What We've Been Reading

Within the span of a few days, I began and finished The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones. Although not a lasting piece of literature, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone. The author easily pulls together a few strong themes - love, loss and being an outsider. But she keeps these potentially strong themes as simple subplots, allowing the tie between food and Chinese culture to carry the book.

I know, that makes it sound like a kind of boring book. Far from it. This book was a quick read, with an easy story that has both believability and a level of suspense, without being too depressing or unrealistically perky. The story itself is good, and worth a read on its own.

For those interested in life in China, I strongly recommend this book. The author has clearly lived as an expatriate in Beijing, and easily describes life on the outside of Chinese culture - from the sleaze of too many expat men to the simple fact that a Westerner will never fully belong in China. Her insights into the food and its ties to culture are astounding, and many of them new to me. Her understanding of the local culture surpasses mine - and sensibly so, as she conducted business in China for nearly a decade.

For a good story and a good read, The Last Chinese Chef does not disappoint - no surprise, as the author also wrote bestseller Lost in Translation.

As an interesting primer of expat life in China, and on Chinese culture the book informs in an entertaining and accessible way.