'The Hundred Foot Journey is the story of Hassan Haji, a boy from Mumbai who embarks, along with with his boisterous family, on a picaresque* journey first to London and then across Europe, before they ultimately open a restaurant opposite a famous chef, Madame Mallory, in the remote French village of Lumiere. A culinary war ensures, pitting Hassan's Mumbai-toughened father against the imperious Michelan-starred cordon bleu, until Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan is a cook with natural talents far superior to her own.
Full of eccentric characters, hilarious cultural mishaps, vivid settings and delicious meals described in rich, sensuous detail, Hassan's charming account lays bare the inner workings of the elite world of French haute cuisine, and provides a life affirming and poignant coming-of-age tale.'
I found this book absolutely delicious! Beautifully descriptive, colourful, tasty and melodramatic, it reminded me of the Mexican movie 'Like Water for Chocolate' based on the novel by Laura Esquivel (I have not read the book, but now will as it is one of my favourite films of all time).
Told in the first person by Hassan Haji, 'THFJ' had me from the first paragraph -
'I, Hassan Haji, was born, the second of six children, above my grandfather's restaurant on the Nepean Sea Road in what was then called West Bombay, two decades before the great city was renamed Mumbai. I suspect my destiny was written from the very start, for my first experience of life was the smell of machli ka salan, a spicy fish curry, rising through the floorboards to the cot in my parents' room above the restaurant. To this day I can recall the sensation of those cot bars pressed up coldly against my toddler's face, my nose poked out as far as possible and searching for the air that aromatic packet of cardamom, fish heads and palm oil, which, even at that young age, somehow suggested there were unfathomable riches to be discovered and savoured in the free world beyond.'
This first paragraph was only the beginning of a wonderful, evocative journey that I did not want to end.
Morais's prose is deliciously descriptive:
'Mummy never looked so beautiful. She wore a pink sari, her gold sandalled feet curled under her thigh, across her face the soft, sweet smile of ghee.'
'Mummy sat on the blanket, curled into herself like a pink pomegranate'
and writing about his first love:
'And that night, after a good bounce, we slept with her bottom pushed up against my groin, contentedly curled up together like a pair of Moroccan crescent pastries'
'The Hundred Foot Journey' is a novel about race, prejudice, envy, love, giving and acceptance and of course food and cooking at the highest level. It is full of rich characters and is moving, colourful and has many laugh out loud moments.
I could write so much more but will leave it to you to read this gorgeous novel.
I give it 10/10.
* I had to look up the definition of picaresque - it means 'involving clever rogues or adventurers'
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hatchet
'Thirteen year old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but the clothes he is wearing and the hatchet (a small axe) his mother gave him as a present, and the secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent's recent divorce. But now, Brian has no time for anger, self-pity or despair - it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive.'
I have just finished reading 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulson, recommended by my sister Melinda as she is reading it to her 10 year old son Cameron. Apparently this is a book that many year 7 and 8's are also reading.
Well, I may not be 10 any more, or in high school, but I loved this book. Impossible to put down and I can't wait to read the follow up books (there are 5 books in total).
It reminded me of the film 'Castaway' with Tom Hanks - written in a very lonely perspective. In a very short time, Brian learns to read nature and see the beauty in it, no matter how hard it can be. He conquers his fears and relies on his own ingenuity. An ultimate tale of survival and nature.
A fantastic read that inspired me to rethink the way I live.
I have just finished reading 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulson, recommended by my sister Melinda as she is reading it to her 10 year old son Cameron. Apparently this is a book that many year 7 and 8's are also reading.
Well, I may not be 10 any more, or in high school, but I loved this book. Impossible to put down and I can't wait to read the follow up books (there are 5 books in total).
It reminded me of the film 'Castaway' with Tom Hanks - written in a very lonely perspective. In a very short time, Brian learns to read nature and see the beauty in it, no matter how hard it can be. He conquers his fears and relies on his own ingenuity. An ultimate tale of survival and nature.
A fantastic read that inspired me to rethink the way I live.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Angelology
You might wonder what Angelology means or if there is a spelling mistake. Well everything is explained in Danielle Trussoni's recent thriller book: Angelology.
