A Waiter in Paris:
Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City
Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City
Author: Edward Chisholm
Published by: Octopus Books
Pages: 370
Format: Paperback
My Rating: ★★★★★
Published by: Octopus Books
Pages: 370
Format: Paperback
My Rating: ★★★★★
The waiter inhabits a world of inhuman hours, snatches sleep and dive bards; scraping by on coffee, bread and cigaretters, often under sadistic managers, with a wage so low you’re fighting your colleagues for tips.
It’s physically demanding, frequently humiliating and incredibly competitive. And with a cast of thieves, narcissists, ex-Legionnaires, paperless immigrants and drug dealers, it makes for a compelling and eye-opening read.
It’s physically demanding, frequently humiliating and incredibly competitive. And with a cast of thieves, narcissists, ex-Legionnaires, paperless immigrants and drug dealers, it makes for a compelling and eye-opening read.
My thoughts:
This is genuinely one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read.
In 2012, aspiring writer Edward Chisholm moved to Paris, with his then girlfriend, to sample Parisian life and to hopefully gain some inspiration. After a while she decided to return home as their relationship had run its course, but Chisholm decides to stay. Near penniless and soon to become homeless, he hunts tirelessly for a temporary job but with little success, until one day he blags himself a job in an ‘upscale’ restaurant. His job is that of a ‘runner’, which is basically an assistant to the regular waiters and pretty much on the lower ring of restaurant jobs. Falsely citing previous waiting experience Chisholm must learn the job fast and speaking only rudimentary French does not help his cause.
Edward Chisholm’s book is a fascinating behind the scenes look at the life of a waiter in Paris. The writing is spellbinding and extremely honest, carefully providing a scattering of scenes that add detail to a demanding life in a Parisian restaurant.
Chisholm recounts his first year of working his way into the elite, yet lowly world of Paris waiters. This was made even more difficult by the fact that he is English and spoke almost no French. He tells of the terrible working conditions, the long hours with very few days off and the meagre pay which they must all supplement with customers tips. He also tells of his relationships with the other waiters and staff and the hierarchy that exists within the restaurant trade.
The “characters” were varied, fully fleshed out, and hugely interesting. The early conversations between Chisholm and his colleagues were particularly interesting to me, and his initial struggles to understand French created some comical moments, but also highlighted how vulnerable and frustrated he must have been feeling in these first few shifts at the restaurant.
It is a joy to see his confidence grow, and in turn his interactions change dramatically as he gradually earns the respect of those around him. The book gives readers a very real window into a world of brotherhood and thievery and soon the other waiters are viewed as comrades, criminals, friends, villains, and more. As the author explains, Parisian waiters are actors - they give you a grand experience where you are treated like royalty, providing a bridge between the storyland of the dining room and the hell that is the kitchen, locker room, and the Pass. Waiters frequently steal each other’s side dishes; they are all about the tips, and if they need your table's french fries to complete their table's order, they will absolutely take it. I loved getting to know the many characters and personalities featured in the memoir.
For me the main strength of the book comes from this talented writer’s many observations, musings, and turns of phrase. I found this behind-the-scenes story of waiting tables in Paris fascinating.
I loved this book for many reasons. The memoir is so riveting it read like fiction. It’s a rich story full of true characters, and the author helps you connect with something in the world you didn't know existed -- even though it's right under your nose. Paris is my absolute favourite city in the world, and I always enjoy books that take me there. Chisholm’s writing so brilliantly presents a personal, vivid, and completely authentic representation of what the real Paris looks, feels, smells, and tastes like.
I'm aware not all institutions operate as the infamous bistrot mentioned in the book, but it really opened my eyes to what is happening behind the scenes. A moving and thoroughly engrossing read that totally sucked me into Chisholm’s world of the Parisian restaurant. Perfect for fans of Hemingway's A Moveable Feast or Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London.
A Waiter in Paris is Chisholm’s debut book, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Overall reaction:
This is genuinely one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read.
In 2012, aspiring writer Edward Chisholm moved to Paris, with his then girlfriend, to sample Parisian life and to hopefully gain some inspiration. After a while she decided to return home as their relationship had run its course, but Chisholm decides to stay. Near penniless and soon to become homeless, he hunts tirelessly for a temporary job but with little success, until one day he blags himself a job in an ‘upscale’ restaurant. His job is that of a ‘runner’, which is basically an assistant to the regular waiters and pretty much on the lower ring of restaurant jobs. Falsely citing previous waiting experience Chisholm must learn the job fast and speaking only rudimentary French does not help his cause.
Edward Chisholm’s book is a fascinating behind the scenes look at the life of a waiter in Paris. The writing is spellbinding and extremely honest, carefully providing a scattering of scenes that add detail to a demanding life in a Parisian restaurant.
Chisholm recounts his first year of working his way into the elite, yet lowly world of Paris waiters. This was made even more difficult by the fact that he is English and spoke almost no French. He tells of the terrible working conditions, the long hours with very few days off and the meagre pay which they must all supplement with customers tips. He also tells of his relationships with the other waiters and staff and the hierarchy that exists within the restaurant trade.
The “characters” were varied, fully fleshed out, and hugely interesting. The early conversations between Chisholm and his colleagues were particularly interesting to me, and his initial struggles to understand French created some comical moments, but also highlighted how vulnerable and frustrated he must have been feeling in these first few shifts at the restaurant.
It is a joy to see his confidence grow, and in turn his interactions change dramatically as he gradually earns the respect of those around him. The book gives readers a very real window into a world of brotherhood and thievery and soon the other waiters are viewed as comrades, criminals, friends, villains, and more. As the author explains, Parisian waiters are actors - they give you a grand experience where you are treated like royalty, providing a bridge between the storyland of the dining room and the hell that is the kitchen, locker room, and the Pass. Waiters frequently steal each other’s side dishes; they are all about the tips, and if they need your table's french fries to complete their table's order, they will absolutely take it. I loved getting to know the many characters and personalities featured in the memoir.
For me the main strength of the book comes from this talented writer’s many observations, musings, and turns of phrase. I found this behind-the-scenes story of waiting tables in Paris fascinating.
I loved this book for many reasons. The memoir is so riveting it read like fiction. It’s a rich story full of true characters, and the author helps you connect with something in the world you didn't know existed -- even though it's right under your nose. Paris is my absolute favourite city in the world, and I always enjoy books that take me there. Chisholm’s writing so brilliantly presents a personal, vivid, and completely authentic representation of what the real Paris looks, feels, smells, and tastes like.
I'm aware not all institutions operate as the infamous bistrot mentioned in the book, but it really opened my eyes to what is happening behind the scenes. A moving and thoroughly engrossing read that totally sucked me into Chisholm’s world of the Parisian restaurant. Perfect for fans of Hemingway's A Moveable Feast or Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London.
A Waiter in Paris is Chisholm’s debut book, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Overall reaction: