Bread of Three Rivers: The Story of a French Loaf

First read this little book from the ship's library on a trip down the Seine from Paris to Normandy in Oct. 2009 Enjoyed it so much that I ordered it after coming home, so my wife could read it. Fun book if you like to cook [ bake ] or eat! RG

This is where it all starts. Get to know the earth and all that is in it. Bread is basic to life, and only four items are required to make it.

This book offers a fascinating exploration of the sources of French bread, taking the reader to meet vivid and sympathetic figures such as a traditional village baker and his family, "salt farmers" who rake salt from shallow pools by the sea, and the engineers who operate an ultra-modern yeast factory. But moving far beyond "bread alone," it is also full of profound insights into family life, traditional vs. globalized culture, and the meaning of work in a human life. I highly recommend it.

I just love the style of this portrait of all the people who contribute to a perfect loaf of French Bread. Beats Peter Mayle hands down in authenticity and beautiful writing.

I loved this book! It is a wonderful read, the language always fresh, and the author's insights wise, sometime sad, but always big hearted. I learned a lot about modern-day France, but also salt, yeast, water, wheat -- and how the whole world is kneaded into something as simple as a good loaf of bread.