The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing

The voice of this book is charming and so fun - I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I wasn’t always clear where the story was going, but the delight in the unusual word choices and perspective was enough to keep me reading. Recommended for anyone in a reading rut who is looking to try something new and a bit different.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

Disclaimer: This book is an e-book ARC given to me through NetGalley by Matador (Troubador Publishing) in exchange for my honest opinions.

Mozzy is a chef with high aspirations and he is sure he has the ability to get him there. He is a real-life safari chef, who loves to serve VIP guests.

Even with a boss who doesn’t appreciate his abilities and a wife who might just be in a cult, he finds himself in another country at the behest of one of those very kind guests.

I really enjoyed this read, it was a different perspective to what I am used to reading and I might have to go and dig out the author’s previous works!

I enjoyed this book very much.
I loved the setting, the writing and that it surely implies to all people who dare to dream. The story is unique but cliché at the same time. It is sweet, humorous and a little heartbreaking.

What I liked most was it's vivid narration and how the main character thinks about his every move, tries to see the bigger picture. I rarely highlight something, but in this story, there are a lot of sayings and quotes to remember.

I was (pleasantly) surprised that it acknowledges some themes that are too common in our world, but not talked about enough.

A chef at a decrepit birdwatching outfit dreams of running a restaurant in a glamourous city. This novel is a funny and sometimes heartbreaking story of friendship and guilt and healing.

The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing was a lovely read about a man with a dream and the challenges he needed to overcome to realize what that dream could be. It was a heart-warming story although a bit cliché (resulting in the loss of one star). The imagery was lush and descriptive aiding in the enjoyment of the novel as a whole. I would recommend to someone needing a relatively quick and easy read with a charming main character.

I wish I had a better review for this novel because I know how much effort and time and love it takes to write a novel. So here is my HONEST review. The demographic for this book is not me. I thought it was going to be a little like "Eat - Pray - Love" which is why I was first drawn to it. However, you can tell it was written by a man, for men, and even for a small niche of men. Like, chefs... I wish I can offer more insight. Here is what I do know: it is well written and easy to read. I just couldn't get into the story since it is not relatable for me.

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The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp tells the story of Chef Mozzy Mlantushi, working on a safari tour, who dreams of becoming a chef especially in a European or American restaurant. Mr. Sharp was brought up, and worked in Africa, currently living in the UK.

Mozzy Mlantushi takes tremendous pride in his job as a Chef for a small safari company. He sees an opportunity when a daughter of a famous English restauranteur comes for a tour.

The VIPs, however, are interested in a rare bird. Chef Mozzy believes that this is his big break to be recognized.

From some reason, I have a weak point for stories taking place in Africa. However, I’ve only been to the top northern part of the continent, not even the part we think about when we hear “Africa”.

The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp has several aspect which usually capture my interest right off the bat. As mentioned, takes place in Africa, along with a culinary theme which is always interesting.

The characters are unique and intriguing, the story a cliché – but it works. The narrative is sweet and humorous with a very likeable protagonist. Chef Mozzy Mlantushi is, to put it mildly, a good man trying to do his best, and furthermore, follow his dream.

I especially enjoyed Chef Mozzy’s character. An honest man who is a better person than those who virtue signal their “goodness”. The code he lives by is something that we should all aspire to, as difficult as it is, difficult for him as well.

The unique perspective was enough to keep me reading. The narrative, for instance, is a pleasure to read through, the African voice was in my head from the start.

The story does have other characters besides Chef Mozzy. He has a boss that doesn’t appreciate him, a wife who spends all their money to give to their church, and of course, the VIPs who he comes across.

All in all, this was just a lovely, quick book to read. A heart-warming story, as well as lush descriptions of nature and meals.

This is the story of a cook named Mozzy, a journey, hopes and dreams. And what a wonderful story it is.

This is a story that draws you into Mozzy's world (as I think most of us have been in situations where we want to do something better but are unsure of the outcome). This is a story that will warm your heart, make you laugh and entertain you.

The characters are great and all fit in well with the story, the surroundings are well described and you can picture them in your mind. (which I love). It is a book that is easy to read, the story is charming and I am sure everyone will enjoy reading it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this one quite a lot. I especially loved the African setting. It took me a little to warm up to the writing style, but I was soon enchanted by Mozzy's voice. A poinient, humorous and sweet story about one mans determination to achieve his dreams. Two thumbs up.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

An utterly compelling read. Chef Mlantushi is a captivating narrator. He made me cry. He made me laugh. Sometimes both with the same sentence. The author writes of Africa with a lightness of touch in the same way as Alexander McCall Smith does.
The storytelling is poignant. I have a real affection for all the characters and genuine empathy. The hunt for the brackish akalat was highly evocative. This novel is thought-provoking and soul-searching and absolutely irresistible.