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tovac's review against another edition
4.0
Is this the best writing ever? No. But if you're a fan of Bourdain's its worth a read. The story had some solid moments but what I appreciated most was getting to see a different side of Bourdain's mind. There are some vividly grotesque descriptions I was morbidly impressed by and it's an easy read if you're into crime/mafia themes & detailed soliloquys about food.
lizzig's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this — I love crime capers and I really enjoy Bourdain's non-fiction writing. Unfortunately, Bone in the Throat has too many characters and not enough characterisation to really want to find out what happens to them. Some great scenes, but the rest didn't live up to those.
mariahblob's review against another edition
3.0
Like a cheeseburger of the novel world. Not that there is anything wrong with that, sometimes I could kill for a cheeseburger. I'm sure Bourdain would not be happy with me comparing his work to a cheeseburger, with his placement in the food business, but it's easy to read, fun in places, kind've satisfying. If there is one thing that was truly excellent, it was Bourdain's descriptions of food, which frequently had me drooling, especially while I'm here holed up in rural Japan, lamenting over yet another bowl of ramen.
anysnaders's review against another edition
3.0
Murder and mayhem and the mob. That is what the book promised. And I guess it delivered. But that is not Tony Bourdain's sweet spot.
The story seemed somewhat bloated by murder and mayhem and the mob. This seemed to take precedence over character development and driving the plot. Bourdain can describe beat downs and murders with details that bring the scenes to life. But his prose really -- and only -- sings when he is describing action in the kitchen. Why O why did not he not realize this? he could have drafted a novel that was **really** about what he knows best. And it would have been better.
Some scenes could be terrifying or 'triggering' (I hate that usage) for people who have struggled with addition, especially heroin.
The story seemed somewhat bloated by murder and mayhem and the mob. This seemed to take precedence over character development and driving the plot. Bourdain can describe beat downs and murders with details that bring the scenes to life. But his prose really -- and only -- sings when he is describing action in the kitchen. Why O why did not he not realize this? he could have drafted a novel that was **really** about what he knows best. And it would have been better.
Some scenes could be terrifying or 'triggering' (I hate that usage) for people who have struggled with addition, especially heroin.
dbbuie's review against another edition
4.0
"Bone in the Throat," penned by the late Anthony Bourdain, is a gritty and unconventional culinary thriller that serves up a deliciously dark blend of food, crime, and unexpected alliances. While not quite as refined as Bourdain's later works, this debut novel showcases his unique narrative voice and passion for the culinary world in a refreshing and unconventional way.
Set in the underbelly of New York City's culinary scene, the story follows Tommy Pagana, a sous-chef with aspirations of owning his own restaurant, as he becomes entangled in a web of crime and deceit. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of the restaurant industry, organized crime, and the pursuit of one's dreams, creating a flavorful concoction that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Bourdain's signature wit and irreverent humor are ever-present, injecting the story with a dose of levity amidst the darker themes. His insider knowledge of the culinary world is evident as he takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey into the kitchens and dining rooms, exposing the chaos, rivalries, and camaraderie that define the restaurant industry.
The characters, while not all deeply explored, come across as authentic and relatable in their flaws and motivations. From the intimidating gangster to the charismatic chef, each character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it easy to become invested in their fates.
The pacing of the novel is brisk, with short, punchy chapters that maintain a sense of urgency throughout. The tension builds steadily as the various plot threads intertwine, and the story navigates through culinary escapades, criminal schemes, and unexpected alliances. Bourdain's writing style is distinctively sharp and cinematic, painting vivid images of the locations and characters.
However, "Bone in the Throat" does suffer from some unevenness in its execution. The transition between genres—culinary exploration, crime drama, and humor—can occasionally feel disjointed, and some plot elements may seem rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, while the fusion of culinary passion and criminal intrigue is intriguing, it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a conventional thriller experience.
"Bone in the Throat" is a tantalizing dish for readers who appreciate Anthony Bourdain's unique voice, his love for food, and his knack for storytelling. It's a debut novel that showcases his potential as a fiction writer while hinting at the refinement that would come in his later works. While not without its imperfections, the novel is a flavorful appetizer that sets the stage for Bourdain's literary journey, leaving readers hungry for more.
Set in the underbelly of New York City's culinary scene, the story follows Tommy Pagana, a sous-chef with aspirations of owning his own restaurant, as he becomes entangled in a web of crime and deceit. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of the restaurant industry, organized crime, and the pursuit of one's dreams, creating a flavorful concoction that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Bourdain's signature wit and irreverent humor are ever-present, injecting the story with a dose of levity amidst the darker themes. His insider knowledge of the culinary world is evident as he takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey into the kitchens and dining rooms, exposing the chaos, rivalries, and camaraderie that define the restaurant industry.
The characters, while not all deeply explored, come across as authentic and relatable in their flaws and motivations. From the intimidating gangster to the charismatic chef, each character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it easy to become invested in their fates.
The pacing of the novel is brisk, with short, punchy chapters that maintain a sense of urgency throughout. The tension builds steadily as the various plot threads intertwine, and the story navigates through culinary escapades, criminal schemes, and unexpected alliances. Bourdain's writing style is distinctively sharp and cinematic, painting vivid images of the locations and characters.
However, "Bone in the Throat" does suffer from some unevenness in its execution. The transition between genres—culinary exploration, crime drama, and humor—can occasionally feel disjointed, and some plot elements may seem rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, while the fusion of culinary passion and criminal intrigue is intriguing, it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a conventional thriller experience.
"Bone in the Throat" is a tantalizing dish for readers who appreciate Anthony Bourdain's unique voice, his love for food, and his knack for storytelling. It's a debut novel that showcases his potential as a fiction writer while hinting at the refinement that would come in his later works. While not without its imperfections, the novel is a flavorful appetizer that sets the stage for Bourdain's literary journey, leaving readers hungry for more.
ed_correa's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 / Probablemente es culpa mía por haber leído antes The Bobby Gold Stories, pero esta primera novela de Bourdain presenta muchos elementos que se sienten repetidos entre ambos libros. Sin embargo, tanto el inicio como el final (aunque un poco abrupto este) levantan bastante la historia, con una narración entretenida y muy cercana.
sternyblossom's review against another edition
3.0
Is this book entertaining? Yes? Is it filled with grammatical and spelling errors? Also yes. Not sure who the editor was for this, but they should be fired. However, I think Mr. Bourdain did a fine job on the story and it held my interest the entire time.
poofinburd's review against another edition
2.0
I can't do it, guys. I love Bourdain's nonfiction but his fiction is terrible; it reads like an overdetailed technical manual and just drags on forever. Nothing ever seems to happen except cooks drinking, which is realistic sure - I'm a cook myself - but makes for some boring goddamn reading.
hsway's review against another edition
3.0
A light and enjoyable and profane and gory mafia story with lots of culinary sprinkles.
greyseaj's review against another edition
4.0
This was an entertaining read - especially if you like Anthony Bourdain & The Sopranos. The characters are almost all pretty horrible people but I just kept wanting to read more. I saw a review on here that mentioned how all the characters are written in Bourdain’s voice and honestly that’s a spot on observation. This is no great literary masterpiece but it wasn’t bad.