A Waiter in Paris
Book description
SHORT LISTED FOR THE ACKERLEY PRIZE FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
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'This astonishing book describes a cruel, feral existence and is worthy of standing on the shelf next to George Orwell's Down And Out In Paris And London (1933) as another classic about human exploitation.' - Daily Mail
'Chisholm's story is immersive…
Why read it?
3 authors picked A Waiter in Paris as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This is Paris as you have never seen it (I hope!). A poor English boy finds himself penniless in Paris, and manages to get a job as a waiter in a seemingly smart restaurant. There follows a horrific and hilarious account of the dark underbelly of Paris - filthy kitchens, bullying bosses, sleazy lodgings, scrabbling for tips... I shall never again feel comfortable in a Paris restaurant - but it was a lively and funny read.
A fascinating true story of a very determined young man down on his luck--who turns adversity into success. Inspiring, and riveting. And very well-written!
It's a superbly written tale about a Brit waiter in the City of Light.
The author, Edward Chisholm, is, frankly, much, much better at the craft of writing than many hyped fiction authors. I also like his vivid showing—in the manner of Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London—a grim, truthful side of Paris beneath the glamour.
Frankly, I don't understand how he survived his brutal ordeal as a Parisian server. Maybe the resiliency of youth.
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