Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune

By: Roselle Lim

Narrated by: Catherine Ho

Lush and visual, chock-full of delicious recipes, Roselle Lim’s magical debut novel is about food, heritage, and finding family in the most unexpected places.

At the news of her mother’s death, Natalie Tan returns home. The two women hadn’t spoken since Natalie left in anger seven years ago, when her mother refused to support her chosen career as a chef. Natalie is shocked to discover the vibrant neighborhood of San Francisco’s Chinatown that she remembers from her childhood is fading, with businesses failing and families moving out. She’s even more surprised to learn she has inherited her grandmother’s restaurant.

The neighborhood seer reads the restaurant’s fortune in the leaves: Natalie must cook three recipes from her grandmother’s cookbook to aid her struggling neighbors before the restaurant will succeed. Unfortunately, Natalie has no desire to help them try to turn things around—she resents the local shopkeepers for leaving her alone to take care of her agoraphobic mother when she was growing up. But with the support of a surprising new friend and a budding romance, Natalie starts to realize that maybe her neighbors really have been there for her all along.

Lovely and Delicious!

This book was phenomenal. Fun, heartwarming, and so much depth. It was a perfect combination of substance, warmth, and triumph! I highly recommend!

nostalgic

the story reminded me of elements of the Chinese culture of my youth. i confess the use of the Chinese language confused me a bit as soon of it was Mandarin and some Cantonese and some i didn't understand but it didn't take away from the story. loved it!

I love the aroma of this story

Beautifully and thoughtfully written. This story of growing up, community, family, food, and love is easy and intriguing to listen to.

the imagery

I especially loved the description of recipes. the detail and the storyline and the explanation Chinese beliefs weaved in the story.

An angsty listen

I don't quite know how to categorize this one. Women's fiction with romantic elements and magic realism maybe.

I love the richness of culture in the description of traditions, rituals, filial piety, and especially the glorious mouthwatering food. I’m particularly pleased with the Filipino recipes included in the story.

The fraught relationships between Natalie and her agoraphobic mother and between Miranda and her feisty chef mother Qiao reminded me of The Joy Luck Club.

Docking a star for excessive repetition, overly flowery language, and weakness in the romance build-up.