by Agnès Desarthe, Translated by Adriana Hunter
‘Chez Moi will give you cravings. You can’t eat this book, but do read it. It’s full of tasty pleasures and zero calories.’
Elle
Included in the Introductory Offer: 20% Off All Titles discount
Myriam’s decision to open a restaurant in her Paris flat is characteristically unexpected and transforms her life in a curious way. For six years, Myriam has been living in self-imposed exile, cut off from her cool, reserved husband and from her son, and the opening night of Chez Moi is typically desolate.
But little by little, Myriam’s mouth-watering dishes draw people in, first the florist from across the road, followed by the school children tempted by a four-euro lunch, and then Ben, the most unflappable and devoted of waiters. As the restaurant sizzles towards success, figures and feelings from Myriam’s past also begin to emerge, gradually re-awakening her appetite for life, both the bitter parts and the sweet. Simmering with stories, recipes, observations and dreams, Chez Moi serves up a painfully adult story, with an irresistible sprinkling of wonder and magic.
Portobello Books has been shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year 2009!