The Gastronomical Me
by M. F. K. Fisher
M.F. K. Fisher’s book The
Gastronomical Me presents a really creative and interesting way to write an
autobiography of your early life by. Fisher, who grew up in California, chronicles
a 29-year period of her life from her childhood days through her 40’s. Each chapter tells a brief history of what
she was doing (at home with family, going to college, traveling around the
world, being married to a young struggling professor, and finally being present
as her second husband dies from a debilitating disease), but, just as
importantly, she connects each chapter to food! From something she learned to
cook, to an exquisite meal she had during the memorable experience she wrote
about in the chapter, there’s always a connection. Each experience in her life was connected to
a new cuisine, a delicious dessert, or even home grown vegetables that simmered
on the stove. Your taste buds will flare up as she describes in depth the food
choice of that day/experience. Fisher is
a woman ahead of her time. The first
chapter begins in 1912, a time when woman had few opportunities to ‘follow
their dreams’, but Fisher did just that.
She left home for college, ventured with her newlywed husband to Europe
for his first job, then traveled the world after their marriage disintegrated
and she fell in love with another man. A
really unique way to illustrate the coming of age of a fiercely independent
woman while receiving new recipes and food choices to expand the palate. A very accessible read that I thoroughly
enjoyed. Fisher’s life is one worth
learning about.
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