Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Scribner
Pages
243
Description
"That skinny Indian teenager has that mysterious something that comes along once a generation. He is one of those rare chefs who is simply born. He is an artist." And so begins the rise of Hassan Haji, the unlikely gourmand who recounts his life's journey in this novel. Lively and brimming with the colors, flavors, and scents of the kitchen, it is a succulent treat about family, nationality, and the mysteries of good taste. Born above his grandfather's modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumiere, a small village in the French Alps. The boisterous Haji family takes Lumiere by storm. They open an inexpensive Indian restaurant opposite an esteemed French relais, that of the famous chef Madame Mallory, and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. Only after Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family, does she finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, the launch of his own restaurant, and a slew of new adventures. This story is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. It is a fable that is a testament to the inevitability of destiny.… (more)
Description
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Helen Mirren and Om Puri, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Juliet Blake, DreamWorks Studios, and Participant Media.
"That skinny Indian teenager has that mysterious something that comes along once a generation. He is one of those rare chefs who is simply born. He is an artist."
And so begins the rise of Hassan Haji, the unlikely gourmand who recounts his life’s journey in Richard Morais’s charming novel, The Hundred-Foot Journey. Lively and brimming with the colors, flavors, and scents of the kitchen, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a succulent treat about family, nationality, and the mysteries of good taste.
Born above his grandfather’s modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumière, a small village in the French Alps.
The boisterous Haji family takes Lumière by storm. They open an inexpensive Indian restaurant opposite an esteemed French relais—that of the famous chef Madame Mallory—and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. Only after Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family, does she finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, the launch of his own restaurant, and a slew of new adventures.
The Hundred-Foot Journey is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. A testament to the inevitability of destiny, this is a fable for the ages—charming, endearing, and compulsively readable.
"That skinny Indian teenager has that mysterious something that comes along once a generation. He is one of those rare chefs who is simply born. He is an artist."
And so begins the rise of Hassan Haji, the unlikely gourmand who recounts his life’s journey in Richard Morais’s charming novel, The Hundred-Foot Journey. Lively and brimming with the colors, flavors, and scents of the kitchen, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a succulent treat about family, nationality, and the mysteries of good taste.
Born above his grandfather’s modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumière, a small village in the French Alps.
The boisterous Haji family takes Lumière by storm. They open an inexpensive Indian restaurant opposite an esteemed French relais—that of the famous chef Madame Mallory—and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. Only after Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family, does she finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, the launch of his own restaurant, and a slew of new adventures.
The Hundred-Foot Journey is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. A testament to the inevitability of destiny, this is a fable for the ages—charming, endearing, and compulsively readable.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008
Physical description
243 p.; 8 inches
ISBN
9781439165645
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User reviews
LibraryThing member heidip
I also read The Hundred-Foot Journey and watched the movie. They really changed the plot in the movie, so be advised. In fact they took out all religion--which means they also took out the climax of the story.
The story follows Hassan's life starting in India growing up over his grandfather's
What I thought: Well, I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favorite. The plot seemed a bit unrealistic because Hassan was a Muslim who went on a wild boar hunt, drank French wine, slept with multiple women, and never married which seemed weird to me since he was an Indian Muslim. Furthermore, I would think he would include yummy Indian cooking in his restaurant--but no, he stuck to classic French cooking.
Without reference to religion, the movie was a feel-good story, rated PG.
The story follows Hassan's life starting in India growing up over his grandfather's
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restaurant, then working in his father's restaurant. Tragedy strikes and they leave India for a short stint in London, then land in Lumiere, France. Hassan's father opens an Indian restaurant across the street from Madame Mallory's French restaurant. A battle of wits, cross-cultural misunderstandings, and trouble ensues, but Hassan discovers he has a gift in the kitchen.What I thought: Well, I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favorite. The plot seemed a bit unrealistic because Hassan was a Muslim who went on a wild boar hunt, drank French wine, slept with multiple women, and never married which seemed weird to me since he was an Indian Muslim. Furthermore, I would think he would include yummy Indian cooking in his restaurant--but no, he stuck to classic French cooking.
Without reference to religion, the movie was a feel-good story, rated PG.
