A National Bestseller Winner of an International Association of Culinary Professionals Award for Literary Food Writing “An absorbing portrait of an unexpected friendship.†— Entertainment Weekly“Julia’s inimitable voice shines through . . . These letters offer [a] glimpse of how the truly great can merge heart and soul in the pursuit of excellence.†— Wall Street JournalJulia is known around the world by her first name alone. But how much do we really know of the inner Julia Child? Through this riveting correspondence between Julia and Avis DeVoto; her “pen pal†and literary mentor; we hear Julia’s deepest thoughts and feelings and witness the blossoming of a unique and lifelong friendship. We see; too; the turbulent creation of one of the most influential cookbooks ever written. Frank; bawdy; funny; exuberant; these astonishing letters show an America on the verge of political; social; and gastronomic transformation and two women deeply engaged in the making of that new world.“[Child] comes booming back to life in these dishy missives . . . A delicious read.†— People (3½ of 4 stars) “Blazingly alive and entirely irresistible.†— Boston Globe
#253353 in Books 2013-05-07 2013-05-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.31l; .55 #File Name: 0544035011336 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The Difference on D-DayBy jmcneillAfter reading numerous writings and biographies on WWII; I could never really understand why the Nazis kept their reserves entrenched at Pas de Calais instead of reinforcing its troops at Normandy. I understood that massive deception was involved; but it didn't seem to explain the magnitude of the blunder. The story of Garbo; though more incredible than the blunder itself; finally gives the backdrop and substance I was missing.I recommend this book most highly to anyone curious about how the Allies succeeded at Normandy. I believe Garbo and his fellow agents were responsible for not only the delay of the German reserves; but the thin line between failure and success at D-Day. Failure would have cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides and a prolonged ending to the war.Most believe that D-Day success was inevitable due to the sheer force of the invasion. This book explains just how close failure of the Allies loomed and how Garbo and his fellow agents made all the difference. Eisenhower said Garbo was worth an entire Division of troops. This is a huge understatement. This story makes clear that Garbo and the ruse to attack Pas de Calais were an entire Army that pinned down German reinforcements to Normandy.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This Man Deserves To Be Read AboutBy Jim R.Here is why I gave this story a 4 instead of a 5. It was very difficult for me to get through. For as exciting as this story is not was; is; this book should have moved way; way faster. I would be curious to know if others feel the same way.Now; as far as the subject matter:If you are an American with any care at all about our history; the Brits; and the men who died at Normandy Beach; it is a must that you read this book.Juan Pujol saw what was happening from Madrid; Span and thought he had to do something to help the allies. Folks; this guy was a self taught spy!!! Unbelievable stuff. He put his life on the line for us; his family suffered; his whole nature of being suffered. Now; you have to have somewhat of an addiction to excitement to take something like this on; there are two sides; but putting that part of it a side: Wow! Everyone owes it to themselves to know about this man and what he did. If you don't read the book; watch the History Channel and find out about him that way or read Wikipedia. Amazing; amazing stuff!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. D-Day's Super SpyBy MGarbo; code name of a Spanish spy for the Allies; was an amazing actor; fooling the Germans by inventing a stable of spies who reported to him from all parts of England. His imagination thought up schemes that the British often thought were too "far out" for the Germans to believe; but 99% of the time; when his fabrications were accepted to be sent to the enemy; they succeeded; and he became who they considered to be their trusted spy. I know there are other books out on the subject of the D-Day deception; but "Garbo's" whole life is a fascinating story; not just the final deception.
