Book Log 2019 #34: Provence, 1970 by Luke Barr

Barr, the grand nephew of M. F. K. Fisher, one of the best known American food writers of the 20th century. In 1970, Fisher was in Provence at the same time as a number of other figures in American gastronomy - Julia Child and James Beard most notably - and they spent their time together eating, drinking, and discussing the state of food in France and America. Barr reconstructs these meetings through the journals and letters of Fisher, Child, and Beard, with embellishments of his own memories of Fisher.

While the jacket copy makes it sound like this period was pivotal in the history of American cuisine, I think the book is really most successful in the way it portrays how good food and lively conversation build on each other, leading to memorable moments that endure well after everyone heads home. It also makes me wonder why we all don't just live in Provence, enjoying the fruits of the farm, orchard, and vineyard during long evenings at a farmhouse.

If you have any interest in food you should read this, and probably seek out some of Fisher's writings as well (which I have admittedly failed to do, but will hopefully correct soon).