The Fat Chef - A French War Drama

Love this, love the cover, love the title, trés bien! Karen Faking it in France. 6*

Wonderful piece of work!!!
I enjoyed all that I read here. It is creative and unique. I would never have thought a story of a cook in France at the time of the war would be so enjoyable. The pictures are so clear and it flows smoothly.
The part where you add the childhood, is placed just right. It adds ground for where you are taking this story.
It is well researched.
Super job. I will be back for more.
This is highly rated and is going on my watch list.
Keep up the good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds, when you have time. :-)

This is history with flavour. This author has written a French recipe for a German murder, served up in a world war, with a complete list of ingredients, including the secret ones, as France is invaded and its citizens are put to the test.. The main character comes off as a very innocent head chef whose greatest delight in life is the savoury preparation of food for the guests of his hotel, no matter who they are, until the Nazi occupation threatens the Jewish kitchen staff and the spice of love reveals itself to a chef who has never tasted such delectable courses before. From then on, even the pork won’t taste the same, especially the pork. This author serves up a feast of political and culinary delights as only a true artist and patriot could, and makes heroes of the most unsuspected countrymen. From the strolls along the streets of Paris, to the flaky pastery and cream layered desserts, the French atmosphere is enough to fill the senses. Having read what has been uploaded to date, I can find nothing lacking, and can declare this a most interesting read of world war France with a feeling of ever-present dread. Rare to well done, it’s all good.

Fascinating story. Beautifully written. I shall remember this every time I pass the Hotel Meurice.

Philip john

Incredibly funny and masterfully written, The Fat Chef is another winner from the talented Fred Nath. Full of colourful and lively characters, erudite yet interesting facts and a stomping narrative that glues your eyes to the screen. Big thumbs up!

We need more light on this subject. Good job.

Hi Fredrik,
The Fat Chef- A French War Drama.
I found your work scanning down the listings and the topic caught my eye. You will see that my Hellion 2 is also based around the occupation but set in rural Normandy.
I absolutely enjoyed your book from the very start. Your descriptions are vivid and the dialogue authentic. i felt I was standing there on the hotel steps when the Bosch marched up the road. Great stuff.
This is a well crafted and intelligent work that I relish returning to later this weekend.
I could find no fault other than the phrase ' He had known her for many years but never given....' should that not be 'had never given'.
And 'she seemed oblivious.' of what?
Other than those very minor remarks my first impression is that this book will do very well.
One my watch list right away with a ladle of stars.
As a rule I always keep books on my shelf for at least one month so it may be a couple of weeks before I can place your worthy book there.
Might I tempt you to have a glance at Hellion 2? Although this is the second of a four part series, it can be read as a stand alone work.

regards

Cyrus

Love this, love the cover, love the title, trés bien! Karen Faking it in France. 6*

Bonjour Fred, I adore this, it's so different, you fat French chef is a total delight, highly stared, with best wishes Karen, Faking it in France.

I've read four chapters and found them hugely enjoyable. It was interesting to read of the first days of the city's occupation - so many writers focus on the liberation. Your descriptions of hotel life were atmospheric and true - recently I read Orwell's Down and out in Paris and London, in which he describes doing menial jobs in Paris hotels. In my years in the book trade I sold many copies of Larousse. High stars!

Camac Johnson
Untouchable

Dear Fred
Oh Oh Oh! What an enjoyable yarn, so far. I have read the first three chapters and will be back for more. The prose is clear and wonderful. The characters are likeable - not all in the same way and identifiable. I have placed this novel on my bookshelf, while I finish it.
All the best
Bridget
The Raod from Makhonjwa

Dear Fred
Oh Oh Oh! What an enjoyable yarn, so far. I have read the first three chapters and will be back for more. The prose is clear and wonderful. The characters are likeable - not all in the same way and identifiable. I have placed this novel on my bookshelf, while I finish it.
All teh best
Bridget
The Raod from Makhonjwa

Frederik,
"The Fat Chef - A French War Drama" was engaging right from the start, the Nazis marching into town well depicted. The charactertizations stood out well, and I could relate to Raoul immediately with his myriad concerns, among them having to cook for German soldiers. You paint your scenes with a fine brush your descriptives propping them up with colour and texture. The simple phrasing gives your prose a clarity easy to follow and digest. Thank you so much foir the compelling read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

BACKED!