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LibraryThing member Cariola
Well, this is one instance in which I think that the movie was far better than the book. The story focuses on Hassan, a young Muslim from India with a natural talent for cooking: his taste buds are "the equivalent for a chef to what perfect pitch is for a musician." After stricken by a tragedy in
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Mumbai, the family moves first to to London, then to France to open a restaurant featuring Hassan's mother's prized recipes. Unfortunately, their new place is across the street from a three-star Michelin French restaurant run by the haughty Mme. Mallory. The entire movie and a significant part of the book focus on the relationship between Hassan and Mme. Mallory, who at first tries to drive the family out of town but eventually mentors the young Indian. Even though the characters are somewhat stereotypes, I found them rather charming on film--but less so in print. And the last third of the book, when Hassan is trying to establish himself in Paris, tends to drag. The film's director was wise to bring back Mme. Mallory near the end and even to suggest a budding romance between her and Hassan's father. By the end of the book, we just find out that she is long dead. Bummer. Show Less
LibraryThing member pdplish
This could have a much better story had the pacing been a little quicker and not so overwritten. While it may be interesting to occasionally hear some of the dishes that were created/consumed etc, it really got to be a bit boring. I found my self skipping whole paragraphs just to get through the
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book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Clara53
My expectations were high: I had seen a preview of the movie based on this book (and who can resist Helen Mirren....) and set out to read it before the movie's premiere in the local theaters. So far it seems that it might be one of those cases when the movie turns out better than the book (to be
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confirmed, of course). While reading it, I regretted the author's decision to narrate the story from the first person - as an Indian Muslim. It just didn't ring true coming from this author, even with all his experience of having been a foreign correspondent. I found that he couldn't put himself in the shoes of his protagonist. At times, there was too much unnecessary information - shockingly unpleasant but aiming at rough frankness, thus lacking grace. But at other times, the writing was rather appealing, especially his description of England and France where the family was compelled to move from India in the wake of a horrible event, in search of a better start. French cuisine was also given an thorough depiction, which was quite enlightening. However, in the course of reading I was distracted by a recurrent grammatical mishap of sorts throughout the book - using too much of what is called "double subject" (ex. "The champagne, it was as fresh and sparkly as the blushing bride..." or "Hassan, he has the makings of a great chef..."). It's almost OK (though not in my book) in an informal conversation, but not in a fiction book - here it was just too widely used both in narrative and dialogue. But as far as plot goes, the book was quite engaging and a fast read. Show Less
LibraryThing member PennyMck
A charming account of a small boy's rise from the chaos and spice of an Indian restaurant in Mumbai to a three star restaurant in Paris.
LibraryThing member kraaivrouw
My family is all about food and cooking. From my Seattle grandmother's elegant party fare to my father's amazing sauces and my own one-pot soups and stews, we have cooked and eaten our way through many cuisines. I grew up in various kitchens and some of my fondest memories are food-related -
The story of a young chef and his journey from India to Paris with stops in London and the French Alps, The Hundred-Foot Journey is all about food and the ways eating and cooking it inform and define us. Hassan Haji grows up in the kitchen of his family restaurant in Mumbai, flees with them to London when riots irrevocably change their lives, and finally lands in the French Alps where he meets Madame Mallory who will change his life much as he changes hers.
I loved this story's simplicity and joie de vivre and the descriptions of food are among the very best food porn I've read in ages. Whether writing about Indian food or classical French cuisine, Morais demonstrates an understanding of the pleasures of food and of its ability to connect us to each other and to remind us of who we are.
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watching Julia Child with my grandmother, sneaking fried pies out of my other grandmother's kitchen, eating barbecued shrimp in New Orleans with the whole family - the list goes on and on. In my family we're typically eating and talking about what we're going to eat next. We also read. A lot. Every one of us is an inveterate library goer and reader of all kinds of things. Naturally, food porn is an important category and this book fits that need.The story of a young chef and his journey from India to Paris with stops in London and the French Alps, The Hundred-Foot Journey is all about food and the ways eating and cooking it inform and define us. Hassan Haji grows up in the kitchen of his family restaurant in Mumbai, flees with them to London when riots irrevocably change their lives, and finally lands in the French Alps where he meets Madame Mallory who will change his life much as he changes hers.
I loved this story's simplicity and joie de vivre and the descriptions of food are among the very best food porn I've read in ages. Whether writing about Indian food or classical French cuisine, Morais demonstrates an understanding of the pleasures of food and of its ability to connect us to each other and to remind us of who we are.
Show Less
LibraryThing member whitreidtan
I love food. I love books. And books about food? Well, butter my buns and call me biscuit, or in the case of this book, slather me with creme fraiche and call me a croissant. OK, so the colloquialism doesn't translate from deep south to French food but the sentiment behind it definitely still
Hassan Haji's earliest memory is of the smells wafting upstairs to his cot from the restaurant his family ran in India. Is it any wonder then that food and cooking would be in his blood? His early childhood was filled with a raucous family and food. But after the death of his well-respected grandfather, an out of control mob attacked and burned the restaurant, killing Hassan's mother in the process and so the family fled. Spending two years in London, Hassan seemed poised to become another disaffected youth until the family is once again driven onward, this time to Europe, leading a peripatetic life. And then a car breaks down, depositing the Haji family in the small French town of Lumiere, where Hassan's life starts back down the path for which he was born: to become a world class chef.
