There’s nothing quite so beautiful as Paris in the spring; and when you add in the chance to learn the French way of food, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, who can resist? Not Gabi Picabea or Kate Evans who have come from Australia to Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School.
Both are at a crossroads, and learning to cook the French way in Paris, far away from all their troubles, seems like the perfect escape.
Still bruised from a shocking betrayal by her ex-husband, Kate is trying to find a new place for herself in life, and emotional peace, while French-Australian artist Gabi is struggling with a crippling creative block.
Meanwhile, Sylvie herself is facing challenges of her own – a mysterious harassment campaign against the School and a reassessment of her relationship with her commitment-shy lover Claude.
For each of the women, that extraordinary April in Paris will bring unexpected twists and transformations that will change the course of their lives.
A delectable novel about love, hope and the consolations of the perfect strawberry tart, The Paris Cooking School is a treat for the soul.
Comment: I brought this book from the library because the blurb seemed interesting and I imagined it would be a sweet story.
The Culinary School of Paris is a project imagined to give those who attend a true Parisian experience to learn about cooking, especially for those who are amateurs. Sylvie Morel, the owner, is proud of her life work but things haven't been great lately, and her relationship with her partner Claude is stagnated. Still, she welcomes the new students, among which Kate and Gabi, who both seek to learn more and to have a different experience in life. However, despite the things they all have in common, each one has to deal with a different challenge... will this experience be what they look for after all?
This was a sweet story, that is true, because the characters are easy to like and dislike depending on their personalities, and the narrative was pleasant and easy to follow... the issue is that there wasn't much to it, emotionally. The plot is easy but bland and the characters are likable but not as dimensional as I think the story merited.
There are three main characters in this story, three women who meet because of the school and whose lives will mix in unexpected ways. At first Sylvie is only a mentor but as things progress all of them become closer and the experiences they have individually also contribute for their understanding of each other's issues and the dynamics of who they are in the school. I think the whole school situation was not as developed as I thought. Yes, there are many references to what they do there but not in such a way I think it should, if the school is the location which brings everyone together.
All three women are interesting but not more beyond that. I really think the writing style isn't vibrant nor stimulating enough to being everyone to life or for the issues they face to be seen as urgent as it is made to seem. Sadly, this ended up being a very superficial story. I'm not saying this should have been more dramatic or something, but there is certainly some element of seriousness to what we see that is missing. The characters aren't as dimensional as they could, for instance.
Sylvie, the school's owner, is dealing with some online nuisance, then a partner who she isn't in love anymore and a son who decides to live and marry abroad. She also finally sees her neighbor for who he is for her, sentimentally. There's a lot to unpack here, but it's all very straight and narrow in how is presented, as of the author had a list of things to accomplish and say, and that was it. There was no special emotion linked to this character and her struggles besides the basics.
Gabi is at the school to learn more about french cuisine, since it means something to her parents, and in the process she falls in love with Max, a cheese expert, but their relationship is tested when it becomes known he comes from a very distinguished family and there is pressure for her to see how unsuitable they are. Of course, this break up doesn't last long and they get together again... I mean, this was cute and they do get along, but it's predictable and superficial....nothing about these two is remarkable.
Kate is the other main character, someone dealing with the end of a relationship and what it meant for a business she had with her ex. She likes cooking, like the others and she randomly meets a guy who lives in a boat and they are perfect for each other after some obstacles.... I liked Kate most of all, as a character, but the issues she is dealing with seem very forgettable and her characterization doesn't seem to evolve much from the life lessons she is supposedly learning. Her journey is cute but that's it.
It was very easy to read this book, and there are certainly many references to food, to cooking, to produce and many things that did make my mouth water just thinking about the possibility of trying some of them. I think the end was also cute enough and some of the (very) mild secrets ongoing were quickly solved. All the ladies end with a new romance. I mean, this was super predictable and average and I'm glad it was a library book because it wasn't very impressive as a reading material, so I appreciate I don't feel I "wasted" money.
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