book thirty-eight: The Gourmet

Since we (most of us) enjoyed Muriel Barbery's book The Elegance of the Hedgehog (see book twenty-five), our book for 15 July 2012 was her other book, The Gourmet.  We chose it from Wendy's shortlist.  We met at Leigha and Steve's place.

Scores:

Jim - first half a bit slow, it improved. - didnmt mind it,not quite there but she was close to getting to it - 10

Mari - like the dog chapter about Rhett, the food writing wasn't convincing, maybe it was an issue with the translation.  indifferent and bordering on really annoyed with the food writing 9

Maree- liked and related to the final discovery that the food he was craving was the supermarket pastry non-gourmet option, comfort food totally makes sense. I think I liked it more having had a break from the book for the last 2 weeks. 12

Leigha - liked the cat chapter, the only two characters  in the book who liked and respected each other. Mutual respect and equal relationship.  And the grand daughter chapter where she critiqued all the dysfunctional adults. A bit repetitive, not as disappointed with this as with Brighton rock -  11

Steve - liked the idea of it and enjoyed in part but not hooked.  I read other books.  10

Wendy - a little slow at beginning but enjoyed the second half a lot more.  Liked bread chapter and cat chapter.  But still slightly disappointed. 11

Tim - pass

Roshni - read about half.  Nicole suggests that Roshni would gives it about 10

Nicole - didn't finish it but total middle of the range 10