This is history with flavour. This author has written a French recipe for a German murder, served up in a world war, with a complete list of ingredients, including the secret ones, as France is invaded and its citizens are put to the test.. The main character comes off as a very innocent head chef whose greatest delight in life is the savoury preparation of food for the guests of his hotel, no matter who they are, until the Nazi occupation threatens the Jewish kitchen staff and the spice of love reveals itself to a chef who has never tasted such delectable courses before. From then on, even the pork won’t taste the same, especially the pork. This author serves up a feast of political and culinary delights as only a true artist and patriot could, and makes heroes of the most unsuspected countrymen. From the strolls along the streets of Paris, to the flaky pastery and cream layered desserts, the French atmosphere is enough to fill the senses. Having read what has been uploaded to date, I can find nothing lacking, and can declare this a most interesting read of world war France with a feeling of ever-present dread. Rare to well done, it’s all good.

Read chapters three and four. They are well developing for the rest of your story. I enjoy the way that you place the childhood every now and then to add a special touch to the story.
The story flows extremely well.
There isn't a dull moment within what I've read so far.
Good work!

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Wonderful piece of work!!!
I enjoyed all that I read here. It is creative and unique. I would never have thought a story of a cook in France at the time of the war would be so enjoyable. The pictures are so clear and it flows smoothly.
The part where you add the childhood, is placed just right. It adds ground for where you are taking this story.
It is well researched.
Super job. I will be back for more.
This is highly rated and is going on my watch list.
Keep up the good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds, when you have time. :-)

dialogue sticks out here, that goes very well with your narrative...good book.
backed...
read SEASONS...

Dear Frederik,
I must admit that I will never judge a book by it's cover! Not that the cover is bad!lol Thought fat chef?but this is an amazing work.I really love Raoul and how his childhood has shaped his character. Very strong.Great work. Welll done.
Josphine
Notime goes bye

Fred, fine opening. engaging and entertaining. starred and shelved.

I have a few very, very minor thoughts about ch 1 that may strike a chord. if not, pls ignore.

"... large roly-poly kind of man." - maybe just "...large roly-poly man."

(btw, great visuals: the soup ladle as a cudgel, and the chef's companions too far apart to converse)

maybe italicize "Rosbifs"

"French, defeated crowd" - maybe "defeated crowd" is enough

great storytelling.
cheers, andy

I have to start by saying with emphasis this is not my typical sort of read. Okay now--I really like it! Your writing is so easy, well paced, and has a natural flow to it. The dialogue is very well written...and funny! Several times I laughed out loud. Even the flashbacks are well arranged and not at all distracting or annoying as they sometimes are in other books. They add to the story in every way.

There was one thing I did notice and wanted to mention simply because your writing is so tight and you hadn't done this anywhere else. The word looking--used three times in two sentences here--Raoul thought he looked grim. In the day's fading light, he looked enormous too....as if he towered above the fat boy looking up at him from the ground.

Okay one more thing, the last line of your long pitch--that's not hinting at what I think it is??? I have to keep this on my watch list to read more. I've read through the first three chapters--my usual. But this is one of the few books on this site where curiosity compels me to finish what the author has uploaded. Highly starred. When I rotate my shelf, I'll have a spot for this. Don't be shy about reminding me.

Eden
The Siren's Heart

I have to start by saying with emphasis this is not my typical sort of read. Okay now--I really like it! Your writing is so easy, well paced, and has a natural flow to it. The dialogue is very well written...and funny! Several times I laughed out loud. Even the flashbacks are well arranged and not at all distracting or annoying as they sometimes are in other books. They add to the story in every way.

There was one thing I did notice and wanted to mention simply because your writing is so tight and you hadn't done this anywhere else. The word looking--used three times in two sentences here--Raoul thought he looked grim. In the day's fading light, he looked enormous too....as if he towered above the fat boy looking up at him from the ground.

Okay one more thing, the last line of your long pitch--that's not hinting at what I think it is??? I have to keep this on my watch list to read more. I've read through the first three chapters--my usual. But this is one of the few books on this site where curiosity compels me to finish what the author has uploaded. Highly starred. When I rotate my shelf, I'll have a spot for this. Don't be shy about reminding me.

Eden
The Siren's Heart

An unusual slant on occupied France, with a hero that reminds me of Oscar in 'La regle du jeu'. I suspect the story will become darker as the charcuterie skills of the chefs are tested to the limits. Exciting and so readable, this is highly starred. I noticed a few typos:
'rotund' is used twice - it looks strange when describing arms or legs - surely it's more of a body shape?
Chere Natalie, with an accent which my pc wont do - \ thus. Natalie is female, cher is masculine. 'Fuhrer' with umlaut, not 'Furer'
: 'Duchesse Potatoes' and 'Lafitte' and' Hérmitage'
'Filet Mignon' and 'trough at our tables, shag our women'
Scotch whisky [whiskey is Irish]
These quibbles aside, you have an unusual and moving story - Frances K

Dear Fred: This book has a lot of finesse! In addition to well-rounded characters and a sense of justice, the reader learns much about French food. Your knowledge is outstanding, no book should be written without having much knowledge. I would like to keep reading. The characters remind me a little of Balzac's from Pere Goriot. Thanks for sharing your book and best wishes with it! Billy McBride

I like the way this starts with the german occupying troops marching into the town the French men and woman standing watching with varying degrees of visible stress. Raoul is a warm and engaging character. The historical period is beautifully established.

There were a couple of places where I felt you could cut a few adjectives and I saw you used rotund twice in the opening chapter. Like some others have said, I found the jump back to his childhood a bit surprising. From the opening and your pitch I was expecting a linear progression.

All the best,
Kate

Fred, a belated comment on this wonderful tale of yours. I am still reading, but had to add a voice to the backing I've already given!

I think you've given us a rare insight into the Paris of WW2, an even rarer insight into what must have happened to the people populating the great restaurants and hotels. Here, Le Meurice and its staff exude the Marseillaise at every turn, even through their all too human fears, but none more than the magnificent Raoul.

I also think you've nailed that holy grail of all storytellers... an unrequited love that every reader will pray becomes *requited* at the turn of every page. Add this to the wartime intrigue with the Nazis, the SS, and joy of joys... a villainous body to be disposed of... and we have a bestseller.

One thing... I hope you're not giving away too much at the end of your pitch here. (Remember it's supposed to be a jacket-blurb, so to speak.) Even if you are [giving away something], we still have the all-important love story.

Only little ol' crits, apart from the above... Typo in ch.1 -- *...HER moist eyes...* (you have *he moist eyes...*) Ha.
Also, I am not sure you should describe Raoul's face at this point, when she looks up at him for reassurance - or perhaps it could be worded a little differently? Perhaps that she looks up at his xxx face for reassurance? It just seems like an interjection of description in the wrong place.

And, the uniforms - just where we have a group of green-uniformed soldiers - in front an officer in a field grey SS uniform. Then, a few paras later, he is a green-uniformed German removing his white leather gloves. THEN, again, in ch.3, I know it's another day, but we have George telling Raoul the German fellow wants everyone upstairs - *...the one in the black uniform*.

The chapter with Schiller slapping Raoul, very well done with Raoul's reaction. Then a lot of things are unfolded, the connection between boyhoold hero-friend Pierre and the lovely Natalie, as well as the building of Raoul's character, what he does to help others.

The talk with the now conciliatory Schiller is chilling, and I love Raoul's thoughts. Such as *They point a gun, Raoul would point his ladle*. Bribery and corruption, especially by wine, to come. Delicious.

A period of calm, the walk with Natalie, and we are in her apartment. The lines describing her apartment are wonderful. Actually, I do think a paragraph break is needed to *show off* an outstanding line or two - where the clock is. It's quite marvellous.

One other crit here... At the end of that piece at Natalie's, Raoul is pondering what it was about Schiller he detested so much. I think what Schiller has said to him before this, would have chilled anyone's heart, so would Raoul ponder the why now? (The last line is fine on its own, I think - *The skinny little rat-bag.................hated him for it*.

