GOURMET RHAPSODY

u003cpu003eu003cbu003eA French food critic faces his mortality in an "entertaining [and] witty" novel by the New York Times-bestselling author of u003ciu003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehogu003c/iu003e (u003ciu003eNewsdayu003c/iu003e).u003c/bu003e u003cpu003eIn the heart of Paris, in the same posh building made famous in u003ciu003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehogu003c/iu003e, Pierre Arthens, the greatest food critic in the world, is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many, Monsieur Arthens has been lording it over the world's most esteemed chefs for years, passing judgment on their creations, deciding their fates with a stroke of his pen, destroying and building reputations on a whim. But now, during his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste.Thus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars--relatives, lovers, a would-be protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in u003ciu003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehogu003c/iu003e, Muriel Barbery's story celebrates life's simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power. u003cpu003e"Lush and satisfying prose."--u003ciu003ePublishers Weeklyu003c/iu003eu003c/pu003e