Review of 'The Paris Cooking School' by Sophie Beaumont

Review of 'The Paris Cooking School' by Sophie Beaumont

Release date: November 1st, 2023

Publisher: Ultimo Press

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What the story is about. Blurb from publisher.

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 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.

REVIEW

I was out shopping when I stumbled across this delicious looking novel. The cover, along with the title, caught my attention. I enjoy novels that are set in Paris and when they mention French cooking, too, that adds extra flavour to my interest! The French culture is a big part of my Canadian background and I always loved visiting Quebec City and Montreal on breaks when I was in university. Sadly, I have not been to Paris, except by way of novels, movies and television. But after reading Sophie Beaumont’s The Paris Cooking School, I feel I have absorbed some of her first hand experiences through her setting and characters. And revelled in the book’s literary feasts of food, art and love.

Along with the culinary treats, the landscape descriptions are exquisite. I particularly enjoyed Monet’s garden and truly felt transported to its illuminating inspiring beauty. Like Sylvie, I was enchanted by the brilliant explosion of colour—the meadow daisies, purple pansies, blue forget-me-nots and various tulip shades. Then there’s the ravishing spring blossoms on the cherry and crab apple trees, jasmine scents drifting on the winds, calming splendour of sparkling ponds, a serenade of butterflies floating by and so on. Of course, images of the famous little bridge “featured in so many photographs” and Monet’s charming old homestead. Suggestions of foods cooked for Monet are woven throughout the scene, bringing Sylvie’s own memories to the surface of her family in the kitchen.

Australian Gabi with French parents has come to Paris for relief from her personal and professional battles. She has been wounded and needs to break the dam that has held back the flow of her art for a time. Escaping to Paris for a cooking class at Sylvie’s school will give her another perspective on life, art and love. She will meet someone who will turn her heart and world around—even challenge her but the experience will bring her closer to what she seeks. It will be the catalyst of great change and flood her with fresh vision for her art. I particularly found Gabi’s journey memorable and delightful as I watched her grow and find her strength and purpose again. It was also lovely to see her connect with her parents’ roots. There are some beautiful descriptions of the area, too. Both internal and external landscapes prove uplifting and inspiring.

Kate has come from Australia as well to the cooking school, escaping a broken heart. She has experienced a romantic betrayal. Kate has lost some faith in security: in her marriage, work and her role. Will Paris help restore what has been lost and give her a fresh start?

One of the beauties of this novel is tied up in an appropriate phrase in the text: ‘It was the individual human stories that caught at (my) heart.’ This novel is brimming with individual stories (particularly of three women) and they certainly captured my attention. Along with the magical gorgeous setting. The quote used at the beginning of the novel by Victor Hugo is also appropriate: “Breathe in Paris, it preserves the soul.’ I loved this stunning story that oozes colour, depth and creative expression. And provides a satisfying ending. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️