Across the street from the noisy and vibrant Haji family restaurant, located on the ground floor of a gracious mansion, is a quiet, stately two-star French restaurant and its crusty owner, Madame Mallory. Declaring war on the Hajis, Mallory tries everything under the sun to get the better of Abbas Haji, Hassan's father. She is completely stricken when she discovers that Hassan, now the head chef in his family's restaurant despite his youth, has the raw talent that she herself lacks and so she ramps up her campaign to drive the outsiders out. But a near tragedy changes her mind and she offers to teach Hassan to cook traditional French food, grooming him to become what she could not, a rising star in the French culinary world.
Taking place from Bombay to London to Paris, the sights and sounds of food and cooking permeate every aspect of the novel. I salivated my way through much of it although I freely admit that I like Indian food a whole lot more than I like French food so I was a bit disappointed that Hassan didn't create a fusion of sorts between the comfort food of his childhood and the elegant French food of his chosen adult life. Morais has managed to capture the essence of the culinary profession, the life in kitchens, and the professional worries that are all part and parcel of a chef's life.
The novel is fiction but it reads like a memoir. Certain of the characters like Madame Mallory and Abbas Haji are larger than life, utterly colorful and thoroughly entertaining. The section on London addresses the issue of immigrants better than the later section set in France although there are still moments where racism realistically rears its ugly head. Hassan's character is singularly focused so much of the narrative follows him from kitchen to kitchen, losing a bit of the larger than life quirkiness that defined the Haji family and then life at Madame Mallory's. This was a novel full of joy, contentment, and destiny fulfilled. Hassan found his calling, devoted his life to it, and made the most of his amazing talent, richly rewarded with friends and accolades alike. His early life and family determined his path for him, both personally and in the kitchen, and he embraced his role.
The writing here is descriptive and frequently mouth-watering. I only wish there had been more detail, a more complete description of the people so instrumental in Hassan's life in the second half of the book. Overall, this is a book that will appeal to food afficionados, anyone who enjoys reading about the making of a chef, and those who search out books with a hint of the exotic and the vibrant. Morais was a friend of the late Ismail Merchant and this could easily be a Merchant Ivory film, lush and decadent, just as it is written.
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stands. This is a delightful feast of a book.Hassan Haji's earliest memory is of the smells wafting upstairs to his cot from the restaurant his family ran in India. Is it any wonder then that food and cooking would be in his blood? His early childhood was filled with a raucous family and food. But after the death of his well-respected grandfather, an out of control mob attacked and burned the restaurant, killing Hassan's mother in the process and so the family fled. Spending two years in London, Hassan seemed poised to become another disaffected youth until the family is once again driven onward, this time to Europe, leading a peripatetic life. And then a car breaks down, depositing the Haji family in the small French town of Lumiere, where Hassan's life starts back down the path for which he was born: to become a world class chef.
Across the street from the noisy and vibrant Haji family restaurant, located on the ground floor of a gracious mansion, is a quiet, stately two-star French restaurant and its crusty owner, Madame Mallory. Declaring war on the Hajis, Mallory tries everything under the sun to get the better of Abbas Haji, Hassan's father. She is completely stricken when she discovers that Hassan, now the head chef in his family's restaurant despite his youth, has the raw talent that she herself lacks and so she ramps up her campaign to drive the outsiders out. But a near tragedy changes her mind and she offers to teach Hassan to cook traditional French food, grooming him to become what she could not, a rising star in the French culinary world.
Taking place from Bombay to London to Paris, the sights and sounds of food and cooking permeate every aspect of the novel. I salivated my way through much of it although I freely admit that I like Indian food a whole lot more than I like French food so I was a bit disappointed that Hassan didn't create a fusion of sorts between the comfort food of his childhood and the elegant French food of his chosen adult life. Morais has managed to capture the essence of the culinary profession, the life in kitchens, and the professional worries that are all part and parcel of a chef's life.
The novel is fiction but it reads like a memoir. Certain of the characters like Madame Mallory and Abbas Haji are larger than life, utterly colorful and thoroughly entertaining. The section on London addresses the issue of immigrants better than the later section set in France although there are still moments where racism realistically rears its ugly head. Hassan's character is singularly focused so much of the narrative follows him from kitchen to kitchen, losing a bit of the larger than life quirkiness that defined the Haji family and then life at Madame Mallory's. This was a novel full of joy, contentment, and destiny fulfilled. Hassan found his calling, devoted his life to it, and made the most of his amazing talent, richly rewarded with friends and accolades alike. His early life and family determined his path for him, both personally and in the kitchen, and he embraced his role.
The writing here is descriptive and frequently mouth-watering. I only wish there had been more detail, a more complete description of the people so instrumental in Hassan's life in the second half of the book. Overall, this is a book that will appeal to food afficionados, anyone who enjoys reading about the making of a chef, and those who search out books with a hint of the exotic and the vibrant. Morais was a friend of the late Ismail Merchant and this could easily be a Merchant Ivory film, lush and decadent, just as it is written.
