From the author of the New York Times bestseller, "The
Elegance of the Hedgehog." In the heart of Paris, in the posh
building made famous in "The Elegance of the Hedgehog," Pierre
Athens, the greatest food critic in the world, is dying. Revered by
some and reviled by many, Monsieur Arthens has been lording it over
the world''s most esteemed chefs for years, passing judgment on
their creations, deciding their fates with a stroke of his pen,
destroying and building reputations on a whim. But now, during
these his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is
desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime
something once sampled, never forgotten, "the Flavor" par
excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires
only one thing before he dies: one last taste. Thus begins a
charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from
childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of
culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious
Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and
familiars-relatives, lovers, a would-be protAcgAc, even a cat.
Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has
inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in "The Elegance
of Hedgehog," Muriel Barbery''s story celebrates life''s simple
pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and
vulgarity of power.