Briefly a Delicious Life

Briefly, a Delicious Life is a memoir by Nell Stevens, a British writer who spent a year living in Paris and writing about food. The book chronicles her adventures in the culinary capital of the world, from sampling cheese and wine at local markets, to learning how to make croissants and macarons at prestigious cooking schools, to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy bistros. Along the way, she also explores the history and culture of French cuisine, and reflects on her own relationship with food and writing.

Who is the author?

Nell Stevens writes with humor, honesty, and appetite, sharing her personal stories and insights as well as recipes and tips. She invites readers to join her on her journey of discovery and delight, as she savors the pleasures of Parisian life and finds inspiration for her craft. Briefly, a Delicious Life is a charming and mouthwatering memoir that celebrates the joy of food and the art of writing.

The book

In the book, Nell Stevens reveals how she decided to move to Paris after finishing her PhD in creative writing, and how she found an apartment in the lively Montmartre district. She describes her daily routine of writing in cafes, visiting museums and bookshops, and wandering the streets of Paris. She also recounts her encounters with various characters, such as her eccentric landlord, her friendly neighbors, her helpful tutor, and her romantic interest.

Nell Stevens also delves into the rich and varied world of French food, from the traditional to the modern, from the simple to the sophisticated. She shares her experiences of tasting different kinds of cheese and wine at local markets, learning how to make croissants and macarons at prestigious cooking schools such as Le Cordon Bleu and Lenôtre, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants such as L’Arpège and Le Grand Véfour, and discovering cozy bistros such as Chez Dumonet and Le Comptoir. She also explains the history and culture behind some of the iconic dishes and ingredients of French cuisine, such as baguette, foie gras, escargot, ratatouille, crème brûlée, and champagne.

Nell Stevens also reflects on her own relationship with food and writing, and how they are intertwined in her life. She reveals how food has been a source of comfort, pleasure, creativity, and connection for her since childhood. She also discusses how writing has been a way of expressing herself, exploring new ideas, and finding meaning in her experiences. She shows how food and writing have both challenged and inspired her during her year in Paris.

Wrap up

Briefly, a Delicious Life is a memoir that combines personal narrative, cultural commentary, culinary education, and literary inspiration. It is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves food or writing or both. It is a book that will make you hungry for more.