***100 Days of Summer Reading 2023***
Reading Prompt: Book with the name of a country in the title
Virtual 12 sided dice roll: 10
I have fond memories of watching Julia Child’s television show when I was a kid. I loved her voice and her confiding approach to her audience. Perhaps part of my own enthusiasm for cooking can be attributed to Mrs. Child. I've been meaning to read this memoir for ages and finally took the bull by the horns!
Julia seems to have been an extrovert and an optimist. Nevertheless she had her frustrations in life. She and her father couldn't see eye to eye on American politics which seems to have prevented a close relationship. Her husband Paul's government job was unpredictable, not as well paid as they could have hoped, and was made uncomfortable by McCarthyism. However Julia seems to have focused on the positives in her life: a good marriage, her love of France, and her French cookbook project.
Lucky is the person who discovers a subject which enthralls them! And to have a supportive spouse who shares your interest is a bonus. A lot of Paul Child comes through in this memoir too. His lovely photos illustrate the book. His love of France took the couple to Europe, where Julia discovered herself. Paul was not a controlling husband, rather he was an adventurous man who appreciated having a partner in crime. They seem to have been extremely well suited as a couple.
Reading this book most definitely inspired me to return to the kitchen, although not to practice the art of French cooking. But I did enjoy a lovely Carrot and Lots of Garlic Soup last night, accompanied by a gluten free Olive Bread with Parmesan and Sun Dried Tomatoes. Julia would likely disapprove of my use of pre-shredded cheese, but the results pleased me and that's what counts.
I loved her chatty, jaunty style of writing. It felt rather like sitting at the kitchen table, visiting with a friend. Her descriptions of the French countryside and of her local stomping grounds were poetic and clearly revealed her love of her adoptive country. What a wonderful life Julia lived!
No comments:
Post a Comment