Quick Take

Julie Powell thought cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking was the craziest thing she'd ever do--until she embarked on the voyage recounted in her new memoir, CLEAVING.Her marriage challenged by an insane, irresistible love affair, Julie decides to leave town and immerse herself in a new obsession: butchery. She finds her way to Fleischer's, a butcher shop where she buries herself in the details of food. She learns how to break down a side of beef and French a rack of ribs--tough, physical work that only sometimes distracts her from thoughts of afternoon trysts.The camaraderie at Fleischer's leads Julie to search out fellow butchers around the world--from South America to Europe to Africa. At the end of her odyssey, she has learned a new art and perhaps even mastered her unruly heart.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession

Introduction

"Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession" by Julie Powell is a memoir that delves into the author's personal life and her journey through a tumultuous marriage, her infatuation with butchery, and her quest for self-discovery. Powell's writing style, which blends the mundane with the extraordinary, has captivated readers and garnered mixed opinions. In this article, we will explore the views of readers and analyze the reasons for recommending or not recommending this book.

About Julie Powell

Julie Powell, the author of "Cleaving," was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She first gained fame with her cooking memoir "Julie & Julia," which chronicled her year-long journey of cooking her way through Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Powell's writing has appeared in various publications, including Bon Appétit, The New York Times, and House Beautiful. Her ability to combine food and personal narratives has made her a popular author among readers.

Analysis of Views

A raw and honest portrayal: Many readers praise Powell's willingness to share her personal struggles and emotions in "Cleaving." They appreciate the rawness and honesty of the book, which allows them to connect with the author on a deeper level.
A compelling story: The story of Julie's marriage, her infatuation with butchery, and her journey of self-discovery captivates readers. The book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships and the human psyche.
Engaging writing style: Powell's writing style, which blends humor, introspection, and storytelling, has been praised by readers. Her ability to make even mundane tasks like butchering meat engaging keeps readers hooked.
A mix of personal and professional experiences: Some readers find that the book's blend of personal experiences with professional endeavors (in this case, learning to become a butcher) adds depth and complexity to the narrative. It provides a unique lens through which to view Julie's journey.
Moral and ethical questions: Several readers express concerns about the morality and ethical implications of some of Julie's actions in the book. They question her choices and wonder if she truly learns from her experiences.

Reasons for Recommendation

Raw and honest portrayal: Readers appreciate the raw and honest portrayal of Julie's struggles in "Cleaving." It provides a relatable and authentic account of personal growth and self-discovery.
Compelling storyline: The storyline of "Cleaving" is captivating, offering a unique perspective on relationships and personal transformation. It resonates with readers who value introspection and self-exploration.
Engaging writing style: Powell's writing style is highly engaging, making even mundane tasks like butchering meat interesting and compelling. Her ability to weave personal experiences into the narrative keeps readers invested in the story.
Mix of personal and professional experiences: The blend of personal experiences with professional endeavors adds depth and complexity to the book. It provides readers with a well-rounded understanding of Julie's journey and allows them to connect with her on multiple levels.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Moral and ethical questions: Some readers find it difficult to recommend "Cleaving" due to moral and ethical concerns surrounding Julie's actions in the book. They question whether her choices are justifiable or if she truly learns from her experiences.
Lack of closure: A few readers feel that the book lacks closure, leaving them unsatisfied with the resolution of Julie's story. They feel that certain aspects of the narrative remain unresolved or unexplored.

Conclusion

"Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession" by Julie Powell offers a raw and honest portrayal of personal struggles, relationships, and self-discovery. While it has garnered praise for its compelling storyline and engaging writing style, some readers have raised moral and ethical concerns about certain aspects of the book. Overall, whether you choose to recommend it or not will depend on your personal perspective on these issues. However, it is undeniable that Julie Powell's writing has captured the hearts of many readers with its raw honesty and captivating narrative.