An underground *Schindler's List* here, in a far more exotic setting with a poignant love story to boot. And a body to die for. It is quite superb.

From Kay with love
(*The Ragged Yellow Ribbon*)

Fascinating story. Beautifully written. I shall remember this every time I pass the Hotel Meurice.

Philip john

I'm a huge fan of adventure novels, Fred, particularly ones set during WWII (I'm currently reading Jeff Shaara's terrific WWII trilogy) and this seems like it should be right up my street. The prose feels very polished (I noticed a few typos eg 'he [her?] moist eyes...' but that's about it) with a good blend of simple and direct storytelling and more evocative descriptive flourishes. Raoul comes across as a complex, fully-formed lead character, someone readers can immediately picture in their mind's eye/sympathise with etc. Once or twice, however, I felt as if the POV slipped a little. The story seems to be told very much from Raoul's perspective so lines like 'He had a broad cherubic chin...etc' jar a little. An easy fix, tho, if you choose to do so.

The dialogue feels real and purposeful and helps both to add energy to the scenes and flesh out the various characters. The sense of time and place is subtly but very persuasively evoked. It's clear you know your stuff, Fred but you don't feel the need to ram your research down the reader's throat. It's just there, in the background, adding good colour and depth to the narrative. Cleverly done.

The plot sounds well thought out and original with plenty of scope for adventure, intrigue, melodrama, romance etc. Judging by the book cover, title and the tone of the blurb, I'm assuming there's going to be a very strong element of black comedy to the novel?? (I'm afraid your genre list is cut off on my screen so I can't tell whether the book is listed as a comedy) I only mention this because, if the book is, in fact, a 'straight' thriller you may want to think about amending the cover/title/blurb to avoid confusion etc.

The only other observation I'd make is that, altho I enjoyed ch2, I couldn't quite work out why we were suddenly transported back to Raoul's childhood?? (I'm assuming this is Raoul as a child, by the way?? There's no new date to suggest this isn't still June 1940 but I'm guessing we've gone back 20/30 years??) If there's going to be a parallel narrative depicting Raoul as a child then fair enough but if the purpose of the chapter is just to demonstrate to the reader Raoul's aversion to bullies/determination not to be pushed around etc, then, for me, it would have made more sense to keep the setting as 1940 and simply have the adult Raoul recollecting the events of his childhood. Just a thought.

In short, a very smooth, entertaining read. Highly starred and on my WL for further reading. Thanks and best of luck. P

Incredibly funny and masterfully written, The Fat Chef is another winner from the talented Fred Nath. Full of colourful and lively characters, erudite yet interesting facts and a stomping narrative that glues your eyes to the screen. Big thumbs up!

My friend Mark (MDWS77) asked me to back your book so that you could back his. His bookshelf was set for now.

Fredrik.I had read hardly more than 2 chapters, when I was already enjoying it all so much that I knew I had to back it. That last tumbling sentence demonstrates my reaction.
Add to it the fact that I live in France, knew Paris in the late forties, married a French girl who knows how tp cook, and also that I wrote my book, "Pompey Chimes", about a guest-house during the years leading up to WW2.
Be assured, I echo the comments here about your engaging style, and incidentally, the realistic way you show people's earliest impressions of their world, including their beloved French "cuisine", suddenly turning upside down.
The past encounter with Jewish Pierre Dreyfus neatly foreshadows the future, and compels me to read more.
High stars and Backed with pleasure.
David Grant
"Pompey Chimes"

love this book and decided to back it keep up the good work arnold

I had time to read the first chapter today and was very impressed with your writing. Your descriptions are impeccable, the portrayal of each character vivid, from Raoul, the restaurant workers, the Germans to Pierre. Your utilisation of language was also superb, the tone, feel, and correct words relating to the period of time (eg. pugilist, which is something that would have been said back then, but not so much now - boxer).

I also enjoyed your characters, liked them very much, especially Raoul, and of course Pierre, the boy who stuck up for him. I liked that you introduced the German occupation in the first chapter, plus a Jewish character, which makes the reader concerned for Pierre's safety.

My only suggestion is to put a date on the second part of this chapter so the reader knows you've gone back in time. I did realise this, but not straight away. Unfortunately, sometimes a reader needs to be hand feed what may be obvious, but a date will allow the reader to progress without having to think.

