cover image Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

Bob Spitz, read by Kimberly Farr. Random House Audio, unabridged, 20 CDs, 25.5 hrs., $50 ISBN 978-0-449-01287-1

Spitz delivers a deep, thoroughly researched, fun, and amusing biography of legendary chef Julia Child. Interweaving anecdotes, family history, and historical events, he tells the tale of Child’s remarkable life, covering highlights from her espionage work during WWII to her rise to prominence as a television personality and everything in between. Narrator Kimberly Farr executes this audio edition expertly. Her reading is lively and engaging and infuses Spitz’s work with energy and emotion. Perhaps most delightful is the voice Farr creates for Child. While not truly mimicking the famous cook, she deftly reproduces Child’s style of speaking, prolonging words, shifting emphasis—all with that famous light, bubbly delivery. Fans of Child, cooking, and history will find this audiobook a very enjoyable listen. A Knopf hardcover. (Aug.)