to cook. Instead, I got a story of an overgrown child who makes life-changing decisions on a whim and leaves others to clean up the mess. Everyone else was always at fault, it was never due to his issues.
A lot of sniveling, a little cooking.

Perfect for a Summer Book

Now is a great time to take long walks (with a cigar) and Dirt is a great companion. Relax into the story and enjoy a perfect follow up to Heat. A combination of food, cooking, travel, family, personalities, new friends found and lost.

I read the poor review from one listener, don't believe it. Highly recommend!

Such a pleasure

I’ve been waiting for the followup to HEAT even longer than another novel from Mark Richard. And found even more pleasure in Mr. Buford’s reading aloud. I did not want it to end. And selfishly want another course.

delightful

If you are interested in France, cooking or just fun, this book is sheer joy.

A most fulfilling meal

Strong narrative voice conveying a story of French cooking, food and those who prepare the meals worth eating and writing about.

A worthy sequel to Heat

Buford is the best. Hilarious, poignant, illuminating. Looking forward to his explorations of Asian cuisine!