Play Audiobook Sample
White Truffles in Winter: A Novel Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.02) - 510 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
A breathtaking novel, rare and moving, about the world's greatest chef and his unruly heart. WHITE TRUFFLES IN WINTER imagines the world of the remarkable French chef Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), who changed how we eat through his legendary restaurants at the Savoy and the Ritz. A man of contradictions—kind yet imperious, food-obsessed yet rarely hungry—Escoffier was also torn between two women: the famous, beautiful, and reckless actress Sarah Bernhardt and his wife, the independent and sublime poet Delphine Daffis, who refused ever to leave Monte Carlo. In the last year of Escoffier's life, in the middle of writing his memoirs, he has returned to Delphine, who requests a dish in her name as he has honored Bernhardt, Queen Victoria, and many others. How does one define the complexity of love on a single plate? N. M. Kelby brings us the sensuality of food and love amid a world on the verge of war in this work that shimmers with beauty and longing.
Download and start listening now!
"I thought this was a great read. Based on a real man, Escoffier, a master chef who revolutionized food and dining in the early part of the century. The author took a few details known about his life and created a story filled with love, regret, and of course amazing food. I seriously loved the passion he had for food and wished I could have sat down to a meal or two created by him. Loved how the story was told through flashbacks as Escoffier knows he is close to death-it adds a depth of sadness and regret for poor choices he made throughout his life. Thanks for the recommendation, Nat!"
— Amy (4 out of 5 stars)
Awards
-
Selected for the November 2011 Indie Next List
White Truffles in Winter Listener Reviews
-
" Loved the story...some good recipes too! "
— Bobbi, 2/16/2014 -
" Really enjoyed the history in this book and the information about cooking, but the characters and plot development fell short for me. I just wanted more about the relationship between Delphine and Escoffier. Loved the imaginative way that the story was told, but it might have been a bit of a hinderance since you don't get quite enough character development and story. "
— Heather, 2/4/2014 -
" Good novel based on the later years of Auguste Escoffier. However, the writing is sometimes hackneyed and ham-fisted. "
— Ron, 1/21/2014 -
" Beautifully written. I didn't want the story to end. "
— Ariste, 1/17/2014 -
" the writing can come across as flowery but fortunately for the writer she has great control over her pen. it's a fascinating fictional love story weaving the themes of love, betrayal and disappointment. "
— Mehrunnisa, 1/7/2014 -
" I loved the food parts of this book. The storyline itself was ok. "
— Leesteffy, 1/6/2014 -
" Yes, I love food. I also love history. Combine the two with some twists of fiction and its luscious. "
— Mamabee, 12/29/2013 -
" A novel about the life and times of the great Chef Auguste Escoffier told in flashbacks at the end of his life. I loved this book. Who would have imagined a book about a Chef would touch the heart as this one does? "
— David, 12/12/2013 -
" A good book for foodies or historical fiction fans that's full of the lush descriptions of elaborate menus expected in a story about a famous chef. "
— Sara, 12/3/2013 -
" I would actually give this book 3.5 stars if I could. Caution this book will make you hungry...... "
— Rebecca, 12/1/2013 -
" This book is making me hungry! Must read on a full stomach! "
— Robin, 11/24/2013 -
" I had never heard of the famous and passionate chef Escoffier before. Every foodie should read this! "
— Nmsbay, 8/24/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book! The characters fit into the plot and it had great closure at the end. The writing style was a little different but I think it added to the book's flow. Be warned: don't read this book if you are hungry! I ended up snacking the entire time I was reading! "
— Katherine, 7/9/2012 -
" Lovely, literary historical fiction about the famous chef Escoffier. Food descriptions are basted with sensuality. A talented writer! "
— Krenner1, 6/30/2012 -
" fictional story of French chef Auguste Escoffier. A little long winded but I kept reading. I would love to eat some of the dishes he created. But then there were others not so much. "
— Susie, 12/17/2011 -
" Escoffier, one of the finest chefs ever, is the main character in this story. It is about his life, his loves, his wife and his obsession with the great Sarah Bernhardt. It took me quite a few pages to get into it, never a good sign. I did enjoy reading all the food descriptions though. "
— Carmen, 10/29/2011
About the Authors
Nicole Mary Kelby is the critically acclaimed author of White Truffles in Winter, In the Company of Angels, Whale Season, The Pink Suit, and the Florida Book Award winner A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts, among other works. She lives in Saint Paul.