{"product_id":"2940169981841","title":"Gourmet Rhapsody","description":"This prequel to the \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestseller \u003ci\u003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehog\u003c\/i\u003e tells the story of another occupant of the posh apartment building in Paris: the great food critic Pierre Arthens. As his life draws to a close, he reflects back on its many flavors, and on a singular sublime something, once sampled and never forgotten.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the heart of Paris, in the posh building made famous in \u003ci\u003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehog\u003c\/i\u003e, the greatest food critic in the world is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many, Monsieur Pierre Arthens has been lording it over the world¿s most esteemed chefs for years. But now, during these, his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, \u003ci\u003ethe \u003c\/i\u003eFlavor par excellence. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars¿relatives, lovers, a would-be protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about Monsieur Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in \u003ci\u003eThe Elegance of the Hedgehog,\u003c\/i\u003e Muriel Barbery¿s story celebrates life¿s simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power.","brand":"HighBridge Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47114895917296,"sku":"2940169981841","price":17.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940169981841_p0.jpg?v=1763698536","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940169981841","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}