When I get some time I'll have a look at chapter two. In conclusion, an excellent start, something that held my interest throughout and if I was handed this in paperback I'd be reading it fervently. All the best, Marita.

Wonderful flavor to this tale! At least in chapter one I'm finding it walks a nice balance between a serious topic and an almost whimsical, even fairy tale feel, a bit like Life Is Beautiful. Your characters are well drawn, your protagonists easy to like. High marks and good luck with this!
I did find a typo at the end of chapter 1, final sentence, the word "to" needs to be cut from He determined he would never TO give in to bullies again.
Cheers,
Tod Schneider
The Lost Wink

I read all ten chapters that you've uploaded and found this novel to be quite lively. I like how it spirals with intensity as the plot shows the head chef Raoul's laissez faire reaction to the Nazi occupation quickly changing as soon as his love, Natalie, is in danger.

With your integration of the cooking themes, I was naturally reminded of how a sauce is simmered, and then brought to full boil. At first I wondered if the plot could be moved a long a bit faster, but thematically, I think it's brilliant how you are showing the Nazi invasion from the point of view of someone who doesn't care about the war. We tend to reminisce on war in terms of politics, casualties, damage, and cost, but in every war, there is always someone that can't be bothered with caring. Raoul's determination that nothing's going to change his world is a fascinating POV choice.

Like WWII, Raoul's size and gregarious personality are both larger than life. It's as though you have this polarity of two planets-- the war situation and Raoul-- pulling against one another in this magnetic battle that inevitably, one will win. In some ways, the war wins as Raoul is forced to make adjustments and take notice of what is going on beyond his kitchen, but as he exhibits purposeful restraint of his reactions to Schiller, and ultimately hides Jews, Raoul is emerging as the victorious one. Although your long pitch hints at what happens, I also wonder what would occur if the magnetism snapped and these two "planets" collided. Perhaps that is encompassed in the murder of Schiller, but as I've not yet read it, as a reader, it makes for a compelling read.

The dialogue was realistic and I enjoyed the thoughtful way you included historical information to create the milieu of the time.

Because you've clearly considered these characters carefully, I was intrigued to know more about them than you've revealed in these early chapters. Again, thematically, this fits in well with the 'simmering of the sauce' idea, but I've not read enough to decide if this works, or if I'd like to know more about the main characters' lives. You've told us a great deal, including snippets of Raoul's childhood, but I feel like I'm depending upon assumed cliches in my head to fill in the blanks-- a fat, jolly chef, a stringent Nazi officer, a demure girl in hiding-- but I'd like to know more about these three. I think you could leave it as it is and successfully cover it in later chapters, and in some ways, I enjoy that they're all subtle flavors in a stew. Whichever way you choose, as a reader, I'd like you to continue to write it so that the details of the characters remain echoes without interrupting the way you're multiplying the plot pace as the story progresses. I'm not sure if I stated that in the best way, so, to clarify, I'd like more details about the characters, whether you add this to these earlier chapters, or have it be included after what I've read. But, I think it's important to not let this interfere with the flow of the book's established pace.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, thoughtfully executed, with many interesting facets that demanded I read on.

Fred:
I have read four chapters and found it delightful! You have managed to take a very bad period in history and dip it into something that saves us all, laughter. Raoul is certainly a character with character. On my watchlist and I will continue to read.
The best!
Shirley Grace
The Devil's stepchild

What a delight this is. I will return to finish what you have posted as soon as I can. On my WL.

Tonia
x

Hi Fred, I've had this on my watchlist for a while and have finally found a moment to read. It's a really deliighful story, told in a masterly fashion. Raoul is very likeable, by chapter 7 I'm still not sure if he's cleverly manipulating the Germans or just delightfully naive - either way he's a fabulous character. I'm looking forward ot coming back to see how his relationship with Natalie develops. There are some marvellous touches of humour which weave seemlessly into the story and when it's published I'd certainly buy it. Highly starred. If you have a moment to read my offering, also set in France, I'd love to hear your comments.