Show Less
LibraryThing member frisbeesage
The Hundred-Foot Journey is the story of Hassan Haji, a young Indian boy who grows up above his grandfather's restaurant in Mumbai. A tragic incident prompts his family to flee to France were Hassan shows an unexpected talent and taste for haute cuisine. The novel follows his ensuing career as a
The first part of the book centers on Hassan's family, his history and the importance of food in his life. The writing is lush, very descriptive of the tastes, smells, and sights. The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced. However, after Hassan becomes a chef the thread of the story changes. The second half of the book is mostly about the politics of the restaurant world in France. The star system of ranking, the changes in haute cuisine, and the hierarchy among chefs. I didn't like this part nearly as well and I felt like Hassan's progress was stagnant. He seems to stop developing much as a person after a certain point.
Still, a pleasant, easy read and not bad at all for a first novel. I'll be interested to see what Richard Morais writes next.
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chef and the fate of his family in France. The first part of the book centers on Hassan's family, his history and the importance of food in his life. The writing is lush, very descriptive of the tastes, smells, and sights. The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced. However, after Hassan becomes a chef the thread of the story changes. The second half of the book is mostly about the politics of the restaurant world in France. The star system of ranking, the changes in haute cuisine, and the hierarchy among chefs. I didn't like this part nearly as well and I felt like Hassan's progress was stagnant. He seems to stop developing much as a person after a certain point.
Still, a pleasant, easy read and not bad at all for a first novel. I'll be interested to see what Richard Morais writes next.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Interesting book. Like books about food.
LibraryThing member LiteraryFeline
Those of you who know me well, know I am not fond of the kitchen. I like to eat (although lately, not so much), but my tastes are rather simple. Therefore, I am not sure I would feel at home in a high class French restaurant. So what was it that drew me to a book like The Hundred-Foot Journey, a
The Hundred-Foot Journey is not a deep novel, nor is it one I would label as a light read. Hassan Haji retells his life story, about his beginnings in the family kitchen in India to his eventual training in a haute cuisine French restaurant in Lumiére, just one hundred feet away from his family's own Indian restaurant and then onto strike it on his own in Paris. His family is forced to flee India after a tragic event that destroys everything his family worked. The family's relocation to France is met with some resistance, as is their attempt to establish themselves in the restaurant business there.
There was a distance in the telling of the story, and it made getting to truly know Hassan difficult on some level. However, from what I did learn about him and his life, I liked and admired him. He has a natural talent for cooking and even his chief rival cannot deny it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book on one hand, but lacking on the other. I really would like to have gotten to know Hassan more. But there was a simplicity to the novel that was quite appealing. I enjoyed reading the behind the scene descriptions of shopping in the market for the freshest foods, the search for the perfect venue, spending time with Hassan's family, and seeing Hassan go from a young boy still trying to find his way to reaching his dreams.
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novel about a young Indian boy who pursues his dream of becoming a famous French chef? It certainly wasn't the elaborate descriptions of food and slaving over a hot stove. I do, however, enjoy an inspiring story about reaching for one's dreams. And I like going behind the scenes in worlds or lives I am not familiar with, including getting a look inside the workings of a restaurant.The Hundred-Foot Journey is not a deep novel, nor is it one I would label as a light read. Hassan Haji retells his life story, about his beginnings in the family kitchen in India to his eventual training in a haute cuisine French restaurant in Lumiére, just one hundred feet away from his family's own Indian restaurant and then onto strike it on his own in Paris. His family is forced to flee India after a tragic event that destroys everything his family worked. The family's relocation to France is met with some resistance, as is their attempt to establish themselves in the restaurant business there.
There was a distance in the telling of the story, and it made getting to truly know Hassan difficult on some level. However, from what I did learn about him and his life, I liked and admired him. He has a natural talent for cooking and even his chief rival cannot deny it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book on one hand, but lacking on the other. I really would like to have gotten to know Hassan more. But there was a simplicity to the novel that was quite appealing. I enjoyed reading the behind the scene descriptions of shopping in the market for the freshest foods, the search for the perfect venue, spending time with Hassan's family, and seeing Hassan go from a young boy still trying to find his way to reaching his dreams.
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LibraryThing member thewindowseatreader
wanted to like Hassan. I really did. Truth is, however, I did not care what happened to him. There was no connection, and I did not understand his voice and views throughout the novel. A couple of bad things happened to him, and I found myself unsympathetic and uncaring - harsh, I know! I felt more
Another issue - this read more like nonfiction to me, which is not a compliment in this case. I did not fully appreciate all of the cooking descriptions (very detailed), and I am someone relatively interested in the subject matter. The details were weighty and there were just too many in my opinion.
On the bright side, this book was short and could be read quickly if one wanted. I found myself fighting through it, but the writing is simple enough that it would not take most very long. Also, I liked the fact that there were multiple settings and that they were diverse. I liked how Morais handled the discrimination that Hassan faced throughout the story as well; the clash of the cultures was definitely present in this book! If you have a deep interest or appreciation for cooking and you can get past the lack of strong character connections, then maybe you will like The Hundred-Foot Journey more than I did.
