Julia Child has always been one of my idols. I loved her enthusiasm and the way she brought something of herself to everything she did. I consider it a great boon  that I can still go back and see her on tape or read her words in a cookbook. I planted a Julia Child rose in my garden in her memory. It is a glorious blowsy yellow thing- full of life and scent, classy and unabashed at the same time. Just the way I like to remember her.
I am currently listening to the Books on Tape version of My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme, narrated by Kimberly Farr.

I am greatly enjoying this recollection of Julia and Paul Child’s years in France and the genesis of her career as a force majeure in la belle cuisine. There is a sense of anticipation as she moves from newly married wife in post-war France towards the iconic explorer that lead us into new gastronomic realms.

As a person who grew up with her as a fixture on public television it is also enlightening for me to see the research, hard work and stamina that went into Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

My Life in France was written in the last years of her life- largely from correspondence kept by family members and with her recollection under the loving attention of Alex Prud’homme. It seems to illustrate the genuine humanity and humor of a person who lived life with great enthusiasm and gusto. Bravo Julia! You are missed!!!

Kimberly Farr does an excellent job of navigating through the pronunciations of epic numbers of French dishes as well as switching to German for the Childs’ stint in Bonn. She gives a voice to Julia’s narrative which complements rather than competes with my memories.

I’m finishing it up tomorrow. I’ll let you know if something changes, but I give it a 5-spoon rating so far.