In the kitchen with Julia
by Lucy S
The French chef in America : Julia Child's second act
Alex Prud’homme, Julia Child's grandnephew, was the co-author with Child of My Life in France. In his new book, The French Chef in America: Julia Child’s Second Act, he picks up where that story left off. Prud’homme takes us from the beginning of Julia Child's television career to the last days of her life, and succeeds in delivering many tales that highlight the essence and esprit of Child, strong in her convictions, yet always playful. Prud’homme chronicles Child's many successes but also reveals the books, shows and recipes that weren’t an immediate hit. We journey with her from France to Cambridge, Massachusetts and back again many times, and are given an intimate look at her long, loving marriage to and partnership with Paul Child. Paul was responsible for many of the photographs in her books, including all of the photographs in The French Chef in America. We also learn of Child's longtime partnership with her editor, Judith Jones, of her friendship and collaboration with Simca Beck, of her friends in the business, like Jacques Pepin and James Beard, and many celebrity chefs who got their start under her tutelage, such as Sara Moulton and Emeril Lagasse. Julia Child worked until the end of her life, and in a particularly poignant passage, Prud’homme shares the story of the 93rd birthday party that she planned, but never made it to. Yet there were all her biggest fans, colleagues, friends and family members now gathered together, thanks to her, to celebrate her life.
Julia Child created an enduring legacy and helped pave the way for women in the culinary field. Alex Prud'homme has given us a wonderful glimpse into her enthusiasm and vitality and the many lives she touched. She greatly informed the way we eat and celebrate food today.
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