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for a couple of his family members than for him (the protagonist), which wasn't a good sign. Several years of Hassan's life are just omitted or barely referenced, so this may have been the cause for my lack of attention on his behalf.Another issue - this read more like nonfiction to me, which is not a compliment in this case. I did not fully appreciate all of the cooking descriptions (very detailed), and I am someone relatively interested in the subject matter. The details were weighty and there were just too many in my opinion.
On the bright side, this book was short and could be read quickly if one wanted. I found myself fighting through it, but the writing is simple enough that it would not take most very long. Also, I liked the fact that there were multiple settings and that they were diverse. I liked how Morais handled the discrimination that Hassan faced throughout the story as well; the clash of the cultures was definitely present in this book! If you have a deep interest or appreciation for cooking and you can get past the lack of strong character connections, then maybe you will like The Hundred-Foot Journey more than I did.
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LibraryThing member ccayne
A different take on the standard foodie story. Hassan's family clawed their way up in India through entrepreneurial efforts centered on food. There was a tragedy and the remnants of the family fled to Europe, first England, then the French countryside. Hassan had a gift for cooking and it was this
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gift which saved him when tensions between the new Indian immigrants and the French culinary establishment embodied in Madame Mallory exploded. The good parts of this book are the food, Hassan's family struggle and the early relationship with Madame Mallory. Hassan could have been developed more fully. All in all, it was quick and fun read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Palmcroft
B-Grade: Re-read worthy.
Excellent descriptives, colorful character development that yet remains believable, very good pace for a book whose central topic is esoteric haute cuisine. Some scenes are so well drawn that they continue to haunt me months afterward.
The book rushed through the last half
I enjoyed every minute spent reading this too-brief book. I just wish the author was less well-adjusted and lived only to perfect his writing!
Excellent descriptives, colorful character development that yet remains believable, very good pace for a book whose central topic is esoteric haute cuisine. Some scenes are so well drawn that they continue to haunt me months afterward.
The book rushed through the last half
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of the main character's life, I don't know what the hurry was, but that's my only bone to pick with this one. I wish he'd either limited the timeline or spent more time on the timeline he used. The author had the seeds of a great book here, but he was just too lazy to push his talent farther, to fully render the characters and internecine politics of a global family and the upper-crust food world into a deeper, and ultimately, more satisfying dive. The author gave the story a quick tv wrap-up and moved on with his life, maybe a healthier choice for him personally.I enjoyed every minute spent reading this too-brief book. I just wish the author was less well-adjusted and lived only to perfect his writing!
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LibraryThing member mountie9
The Good Stuff
* Wonderfully vivid descriptions of the landscape and of the food
* Nice light humour
* Intriguing realistic characters
* The food is described so vividly you will become hungry while reading. I don't even like Indian food, but I was drooling by the descriptions
* I can definitely
* Nice simple story, that makes you both laugh and cry and encompasses the important theme of forgiveness
* Liked the recipes at the end, would have liked more though
* Nice character development
* Did I mention the food -- family enjoyed the creative meals I made after reading - plain old grilled chicken wasn't going to cut it after what I had read about
The Not So Good Stuff
* Think I gained 10 pounds while reading it, because I was hungry all the time
* Story falters for a little 3/4 of way through, but does pick up again
* Could have done without all the various descriptions of bodily fluids -- ick I got 2 kids I deal with sh*t all the time, don't want to read about it
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"And the strange people thronging and jostling on the sidewalks-- the ring-studded Goths in black leather and green Mohawks, the posh girls from private Hampstead day schools down for a bit of slumming, the winos lurching from rubbish bin to pub-- all this sea of humanity reassured me that as alien as I felt, there were always others in the world far odder than I."
"But what Umar obviously didn't see, and I did, was that Abhidha's face was permanently lit by the most intriguing smile. I did not know where this smile came from, in a women of twenty-three, but it was if Allah had once whispered some cosmic joke into her ear, and from then on she walked through life filtering the world through this amusing take on events."
