Dinner with Edward

February 22, 2016
Vincent, a journalist for the New York Post, employs the rich language of a novelist and the economy of a reporter in this food-focused memoir. She buckles momentarily under the strife of life and the hurdles of divorce but opens her palate to a new relationship when Edward, a 93-year-old widower, teaches her to appreciate the art of living. Food lovers will swoon from the first chapter and opening menu as Vincent begins to relish their weekly tête-à-tête and Edward’s handwritten French recipes. In addition to the subtleties of cooking, she discovers what a fairy tale marriage Edward had with Paula, his wife of 69 years. She sees photos of Paula all over the apartment, and especially feels her presence in the kitchen where Edward fashions his delicate meals. It is easy to fall deeply for Edward’s tender heart as Vincent learns how he has savored his life, and over time, begins to create a life that’s more inviting and full for herself. Readers will finish the book satisfied, yet wanting more.

Investigative reporter Isabel Vincent first had dinner with her elderly and recently widowed neighbor as a favor to his daughter. In this short memoir, narrated by Elise Arsenault, the author recalls how one meal with Edward evolved into a regular date and details the ways their unlikely friendship helped them both move past personal sorrows. Although it will be easy for listeners to respond to the charming Edward and even crave his gourmet home-cooked meals, the audiobook is marred by Arsenault's choppy delivery. It's particularly disconcerting in some of the emotional scenes. She also stumbles over several foreign accents, breaking the listener's attention. Regardless of the flaws, however, everyone will finish this audiobook wishing they had a friend like Edward. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine