Finding Freedom by Erin French Review

  Title: Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story: Building a Life From Scratch

Author: Erin French

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

I’ve heard about Erin French for a long time; it’s a life goal to eat at her restaurant. So when her memoir came up in my Libby search, I put a hold on it. I read this book on my Kindle in a matter of days; maybe three, maybe five. I love memoirs when I can sense honesty, and this delivered in spades. I was immediately drawn in by Erin’s fresh, sincere voice, and her sheer honesty about the good, the bad, the ugly, and the rock bottom. I really enjoyed Finding Freedom; I saw something in French that struck a chord in me. Tenacious, fiery, and full of life, I adored this book; it was one of my favorites of the last year. I walked away from this book feeling inspired and fulfilled and settled. It was so nice to see Erin get the true happy ending she deserved, that she fought tooth and nail for! I loved it, and I can’t wait to read French’s cookbooks. This book was so wonderful!

Erin French found herself a young pregnant college drop out and was forced to return to the hometown she spent her whole life trying to escape from. Raised by an emotionally unavailable father and a meek, peacekeeping mother, Erin found herself fighting fiercely for affection as a young woman. But she finds love, and that love deepens when her son, Jaim, is born. However, what appeared to be a dream marriage turned out to be an abusive, alcoholic nightmare. At odds with her husband, Erin’s fire dims, until she hits rock bottom and is forced into treatment, separated from her precious child. Will she find the peace and freedom she so craves, or will she fall victim to her demons?

I love memoirs when they are written well; Finding Freedom is easily a top five favorite. I was drawn in at once by French’s honest, almost cynical voice. The pacing was immediate; when I was reading, it felt like I was watching a movie of her childhood. This also struck a personal chord with me; I really related to Erin, especially with her childhood and family situation. And her lovely descriptions of delicious food made my mouth water! This book made me so hungry, in the best way. I hope, someday, that I get the chance to meet her and taste the food she creates with so much skill and joy and love. This is probably one of my favorite books ever, and I loved it so much! The bottom line: Rich with detail and full of honesty and warmth, I loved Finding Freedom! Next on deck: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeny!