This is a rich, lyrical memoir from one of America’s original food writers. M.F.K. Fisher elevates meals to moments of transformation and weaves together food, travel, and the spectrum of human emotions with style and wit. If you love thoughtful foodie writing, memoirs packed with atmosphere and character, or vintage takes on French cuisine and expat life, you’ll find lots to savor here. Fans of personal essays and culinary nostalgia will relish this classic.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find Fisher’s style a bit meandering or even snobbish at times, and the book isn’t a straight-up biography or a conventional travelogue. If you’re seeking a neat, chronological story or easy recipes, you might be disappointed. The narrative can feel elliptical, with missing details about her personal life, and a few sections (like her time in Mexico) can feel disconnected to some.

A beautifully written, evocative collection that’s more about flavor and feeling than plot - perfect for the reflective reader who loves food, memoir, and finely crafted prose.

About:

The Gastronomical Me by M.F.K. Fisher is a captivating collection of personal essays focusing on the author's love for food and the experiences that shaped her life, particularly during her time in France in the 1930s. Fisher's unique prose blends culinary delights with intimate reflections, offering readers a taste of her life through beautifully written stories that evoke strong emotions and vivid imagery. Though not a standard autobiography, it masterfully intertwines food, memory, and personal insight, making it relatable and engaging for those who enjoy culinary literature.

Fisher's writing style is known for its grace, wit, and occasional snobbery, which some readers may find unsettling yet ultimately endearing. Her ability to capture the essence of flavors and experiences draws readers into her world, allowing them to savor each moment alongside her. The book is noted for its lively storytelling, highlighting the intricate relationship between food, love, and personal identity. Despite some critiques regarding gaps in her personal narrative, the essays resonate deeply, making this a beloved classic among food enthusiasts and memoir readers alike.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by vivid imagery and a blend of memoir and personal essay.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around personal stories that intertwine food with meaningful life experiences.

Setting:

The setting revolves around France, particularly in the historical context of the early 20th century.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with lively stories contrasted by more introspective passages.

Genres:

Topics:

food and culinary experiences

personal reflection

cultural observations

identity and self discovery

life in france

food as a central theme

journey of self discovery

nostalgia

Notes:

M.F.K. Fisher, born Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, was a prominent American food writer.

She lived in France starting in 1929, experiencing cultural adjustments firsthand.

The Gastronomical Me is noted for its vivid and graphic portrayal of Fisher's experiences with food and life.

Fisher's writing style is described as graceful, vivid, and sometimes rambling or neurotic.

The book features a mix of personal memoir and culinary essay.

Two notable essays in the book are 'Define This Word' and 'I Remember Three Restaurants.'

Fisher's works are often compared to renowned authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

The book captures themes of food, love, and the complexities of human emotions.

Some readers find her tone snobbish, reflecting her background and experiences.

The book is not a traditional biography but a literary sketch that leaves gaps in her personal life story.

The Gastronomical Me was first published in 1943 and has been reissued, highlighting its lasting impact.

Fisher's writing explores the connection between food and personal experiences.

She is often considered America's first food writer and an early influencer in culinary literature.

From The Publisher:

In 1929, a newly married M.F.K. Fisher said goodbye to a milquetoast American culinary upbringing and sailed with her husband to Dijon, where she tasted real French cooking for the first time. The Gastronomical Me is a chronicle of her passionate embrace of a whole new way of eating, drinking, and celebrating the senses. As she recounts memorable meals shared with an assortment of eccentric and fascinating characters, set against a backdrop of mounting pre-war tensions, we witness the formation not only of her taste but of her character and her prodigious talent.

1989

•

277 pages

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (3)

What can you read after
The Gastronomical Me?

See the list (56 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Gastronomical Me

M.F.K. Fisher, Bee Wilson

Who Would Like This Book: