The Last Chinese Chef: A Novel

Are you Hungry? If not this book will be a hard one to read and not make you Hungry?

I throughly enjoyed reading this book - but beware it will make you want want real Chinese food! After having the experience of staying In China and having real Chinese food , this book brought back many memories and wished I had some of those recipes of the foods I had over there. I love the story especially the brief parts in Shanghai and the family realtionships portrayed here. It is a great read for a book club or just on your own. Enjoy and I hope you don't get as hungry as I did!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must read for foodies!

Last Chinese Chef is a marvelous book filled with so much incredibly interesting information about the Chinese culture, food preparation, history, relationships/community that you won't be able to put it down. The story is written with such vivid detail and clarity that the reader can easily visualize the characters, the kitchens, the dishes being prepared and those being served. The author is obviously in love with China and that love is transmitted throughout the book. She also writes very well.
I read the book over the week-end and haven't stopped telling friends and family about it! The story part is okay, however, the sections about history, tradition and the place of food in the culture are outstanding. I was fascinated by the pairing of good meals with art and literature to nourish all the senses. While I don't think I will attempt to recreate any of the dishes discussed in the book, I know I will be writing a poem as an invitation to my next dinner party!
If you ever watch the food channel or search out a specific ingredient to create that special dish, this book is definitely for you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Travel, food, romance--what more could anyone want?

This is a book I come back to over and over again--in part because of my fascination with China, but also because the main characters are so complex. They seem very real as they struggle to make new lives for themselves. Mones's "Lost in Translation" is also excellent.

Love of food and love of China shine through Mones The Last Chinese Chef

My favorite books are those page turners I just cannot put down. The Last Chinese Chef certainly surpasses this benchmark in my estimation. This captivating story transports the reader from the U.S. to China as the novel's main character, Maggie McElroy, discovers the unexpected in both her personal and professional life. Following her husband's untimely death, Maggie finds her journalism career and the details involved in finalizing her husband's estate, taking her into unknown territory. This delightful novel is a little mystery, a little romance and a lot of opportunity to reminisce about your own food memories. See China through author Nicole Mones vivid descriptions, explore the Chinese culture and customs, and savor the preparation of food as a Chinese art form, enriched when served in community. You too may come away from this novel enthralled by the unexpected in Chinese society and ready to sit at table with a whole new personal approach to the food on your plate.

Feast for the soul

What a wonderful read. The love of cooking and preparing the meal not just for nourshiment but for the culture of China was unbelievable. Nicole made the descriptions of food sound so good that I would gladly try every one. These are not your everyday take out Chinese meals. Enjoy.

Uplifting and fascinating

Not only is this a beautiful story about finding love again, it is also a fascinating look at the Chinese culture and the role of its cuisine. I really loved the characters and the in-depth look at how the food reflects the life and history of China. Am planning to read her other novels I liked this soo much.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Intertwined lives & stories

This book has several story lines that flow around each other and come together in a beautiful description of both food and real lives. Although some may differ with the idea that only China produces great Chinese food, the description of food production is really good.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.