Published: 2024
Series: N/A
Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Grade Levels: 5, 6, 7, 8
Content Warnings: N/A
Format: eBook (Kindle, Sora, Libby, etc.)
Goodreads Link: I Was the Chef of the Last Chinese Emperor
Publisher’s Summary:
In the final days of the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City stands as a symbol of fading imperial glory. At its heart, a master chef holds the key to more than just exquisite flavors—he wields the power of influence through food. I Was the Chef of the Last Chinese Emperor is a compelling work of historical fiction that chronicles the life of the emperor’s personal chef, a man tasked with preserving the unity and dignity of a crumbling empire through the dishes he serves.
As China faces internal strife and external pressures, the chef’s role becomes increasingly critical. His culinary creations are more than just meals; they are diplomatic tools, each plate carefully crafted to send messages of loyalty, strength, and hope to the fractured leaders of the empire. Through his eyes, readers are taken on a journey deep into the opulent yet precarious world of the imperial court, where every decision could mean the difference between peace and chaos.
In this richly woven narrative, the chef navigates a web of palace intrigue, rebellion, and personal struggle, all while striving to maintain the traditions of a dying dynasty. His journey from a talented cook to a trusted confidant of the emperor reveals the deep connection between culture, power, and food in one of history’s most fascinating periods.
I Was the Chef of the Last Chinese Emperor offers a unique perspective on the final chapter of imperial China, blending historical events with the intimate story of a man whose influence extended far beyond the kitchen. It is a story of loyalty, identity, and the bittersweet end of an era, perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction, culinary arts, and tales of personal resilience.
Discover the world of the last Chinese emperor through the eyes of the one who fed him, in a novel where the taste of food carries the weight of a nation’s fate.
Review:
This book is about a young chef embarking on his journey to become a professional during the Quint Dynasty. He ultimately ends up in the Forbidden City. He soon realizes that working for the Emperor is about more than making food.
Honestly I would not recommend this book. The writing was very vague. So much more detail could have been given about the people and what goes on in the kitchen. Never do we get a clear picture of the structure and workings of an imperial kitchen. It’s a lot of how the narrator worried about things, but not how they were accomplished. When the story gets to the point of a potential murder plot nothing is really explained. We just learn of a list of names, who are never identified to us, and that most of them end up involved. It was really quite disappointing. If it had to be used in a school it could be used to accompany Chinese history, but it wouldn’t really add much to the class. unfortunately there was a lot of potential with this book that was never realized. It was a chore to keep reading it to the end. I was never engaged or wanting to find out what happens next. The author never even tells us what the kitchen looks like. We have no idea how it is set up and arranged. We have no idea who works where doing what. He keeps saying that the kitchen is the heart of the empire, but I know more about what a human heart looks like than I do this kitchen. I do not recommend it.
