This prequel to the <i>New York Times</i> bestseller <i>The Elegance of the Hedgehog</i> tells the story of another occupant of the posh apartment building in Paris: the great food critic Pierre Arthens. As his life draws to a close he reflects back on its many flavors and on a singular sublime something once sampled and never forgotten.<br><br>In the heart of Paris in the posh building made famous in <I>The Elegance of the Hedgehog</I> the greatest food critic in the world is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many Monsieur Pierre Arthens has been lording it over the world’s most esteemed chefs for years. 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 <I>the </I>Flavor par excellence. <BR /> <BR />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 protégé even a cat. Each will have his or her say about Monsieur Arthens a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here as in <I>The Elegance of the Hedgehog</I> Muriel Barbery’s story celebrates life’s simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power.
