Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent was a delightful, delicious surprise. Vincent, an
award winning reporter for The New York Post, fills this memoir with
charming stories to pay homage to the father of her friend, Valerie. Edward is in his nineties and recently
widowed when the two meet as near neighbors on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
Edward has taught himself
how to be a gourmet chef and Vincent describes the menus and machinations (making
perfect eggs in two steps, frying potatoes just so, and carefully preparing
cocktails or homemade desserts) with gusto.
I know that my “foodie” friends will be eager to try some of Edward's
tricks. Throughout, Vincent also reflects upon her marriage and Edward’s almost
70 year relationship with Paula. She
shares Edward’s musings, his wisdom and philosophy about life, especially about
how important people are to each of us: “The secret is treating family like guests and
guests like family.” or “Love is being, not
belonging. Giving and receiving, not possessing.”
Dinner with Edward could be read in one sitting, but you will want to savor
it. Enjoy!
Starred review from Booklist.
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