Book review: THE CHEF by Martin Suter

Published by Allen & Unwin
Released 1 March 2013, rrp $27.99
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7/10

Martin Suter delves deep into Indian aphrodisiac in his latest novel, telling the story of Maravan, a shy Tamil man working in Switzerland in the midst of a financial crisis, and how he almost tumbles into preparing high class aphrodisiac meals for rich and sometimes shady clientele.

Suter tells an intriguing tale, capturing Maravan’s spiritual conflict as it clashes with his poverty and desire for Andrea, a waitress he seduces with his food who then drives their business efforts into places he only steps reluctantly.

Sex, love, food and murder all eventually entwine in this gripping tale, translated from the original German, and THE CHEF is capped off with some superb recipes in the appendix, so the reader can attempt to recreate Maravan’s seductive menu at home.

 

Category: Book Reviews