I have just finished reading it last night and I wanted more! According to her website, she is working on a sequel (and a movie is being talked of).
This is the story of a young nun, Angeline who finds intriguing post war letters between a nun from the convent and Mrs Rockefeller. This the start of a fast paced story about angelologists (group of scholars who study angels) and biblical history, all intertwined with Angeline's past.
Well written and full of historical details (real of fictional), which is something I enjoy reading, this is a book I highly recommend.
It reminded me of Angel & Demons or Da Vinci Code, stories very much in vogue those days.
Here is Danielle Trussoni's website: http://www.danielletrussoni.org/
Happy reading!
I have just finished reading it last night and I wanted more! According to her website, she is working on a sequel (and a movie is being talked of).
This is the story of a young nun, Angeline who finds intriguing post war letters between a nun from the convent and Mrs Rockefeller. This the start of a fast paced story about angelologists (group of scholars who study angels) and biblical history, all intertwined with Angeline's past.
Well written and full of historical details (real of fictional), which is something I enjoy reading, this is a book I highly recommend.
It reminded me of Angel & Demons or Da Vinci Code, stories very much in vogue those days.
Here is Danielle Trussoni's website: http://www.danielletrussoni.org/
Happy reading!
Friday, September 10, 2010
A Short Tale of Two Mockingbirds
Ok, I know. For someone who has just started a blog, with lots of initial enthusiasm, I haven't done very well (with this being only my second entry). Well, my excuse is that I have been busy reading!
Over the last few weeks I have re-read 'To Kill a Mockingbird' the classic novel about honesty, integrity, prejudice and class by Harper Lee and 'Mockingjay' the 3rd and final instalment in the 'Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
Both of these novels use the mockingbird as a metaphor, but give the reader a totally different reading experience and are written in completely different styles.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a must read for anyone who has not read it. If you haven't, it is here, as are any of my books, to borrow. A beautifully written novel that just grabs you from the very start, and keeps you turning the pages all night.
For those who may not know the story, here is a brief description:
'Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a Mockingbird.' A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the thirties. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much...’
Over the last few weeks I have re-read 'To Kill a Mockingbird' the classic novel about honesty, integrity, prejudice and class by Harper Lee and 'Mockingjay' the 3rd and final instalment in the 'Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
Both of these novels use the mockingbird as a metaphor, but give the reader a totally different reading experience and are written in completely different styles.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a must read for anyone who has not read it. If you haven't, it is here, as are any of my books, to borrow. A beautifully written novel that just grabs you from the very start, and keeps you turning the pages all night.
For those who may not know the story, here is a brief description:
'Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a Mockingbird.' A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the thirties. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much...’
Within hours of ending my Mockingbird journey, I picked up my well anticipated finale to the 'Hunger Games'- 'Mockingjay'. I absolutely loved this trilogy. Written for young adults, just like the 'Twilight' Saga, and 'Wolves of Mercy Falls' trilogy 'Shiver', 'Linger' and yet unpublished 'Forever', I found it impossible to put down. I am not going to explain the series as it would take me another hour at least, all I can say is that if you enjoyed the Twilight series (and want to get away from vampire novels) you must read this trilogy. It's one that I could pick up and start again tomorrow (if I didn't have 62 more books to read....)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Obsession
Oh my. Today I finally realised that I have a problem. A big one. Actually, huge. For the last couple of years my friends have been trying to tell me that I have an obsession with buying cook books. Yes, I agree. However, today reality hit that not only is it cook books, but books in general. Only good ones though!
I have loved reading since about Year 10 when my lovely sister handed me Sidney Sheldon's 'Rage of Angels'. I had never really been into reading before that (except as a kid of course - I adored Enid Blyton - especially the 'Naughtiest Girl at School' and 'Amelia Jane' - does that tell you something?) My first few years at high school I didn't do very well in English.
I'm pretty sure in Year 7 I received a D and Year 8 & 9 a C. But...after I read my first 'adult' book, I was hooked. I loved that book and will never forget it being my first loved adult novel. The next book I read was Sidney Sheldon's 'Bloodline' another great novel. (Actually I still have it, and must now add it to my 'to read' list). Anyway, in Year 10 I elected to study English Lit as well as our compulsory English.
This was a new found love in my life, and I not only went on to receive a B in Eng Lit that year, but by VCE I scored an A+. All thanks to my sis passing on Sidney Sheldon. I even experimented in writing my own stories at the time (very weird ones - I remember one was about Barbie dolls turning homicidal - but they got great marks) but for now I'll leave that to my creative pal who has just started her own blog 'More Than Words' (http://daretopublicise.blogspot.com/). It has only been a week or so since she started it, and I am hooked. Every morning, as I settle down to start work, the first thing I do is check her blog. Already I find her writing so creative and clever. I'm looking forward to reading more and learning more about her every day. Mrs More Than Words is the one who has inspired me to start this blog!
Why have I realised that I have a mild obsession? Well, after sending a book recommendation to a friend (Frosty), she then forwarded it on one of her friends (Alternate Bookclub Girl - aka ABG) who then went on and instantly purchased my recommendations from a UK website (see, I'm not the only obsessed one), which is very cheap compared to OZ and has free postage. ABG then told Frosty about it and Frosty passed on the name of the website to me as she knew that if she did, that I would then buy books for her to read. Smart move Frosty. Was she right? Umm.....if buying 14 books that very night means yes, well then, yes. She ain't dumb. Mind you, I do research the books I want to buy and will only buy ones that come highly recommended. Again, Frosty knows this. Sneaky girl.
However, that was not when I realised I had a mild obsession. It was the next morning after I had decided that I had better blog the books that I own so my friends can share and borrow them, that I went through my cupboard to see which books I had lined up to read. A few years ago I spent my birthday money buying a lot of books online from Dymocks/Borders/Readers Top 100. I have managed to read quite a lot of them since then (and loved every one of them), but not all. For the sole purpose of starting this blog, I counted them up and listed them down. Including my newly purchased ones I am yet to receive, it came to a mere.........64.........o oh....
Time to put a brake on buying books I think. However, 'Mockingjay' - the final instalment of the Hunger Games trilogy is coming out in a week so I'll HAVE to buy that to read straight away. You understand of course. And then there is 'The Help' that is currently out of stock in paperback in my new fav UK bookstore, so when that does come back in, of course I will have to buy that. Oh, and I suppose there is the John Marsden 'Tomorrow' series, that having read the first one, I'll now have to buy the rest. There are only 7 in the series and I already have number 2 and 3 (2 is currently with Mrs More Than Words, and 3 I bought today - only because I was at Target and saw it for $12. I've been keeping an eye out for it over the last week and no one else had it in stock, so of course, it had to be purchased right then and there.) Oh, I just remembered that 'Lies' comes out here soon, also the 3rd installment of the 'Gone' trilogy, so yeah, well, you know..... But that's it - I promise!
So, what will my blog going to be about? For starters, I'll list my 'What I am currently reading' list seeing as I am sort of in the middle of 4 books. Only because I started some then put them down half way through and started another. That's going to be my first rule. Pick a book and finish it. Second rule, (thanks to Mrs More Than Words suggestion) I don't loan out any books I haven't already read. She says to do that as it will make sure that I do read them. I think its so I only pass her on good books! Once I have finished each book, I'll jot down my thoughts about it. I will add a blog of my 'To Be Read List' - the 64. Then I will also add the other books I have on my bookshelf worth reading that I have actually already read. Of course, i'll also have my favorites etc so that you know the real goodies.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. Time to actually get on with reading I suppose. My first book that I'm going to start reading and blogging with is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. I actually read this before in high school and loved it, so even though it is a repeat reading, it's going to be my number one. From then on, I'll dive into the 64....
Until next time...
I have loved reading since about Year 10 when my lovely sister handed me Sidney Sheldon's 'Rage of Angels'. I had never really been into reading before that (except as a kid of course - I adored Enid Blyton - especially the 'Naughtiest Girl at School' and 'Amelia Jane' - does that tell you something?) My first few years at high school I didn't do very well in English.
I'm pretty sure in Year 7 I received a D and Year 8 & 9 a C. But...after I read my first 'adult' book, I was hooked. I loved that book and will never forget it being my first loved adult novel. The next book I read was Sidney Sheldon's 'Bloodline' another great novel. (Actually I still have it, and must now add it to my 'to read' list). Anyway, in Year 10 I elected to study English Lit as well as our compulsory English.
This was a new found love in my life, and I not only went on to receive a B in Eng Lit that year, but by VCE I scored an A+. All thanks to my sis passing on Sidney Sheldon. I even experimented in writing my own stories at the time (very weird ones - I remember one was about Barbie dolls turning homicidal - but they got great marks) but for now I'll leave that to my creative pal who has just started her own blog 'More Than Words' (http://daretopublicise.blogspot.com/). It has only been a week or so since she started it, and I am hooked. Every morning, as I settle down to start work, the first thing I do is check her blog. Already I find her writing so creative and clever. I'm looking forward to reading more and learning more about her every day. Mrs More Than Words is the one who has inspired me to start this blog!
Why have I realised that I have a mild obsession? Well, after sending a book recommendation to a friend (Frosty), she then forwarded it on one of her friends (Alternate Bookclub Girl - aka ABG) who then went on and instantly purchased my recommendations from a UK website (see, I'm not the only obsessed one), which is very cheap compared to OZ and has free postage. ABG then told Frosty about it and Frosty passed on the name of the website to me as she knew that if she did, that I would then buy books for her to read. Smart move Frosty. Was she right? Umm.....if buying 14 books that very night means yes, well then, yes. She ain't dumb. Mind you, I do research the books I want to buy and will only buy ones that come highly recommended. Again, Frosty knows this. Sneaky girl.
However, that was not when I realised I had a mild obsession. It was the next morning after I had decided that I had better blog the books that I own so my friends can share and borrow them, that I went through my cupboard to see which books I had lined up to read. A few years ago I spent my birthday money buying a lot of books online from Dymocks/Borders/Readers Top 100. I have managed to read quite a lot of them since then (and loved every one of them), but not all. For the sole purpose of starting this blog, I counted them up and listed them down. Including my newly purchased ones I am yet to receive, it came to a mere.........64.........o oh....
Time to put a brake on buying books I think. However, 'Mockingjay' - the final instalment of the Hunger Games trilogy is coming out in a week so I'll HAVE to buy that to read straight away. You understand of course. And then there is 'The Help' that is currently out of stock in paperback in my new fav UK bookstore, so when that does come back in, of course I will have to buy that. Oh, and I suppose there is the John Marsden 'Tomorrow' series, that having read the first one, I'll now have to buy the rest. There are only 7 in the series and I already have number 2 and 3 (2 is currently with Mrs More Than Words, and 3 I bought today - only because I was at Target and saw it for $12. I've been keeping an eye out for it over the last week and no one else had it in stock, so of course, it had to be purchased right then and there.) Oh, I just remembered that 'Lies' comes out here soon, also the 3rd installment of the 'Gone' trilogy, so yeah, well, you know..... But that's it - I promise!
So, what will my blog going to be about? For starters, I'll list my 'What I am currently reading' list seeing as I am sort of in the middle of 4 books. Only because I started some then put them down half way through and started another. That's going to be my first rule. Pick a book and finish it. Second rule, (thanks to Mrs More Than Words suggestion) I don't loan out any books I haven't already read. She says to do that as it will make sure that I do read them. I think its so I only pass her on good books! Once I have finished each book, I'll jot down my thoughts about it. I will add a blog of my 'To Be Read List' - the 64. Then I will also add the other books I have on my bookshelf worth reading that I have actually already read. Of course, i'll also have my favorites etc so that you know the real goodies.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. Time to actually get on with reading I suppose. My first book that I'm going to start reading and blogging with is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. I actually read this before in high school and loved it, so even though it is a repeat reading, it's going to be my number one. From then on, I'll dive into the 64....
Until next time...
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