Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bon Apetit!

An American icon, Julia Child, would have been 100 today. She passed away in 2004, but her legacy lives on in the hearts and stomachs of millions. Having grown up watching her on those early show on Public Television, I adored her style, personality and her knowledge of all things French. Her recipes and books were, and are, astounding.

For my summer reading, I just finished her wonderful book, My Life in France. Such a delightful read. Beginning with her marriage to diplomat, Paul Child and there early days in Paris, we learn that Julia Child did not know how to cook or could not speak a word of French. This amazing woman set her mind to becoming fluent in the language. She fell in love the with flavors and aromas and culture of French cooking and we are treated to her tales of these experiences, both positive and negative, from her own perspective. Her words are frank and witty, as she waxes rapturously of her many trials and tribulations and triumphs.

Told against a backdrop of early post-World War II days in Paris, Julia Child paints a picture of life in France from a viewpoint you have not seen before.  The story continues through the years of McCarthyism and other political dramas. We learn of her enduring love for the French way of cooking, her days at the famous Cordon Bleu cooking school, and her desire to bring this lifestyle to the typical American home cook. Her endless patience and perseverance in writing her first book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a work of astounding effort.

Julia Child led a full life that was interesting, exciting, satisfying, and enviable.  Millions of people world-wide are cooking the French way because Julia cared.

Please read this fabulous book if you have an interest in cooking, French living or have a curiosity to learn about this beloved woman, her marriage and life, her writings, recipes, cooking and opinions on a various range of subjects. I loved this book immensely, and was sad to finish it. What a delight she was.


11 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

A true food pioneer!

maddyrose said...

I of course know who Julia Child was but have to admit that I know very little about her. What you've written here has sparked my interest in her and I plan on getting a copy of her book to learn more. Enjoy your day.

mxtodis123 said...

She was so very special. A true Icon.
Mary

Anonymous said...

I heard about her last year for the first time but I do understand her love for French food!

One of my brothers lived there for many years and I went down a couple of times and I have to say that nothing beats French food :-)

Have a great day!
Christer.

AkasaWolfSong said...

Dearest Robin...
I watched the movie "Julia" when it was out and she is a true icon amongst the culinary crowd as well as the public. I adore her! :)
This book looks to be great and I shall try to find it at our local library. I'm especially interested in the history part of it as most of my mother's people hail from France and much later Canada as they came over.
Thank You so much for the over the top review!!! I love reviews like yours. :)
Many Blessings Sweet Lady!
Love, Akasa

Jeanne said...

There was an article about her in today's newspaper. I can remember watching episodes of her show way back in the day. They were so fun. :0)

Introverted Art said...

I have to get me some Julia Child recipes ;-)

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

I remember watching her cooking shows on PBS when I was a young girl! She's a true legend!

Magic Love Crow said...

A true delight she was indeed! ;o)

Anonymous said...

A true icon! She had such a beautiful heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Hmmm...kind of like you. ;-)

Lili said...

Oh I just know I too would LOVE reading this book! xo ~Lili