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thathappyreader 's review for:
The Second-Worst Restaurant in France:
by Alexander McCall Smith
Paul Stuart is a Scottish cookbook writer, fresh off of success from writing a cookbook in Tuscany, is now given the task of writing "The Philosophy of Good in Six Easy Chapters." After a break in his relationship with his girlfriend and editor Gloria, he finds it especially challenging to get started on his book. When his cousin Chloe suggests he meet her a village in the French countryside where she has rented a home, Paul decides a change of scenery is just what he needs to write his book.
Life with Chloe, who has 5 failed marriages under her belt, is anything but boring. When they are introduced to the "Second Worst restaurant in France" via Chloe's landlord, they quickly understand why this restaurant has been bestowed this honour - the food is not fresh and is overall unpleasing. Poor Paul spends days in bed recovering from a bad case of food poisoning after dining at the restaurant at which time Chloe begins helping Claude the owner of the establishment and his nephew Hugo. Following his recovery, Chloe encourages Paul to help Claude find a few recipes which are more palatable and food safe. What he learns from his time helping is that a solution to the restaurants problems is readily apparent.
In amongst his French adventure Paul learns a little more about Chloe through her narrative about her life and marriages. She has truly has led a colourful life and now looks like she's setting her sights on Claude.
Supported by a delightful cast of characters, the plot immerses the reader in the French countryside. Although I found the book to read a little slow in places, the charm of the book is the community spirit of life in this village. I enjoyed this book and rate it 3.5/5 stars (rounded to 4 stars).
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Life with Chloe, who has 5 failed marriages under her belt, is anything but boring. When they are introduced to the "Second Worst restaurant in France" via Chloe's landlord, they quickly understand why this restaurant has been bestowed this honour - the food is not fresh and is overall unpleasing. Poor Paul spends days in bed recovering from a bad case of food poisoning after dining at the restaurant at which time Chloe begins helping Claude the owner of the establishment and his nephew Hugo. Following his recovery, Chloe encourages Paul to help Claude find a few recipes which are more palatable and food safe. What he learns from his time helping is that a solution to the restaurants problems is readily apparent.
In amongst his French adventure Paul learns a little more about Chloe through her narrative about her life and marriages. She has truly has led a colourful life and now looks like she's setting her sights on Claude.
Supported by a delightful cast of characters, the plot immerses the reader in the French countryside. Although I found the book to read a little slow in places, the charm of the book is the community spirit of life in this village. I enjoyed this book and rate it 3.5/5 stars (rounded to 4 stars).
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.