Melanie
La Vie en Rosé

The two touching scenes that open your novel, Fred, have persuaded me to read all that you've offered. They establish the character of Raoul by showing him at two ages, much as Flaubert does with Charles Bovary. Writers will admire the perfect blend of show and tell, while general readers will innocently accept and sympathize. I can't wait to enjoy some of the Meurice's dinners, but foresee endless problems with the new, unwelcome guests.

I hope you'll take a look at "The Doctor of Summitville," in which I've blended 1930's medical practice with a love story involving a young country doctor and an orphan French girl. The medical content is secondhand--based largely on Merck's Manual and my years of science writing and editing--so any comments from a professional could be extremely valuable. --Best regards, Bill

There are many ways to roast a chicken, or dress a salmon, or read a book; but when all is quiet and lovely, I prefer to return to the Cafe Dimanche to savour my books this way, and each time I leave, I give thanks to the Fat Chef for his batterie...

Fred,
I've always been a fan of your work, and this story is no exception. The first chapter is so rich with sights, insights, smells, and voice that I could easily remember it as a movie rather than a book. The plot promises to be a page-turner, and yet layered with the culture and horros of the period. Rauol is a man to follow and understand. High stars.
Lizzi
God of Wine

A handsome piece of writing if there ever was one, Fred, and one I enjoyed reading very much. Smooth characters and even smoother dialogue made it easy digest. Nothing here I would change save for the last sentence of 1st chapter N0. 2. "He determined he would never (to) give in to bullies again..."

Lisa. x

Fred
A delightful book, beautifully written with delicate touches of humour and pathos. I have backed and will continue to enjoy.
Paul
"Dead Moon Rising"

You've approached a compelling historical event in a unique way. Even though the happenings at Le Meurice are a minute portion of WWII, you've shown a microcosm of the war in an interestingly ordinary setting. Power and fear are cleverly demonstrated throughout this piece as Schiller and Raoul navigate the changes and obstacles they face.

I enjoyed how Raoul, the round chef, unexpectedly evolves into a lover and a hero. His passion for his work easily emerges as a character trait and does not remain a simple food obsession. His capacity for love is not restrained by his appearance, but it enhances the things in his life that are dear to him. His brave stance, initially shown through his responses to Schiller, becomes something others can depend upon. All of these things amount to pleasant surprises within the story that increase its allure and holds the reader's interest.

The smooth dialogue is seamlessly executed and allows the reader to not notice that they've become fully absorbed into the story. The story itself swallows the reader and the book becomes a vibrant film playing in your head.

I've enjoyed reading what you've uploaded and would have continued reading-- a true sign of a great book. Good luck with this!

Bazza

Great use of dialogue, great use of sensory descriptors, and a great reading experience so far. I'll continue to read on but I rated your work and put you on my watch list.

"Schlindler's List" with a spoon. Great concept Fredrik and historical examination with the use of food. I'm going grab a chapter right now to read and review.

In kind, I'd be honored to have you read and review my work, "The Devil Of Black Bayou". It's a sociological examination of my beloved New Orleans, bayou country, and Gulf of Mexico through two popular gendre. Furthermore I instill my travel expereinces throughout these cultures and regions as well as Western Africa, Haiti, and Mexico.

I read all 9 chapters, how could one not read all this book, once started. "Never mention my wife, when I'm drinking a wonderful Lafite, and thinking of French women." Priceless, I'm on the floor laughing out loud. Quality like the rest of this book, you can ask for no better.

Portraits Of A Small Peasant.

I adore this. I love that you start with a very French feeling food description as a chapter head, I love that your main character is fat and seems a slightly foolish man who compares himself to strong people and thinks he has no courage, but develops as a man of rock solid principle who is not necessarily morally outraged, but incredibly offended at the Germans bad taste in food and slightly horrified at their ignorant bigotry. He is wonderful! So is the story. I'm babbling now, but the subtle parallels you've created between Raoul's lifelong battle with people intolerant of his weight and the Nazi intolerance of certain genetics... I'm dying to read the rest of it...I hope Raoul wins the fair Natalie, humiliates Schiller and takes him out. Please finish this!

The pitch for your book really enticed me in for a read. Loved the whole concept of your story and it's one I would have picked up off a store bookshelf to read.

