The hundred-foot journey : a novel
(Book)

Hassan Haji, the unlikely gourmand recounts his life's journey in this novel. Lively, brimming with the colors, flavors, and scents of the kitchen, it is a succulent treat about family, nationality, and the mysteries of good taste. After his birth above his grandfather's restaurant, Hassan first experiences life through the intoxicating smells of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. When tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumiere, a small village in the French Alps. The boisterous Haji family open an inexpensive Indian restaurant in Lumiere opposite an esteemed French relais of the famous chef Madame Mallory, and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. After Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family, she finally agreed to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, his own restaurant, and many new adventures. This story is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. It is a fable that is a testament to the inevitability of destiny.