Child, Julia
My Life in France
My Life in France
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From the publisher
Although she would later singlehandedly create a new approach to American cuisine with her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking and her television show The French Chef, Julia Child was not always a master chef. Indeed, when she first arrived in France in 1948 with her husband, Paul, who was to work for the USIS, she spoke no French and knew nothing about the country itself.
But as she dove into French culture, buying food at local markets and taking classes at the Cordon Bleu, her life changed forever with her newfound passion for cooking and teaching. Julia's unforgettable story--struggles with the head of the Cordon Bleu, rejections from publishers to whom she sent her now-famous cookbook, a wonderful, nearly fifty-year long marriage that took the Childs across the globe--unfolds with the spirit so key to Julia's success as a chef and a writer, brilliantly capturing one of America's most endearing personalities.
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From Chef Scott
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This is a delightful and deeply personal memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the most influential figures in American culinary history. This book is much more than a biography; it's a love letter to France, its cuisine, and the journey that transformed Julia Child from a mere observer to an icon in the culinary world.
In "My Life in France," Julia Child recounts her experiences from the moment she arrived in France in 1948 with her husband, Paul. The memoir is beautifully narrated, filled with vivid descriptions of the places she lived and visited, the people she met, and, most importantly, the food she cooked and ate. Her narrative is engaging and heartfelt, brimming with the passion and enthusiasm that would later define her career.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book is Julia’s detailed account of her culinary education in France, especially at Le Cordon Bleu. These experiences were pivotal in shaping her approach to cooking and teaching. The book chronicles her trials and triumphs in learning French cooking, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of her seminal work, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."
The memoir beautifully captures the essence of post-war France, its culture, and its cuisine. Julia's observations are insightful and endearing, painting a picture of a country and its culinary traditions that were on the brink of change. Her descriptions of the French markets, the countryside, and the everyday life of Parisians are as enchanting as they are informative.
"My Life in France" is also a story of personal growth and transformation. Readers will be inspired by Julia’s journey from a self-confessed kitchen novice to a world-renowned cooking instructor and television personality. Her determination, curiosity, and willingness to embrace new experiences shine through every page, making her story not just inspiring but also relatable.
The book’s emotional depth is further enriched by the portrayal of Julia's relationship with her husband, Paul Child. Their partnership, filled with mutual respect and love, is a central theme in the book, providing a deeper understanding of Julia's life and her journey.
Visually, while "My Life in France" may not be filled with photographs, the vividness of Julia’s storytelling creates a rich tapestry of images in the reader’s mind. Her descriptive narration makes the scenes come alive, from the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil countryside of Provence.
This memoir is a testament to the joy of cooking and the beauty of embracing life’s adventures.