The opening paragraph wasn't as tight as I might have expected it to be – especially the first sentence. It was a touch too long. Broken into two, it would be easier to read and the details of Raoul's appearance and the other two personages would have been easier to form in the imagination. It was too much to take in and retain all at one, even though as I got to know them, the characters were pure charm and very real.

Well written and a nice slant on a war-time story.

This is a very special book. An absolute blinding read! Unreservedly backed!

After reading the comments you posted on my page I was unsure as to what I would find here. However, after reading your novel I must say I'm very impressed. I adore historical fiction, so I knew I would love it simply from the pitch.

I have no complaints; only praise. Your writing style is Elegant and flows well. I also love the way you laid out the main character. His compassion and need to stay calm in a situation such as this is astonishing, but interesting.

All in all, I loved the story. :-)

Christy Howell
Written in the Stars

Historical fiction is not a genre I generally read but I like the idea behind your book. It is an interesting idea to look at the Occupation of France from the point of view of a chef. I would like to continue reading to see where this goes. As it is, I have read the first couple of chapters and I have enjoyed it. It is written in a flowing, accessible style. As a reader I do feel slightly detached from what is taking place. I think there is a need to have a little more feeling injected into the writing so that the reader can really sense and feel the mood of the time and the emotions that would have been conjured up by the German Occupation and the persecution of the Jews and other groups. How does Raoul really feel? Pretty scared I would imagine, despite his bravado. I didn't undersand why you have the number 2 halfway down each chapter.
This is an original story and I like what I have read so far. Keep up the good work.
On my Watch List for now with many stars.
Julia
Shadow Jumper

Interesting subject, so let me see what all’s about Right from the beginning the story’s in narrator’s POV—then you switch into Raoul’s POV—then change into Collette’s (when she sees his cherubic face, double chin, and mustache. Most will say that’s a no-no. You can switch POV in a story, but in different chapters (or subchapters). Never in the same, for reader won’t know whom to watch. Raoul’s your main character, so let the reader see through his eyes—you can’t describe him (how he looks, how he acts) as seen from someone else’s POV. Now, for my money, the opening is descriptive of characters, but too much insignificant chatter. France has suffered her greatest humiliation, hundreds of thousands of Frenchmen died or are in German hands, people would be devastated and afraid.
That cleared, let’s go on.
Chapter 2 is flashback. How important is it at this point to slow down the story with Raoul as a young boy? If Pierre’s important to the story, you can describe how they’ve met later—when you bring his character in. Don’t overload the reader at this point with little stuff. Get the reader involved with the story.
OK, one other thing, don’t break chapters with numbers. When I got to “2” in what you label as Ch 1, I thought that it was Ch 2….but I see that’s not. Take that number out or reader will be confused..
On to Ch 2. Back at the hotel, the staff would be scared. Show that. You make it sound so routine. Their lives are intruded upon, they are scared—show that. Also, show tension (don’t tell the reader about it). After Schiller slaps Raoul, he just won’t say “get out”, but he’d scream it, stumping his foot, pointing at the door (or something).
Ch 3 is a good continuation of 2, but the pace’s too slow. Those people would be scared, furious, life just doesn’t go on as if nothing happened—their lives at in danger, they must serve the hated Germans—show that…build tension. And going back to Pierre, at this point, just distracts the reader.
Well, you’re doing a good job at character development, but you’re brushing over the main picture—occupied Paris. How would the characters feel? Would the go on with little stuff, or be afraid, whisper in corners, try to figure out what the “f” is gonna happen to them?
Is Raoul such an insensitive flab who doesn’t care? You can’t spend chapter after chapter and hope the reader will wait for Raoul to have a change of heart.
I’m backing your work for it’s idea—but you must hook the reader and make him turn pages.
Good luck.
Dan

The author takes us right into the heart of wartime France. The characters are well formed and it is easy to bond with the protagonist and hate the 'enemy'. The unmoving arrogance of the invading Nazi soldiers is chilling. The softness of the physical description of Raoul conflicts perfectly with the angular German in his black uniform.
The flashback is moving and we can see in the Jewish boy where the story may be heading.
I am enjoying this and shall read on.

Just went through more of it and came up with a new blend of remarks.