November 30, 2012

The School of Essential Ingredients a bit heavy on metaphors

The School of Essential IngredientsThe School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This literary novel, though often reviewed as a book best enjoyed by foodies, is really a novel about relationships. It starts with Lillian, a child whose mother was there in body, but not in spirit. Lillian tries to coax her mother to notice her by cooking for her. She grows to become a restaurant owner and chef. She holds cooking classes on Monday nights, the one night per week that the restaurant is closed.

This story isn't just about Lillian though; it's far more focused on the cast of characters who attend her classes. Bauermeister is so good at creating these characters that you care about them as they reminisce on their past mistakes, fears, unhappiness, and open to a new day like morning glories in the sunlight (there's one for you, simile/metaphor).

Metaphors abound in Bauermeister's book. In fact, it's a little heavy with simile and metaphor, so much so that I even found one sentence that contained two. That is the only fault this book held. Otherwise, it is a beautiful story well written and thoroughly enjoyed.


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