Everyone likes food. Everyone. This is something that has been true since time began, and will continue to be true until time ends. Food is something that keeps us going, but it’s also something to be savored and enjoyed. If you’re a fan of French literature, or just literature in general, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name Honore de Balzac. Anka Muhlstein’s newest book, Balzac’s Omelette, published by Other Press, takes the reader on a journey through French history, literature, and of course, cuisine.
Balzac was one of the first writers to allow food to be as much of a character as the ones in his books. He used food to help describe a character’s personality to the reader. If someone is uptight, a stingy lover or a miser, then Balzac would reflect that in not only the food the character ate, but also in how the food was presented. Food was not just simply an accessory to Balzac, but rather an important tool in portraying the worlds in his books.
Muhlstein takes us through the work of Balzac, as well as the life of the man himself, and offers us a glimpse into the making of his realm. She introduces us to his friends, his colleagues and the intimate domain of his books.
With her wit and her appetizing use of words, Muhlstein teaches you about history AND about Balzac without you even realizing that you’re learning. If only high school history was this easy…
By the end of this uniquely packaged book, you will feel full. Not with food, of course, but with knowledge.
You can find Balzac’s Omelette at any of Tulsa’s local book stores: Barnes & Noble and Gardners.
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