"And in the depths of those glinting little eyes she sees the balance sheet of her life, an endless list of credits and debits, of accomplishments and failures, small acts of kindness and real acts of cruelty. And the tears finally came as she looks away, unable to see things to the very end, for she knows without looking of the terrible imbalance, how long ago the credits stopped while the debts of vanity and selfishness run on and on."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
* Fans of Chocolot and Like Water For Chocolate will very much enjoy
* Perfect for Foodies
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review - thanks guys for once again introducing me to a fantastic story that I probably never would have picked up
* Wonderfully vivid descriptions of the landscape and of the food
* Nice light humour
* Intriguing realistic characters
* The food is described so vividly you will become hungry while reading. I don't even like Indian food, but I was drooling by the descriptions
* I can definitely
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see this being made into a movie (author talks about this at the end in the acknowledgments)* Nice simple story, that makes you both laugh and cry and encompasses the important theme of forgiveness
* Liked the recipes at the end, would have liked more though
* Nice character development
* Did I mention the food -- family enjoyed the creative meals I made after reading - plain old grilled chicken wasn't going to cut it after what I had read about
The Not So Good Stuff
* Think I gained 10 pounds while reading it, because I was hungry all the time
* Story falters for a little 3/4 of way through, but does pick up again
* Could have done without all the various descriptions of bodily fluids -- ick I got 2 kids I deal with sh*t all the time, don't want to read about it
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"And the strange people thronging and jostling on the sidewalks-- the ring-studded Goths in black leather and green Mohawks, the posh girls from private Hampstead day schools down for a bit of slumming, the winos lurching from rubbish bin to pub-- all this sea of humanity reassured me that as alien as I felt, there were always others in the world far odder than I."
"But what Umar obviously didn't see, and I did, was that Abhidha's face was permanently lit by the most intriguing smile. I did not know where this smile came from, in a women of twenty-three, but it was if Allah had once whispered some cosmic joke into her ear, and from then on she walked through life filtering the world through this amusing take on events."
"And in the depths of those glinting little eyes she sees the balance sheet of her life, an endless list of credits and debits, of accomplishments and failures, small acts of kindness and real acts of cruelty. And the tears finally came as she looks away, unable to see things to the very end, for she knows without looking of the terrible imbalance, how long ago the credits stopped while the debts of vanity and selfishness run on and on."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
* Fans of Chocolot and Like Water For Chocolate will very much enjoy
* Perfect for Foodies
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review - thanks guys for once again introducing me to a fantastic story that I probably never would have picked up
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LibraryThing member sriemann
A great read that makes one want to run out and eat delicious food in a restaurant with some ambience. Can't wait to see the movie.
LibraryThing member jo-jo
This was such a fun story that brought you to many destinations including, India, London, and Paris. We followed the life of a young Indian man named Hassan and watched him develop as a chef from cooking spicy indian food to authentic french cuisine.
I was captivated by the journey that young
First they settle in London to stay with Hassan's mother's family. This seemed the most confusing time for Hassan and the only thing that he seemed to be sure of was the food that he loved. He lived a carefree and wreckless life in London, which eventually spurred their sudden departure and set them looking for a home once again.
After travelling for what seems like an eternity without a specific destination in sight, the stumble upon a french village called Lumiere that appears to have good possibilities for their homestead. Before you know it they have purchased a huge home and start operating an Indian restauraunt on the main floor. Many of the village citizens welcome the new family and restaurant into their community, except for Madame Mallory, who runs a famous french restaurant right across the street. She becomes furious as she sees her regular patrons dining across the street to try something different.
Although Hassan is just a young man, his father decides to teach him what is needed for him to become the head chef in their indian restaurant. He catches on quite quickly and enjoys cooking the meals from his home country, but for some reason he finds himself drawn to the cooking that is taking place across the street. When Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan has a natural talent in the kitchen she takes it upon herself to teach him everything that she knows about french cooking. After years of learning and cooking under the world famous Mallory, and some other help from her along the way, Hassan develops into a notable french chef himself.
I enjoyed this story with the descriptions of the various foods, the different countries and cultures. With themes of food, loss, anger, forgiveness, fulfilling one's destiny, starting over and moving on, this book really had a lot to offer. I love cultural fiction and this one did not let me down!
I was captivated by the journey that young
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Hassan had to take in order to find his true calling in life. Even as a young boy living not far from the slums in India, he found himself drawn to the markets where he could sample the various foods that were available. When Hassan's mother is tragically killed he finds himself travelling with his family in search of a place that they could call home.First they settle in London to stay with Hassan's mother's family. This seemed the most confusing time for Hassan and the only thing that he seemed to be sure of was the food that he loved. He lived a carefree and wreckless life in London, which eventually spurred their sudden departure and set them looking for a home once again.
After travelling for what seems like an eternity without a specific destination in sight, the stumble upon a french village called Lumiere that appears to have good possibilities for their homestead. Before you know it they have purchased a huge home and start operating an Indian restauraunt on the main floor. Many of the village citizens welcome the new family and restaurant into their community, except for Madame Mallory, who runs a famous french restaurant right across the street. She becomes furious as she sees her regular patrons dining across the street to try something different.
Although Hassan is just a young man, his father decides to teach him what is needed for him to become the head chef in their indian restaurant. He catches on quite quickly and enjoys cooking the meals from his home country, but for some reason he finds himself drawn to the cooking that is taking place across the street. When Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan has a natural talent in the kitchen she takes it upon herself to teach him everything that she knows about french cooking. After years of learning and cooking under the world famous Mallory, and some other help from her along the way, Hassan develops into a notable french chef himself.
I enjoyed this story with the descriptions of the various foods, the different countries and cultures. With themes of food, loss, anger, forgiveness, fulfilling one's destiny, starting over and moving on, this book really had a lot to offer. I love cultural fiction and this one did not let me down!
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LibraryThing member timtom
This is the story of Hassan, an Indian cook, recently immigrated in France, and his rapid ascension of the social chain to become the first French cook of foreign origin to receive a 3-star rating in the Guide Michelin. The "hundred foot journey" refers to the distance separating his father's curry
I found the general idea interesting and was immediately appealed by the settings: a book about India, immigration and food, what could possibly get wrong? Well, a lot, as it appears. I ended up greatly disappointed. I couldn't help but feel that by peppering his tale with bits of Urdu, French and culinary details, Morais desperately tried to hide the fact that he was neither Indian, nor French, nor a cook. The result is an impossible medley of heavy clichés and grammatical mistakes (for the French bits at least) that do more harm than good to the story.
Finally, Morais' idealization of French "haute cuisine" as the ultimate cooking nirvana definitely struck a wrong cord in me, who never had any patience with all this haughty nonsense...
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house from a French haute cuisine restaurant, where Hassan starts his apprenticeship, and a metaphor of the social and racial divide he had to cross.I found the general idea interesting and was immediately appealed by the settings: a book about India, immigration and food, what could possibly get wrong? Well, a lot, as it appears. I ended up greatly disappointed. I couldn't help but feel that by peppering his tale with bits of Urdu, French and culinary details, Morais desperately tried to hide the fact that he was neither Indian, nor French, nor a cook. The result is an impossible medley of heavy clichés and grammatical mistakes (for the French bits at least) that do more harm than good to the story.
Finally, Morais' idealization of French "haute cuisine" as the ultimate cooking nirvana definitely struck a wrong cord in me, who never had any patience with all this haughty nonsense...
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LibraryThing member MarkMeg
Interesting. An Indian becomes a French chef and becomes acquainted with the greats of the culinary world all through the efforts of Madame Mallory, a great chef, who takes him under her wing.
LibraryThing member BBleil
I didn’t care for this book very much. Both the main character and author seem to think very highly of themselves which I couldn’t appreciate. The main character is an Indian immigrant who trains as an elite French chef, and the story is told from his point of view. He contradicts himself
The author is not Indian, French, or a chef. I thought one of the suggested rules of writing is to write what you know? Maybe I’m being too harsh. My big complaint is that he confesses to developing the idea for this book in the hopes of making it a movie. If you want to make a movie, then please don’t bother with a novel.
Of course, there is more to this novel than I’m presenting. There are some funny moments, and I was curious to see how Hassan rises above an early family tragedy. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get past his arrogance and inconsistencies or the attempts of the author to write something in which he knows little in the hopes of making a movie. Sadly, IMDb.com tells me that the movie is in production with Helen Mirren in a starring role and Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey as executive producers. I guess it worked for Morais!
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throughout the telling of his story and doesn’t present the women in his life, except for his mother and the chef who teaches him, in a very good light. The author is not Indian, French, or a chef. I thought one of the suggested rules of writing is to write what you know? Maybe I’m being too harsh. My big complaint is that he confesses to developing the idea for this book in the hopes of making it a movie. If you want to make a movie, then please don’t bother with a novel.
Of course, there is more to this novel than I’m presenting. There are some funny moments, and I was curious to see how Hassan rises above an early family tragedy. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get past his arrogance and inconsistencies or the attempts of the author to write something in which he knows little in the hopes of making a movie. Sadly, IMDb.com tells me that the movie is in production with Helen Mirren in a starring role and Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey as executive producers. I guess it worked for Morais!
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
I would never have even heard of this book had it not been for Buzzfeed's 16 books to read before they hit the theaters in 2014. Apparently this is going to be a movie starring Helen Mirren and produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg.
This is a great book if you're a foodie. This book is a
As I mentioned there isn't much of a plot, food is central to the story and it moves forward as Hassan masters more in the kitchen. The characters however, are quite intriguing and I really enjoyed Madame Mallory, the two star chef that is appalled by the new Indian restaurant in town but still begrudgingly takes on the Indian boy, Hassan anyways, because she realizes that one day his talent will surpass hers in the kitchen.
An alright read. I'd really only recommend it to foodies though.
This is a great book if you're a foodie. This book is a
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homage to French classical cuisine and Indian and Pakistani food. As far as stories go there isn't a whole lot of plot. Young Hassan tells his journey of food in four stages: as a child in Mumbai, a teen in London, a student in Lumiere, and a master in Paris. In terms of food, the story is gorgeous and descriptive and made me horribly hungry. I wanted to sample all of the concoctions that Hassan describes! As I mentioned there isn't much of a plot, food is central to the story and it moves forward as Hassan masters more in the kitchen. The characters however, are quite intriguing and I really enjoyed Madame Mallory, the two star chef that is appalled by the new Indian restaurant in town but still begrudgingly takes on the Indian boy, Hassan anyways, because she realizes that one day his talent will surpass hers in the kitchen.
An alright read. I'd really only recommend it to foodies though.
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LibraryThing member cathgilmore
I am almost speechless at how much I enjoyed this book. The Hundred-Foot Journey
is a beautiful, thoughtfully written story about one man’s trek from unwelcome immigrant to renowned chef in Paris. Hassam Haji starts life living above his grandfather's restaurant in Mumbai. When they family leaves
I was captivated not only by the story itself but by author Richard Morais' evocative descriptions of food. Like a great chef who skillfully brings together all the components of a perfect meal Morais weaves sentences that make your mouth water and leave you wanting more.
I could go on with my comparisons of writing and cooking but I’ll boil it down by saying read this book! It is a lovely ode to the magic of food that will fill you up until the last page, when you’ll smile and push back from the table feeling wonderfully, happily satisfied (I couldn’t resist).
is a beautiful, thoughtfully written story about one man’s trek from unwelcome immigrant to renowned chef in Paris. Hassam Haji starts life living above his grandfather's restaurant in Mumbai. When they family leaves
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india and settles in France it becomes Hassam's dream to be a chef in a French restaurant. His decision to abandon his native cuisine impacts all his family relationships but his efforts to be accepted by the French culinary culture are the meat of the story.I was captivated not only by the story itself but by author Richard Morais' evocative descriptions of food. Like a great chef who skillfully brings together all the components of a perfect meal Morais weaves sentences that make your mouth water and leave you wanting more.
I could go on with my comparisons of writing and cooking but I’ll boil it down by saying read this book! It is a lovely ode to the magic of food that will fill you up until the last page, when you’ll smile and push back from the table feeling wonderfully, happily satisfied (I couldn’t resist).
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LibraryThing member nyiper
Beautiful descriptions---the writing was wonderful even though I got a little lost in people's names, ie., keeping straight who was who, and understanding the food varieties. And three stars---worth all the effort? Maybe that's the big question.
LibraryThing member kmmt48
An acceptable plot line, interesting characters but not much action as we follow a budding professional chef from his childhood in India to the top of the French cuisine world of Paris. Flowery passages of French and Indian cooking. A little goes a long way. No surprises here. Actually, I think the
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movie may be of more interest with the exceptional talents of Helen Mirren to play the young chef's nemesis as well as his benefactor. O.K. read for a rainy day. Show Less
LibraryThing member missjomarch
I chose to read this book solely on the fact that members of my book club suggested we read it "on the side" of our current selection so as to see the movie together. I think thus far I'm the only one who has read it.
Beginning in Mumbai this is far more than a hundred foot journey. After the Haji
Richard Morias is skilled in his description from the picturesque countryside to the mouth-watering creations the chefs in this story create. I truly appreciate the details an author uses to paint a scene where the result is my wanting to visit a place I've never been, taste a food I've never tried or make a dish I've never cooked. This was a most pleasant read and would definitely one I recommend. Any foodie would adore this novel. I expect it will be a great movie.
How I acquired this book: Sent my son on an errand to purchase for me.
Shelf life: None, read immediately
Beginning in Mumbai this is far more than a hundred foot journey. After the Haji
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family experience a tragic event they decide to move to London first to start over but end up settling in the small village of Lumiere nestled in the French Alps where they open an Indian restaurant. Across the street is long time resident and favorite local chef Madame Mallory and her beautifully esteemed hotel and restaurant. Not welcoming the competition nor flamboyant style of these foreigners she sets out to ruin them in what becomes a battle of wills between she and the Haji's. After some clashing Madame Mallory agrees to mentor Hassan, the son of Haji who she suspects holds great potential as a future chef.Richard Morias is skilled in his description from the picturesque countryside to the mouth-watering creations the chefs in this story create. I truly appreciate the details an author uses to paint a scene where the result is my wanting to visit a place I've never been, taste a food I've never tried or make a dish I've never cooked. This was a most pleasant read and would definitely one I recommend. Any foodie would adore this novel. I expect it will be a great movie.
How I acquired this book: Sent my son on an errand to purchase for me.
Shelf life: None, read immediately
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LibraryThing member amachiski
My book club loves both food and books so I picked this book thinking it would be a nice change. The story is about Hassan, a young boy whose world revolved around food. I loved his loud, boisterous family. The characters are all wonderfully portrayed with some laugh out loud funny antics. I loved
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reading about their travels from Mumbai to London to Lumiere to Paris. We all felt this was a nice easy read. Food is the language of this book. You can hear, smell and taste the ambiance of the Indian and French kitchens . I always enjoy an inspiring story about reaching for one's dreams. I thought it was interesting to see inside the world of gourmet restaurants and seeing behind the scenes. Show Less
Call number
FIC J Mor