Customer Reviews

A Passion for People: The Story of Mary Mahoney and Her Old French House Restaurant

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I rated this book 3 stars (rather than 5) because the subject matter is of regional, rather than national, interest. I read the book with great interest because I am a writer too and was astounded (and a little envious) of the painstaking research, including dozens of personal interviews, the author completed. The quality of his research gives this book a wealth of authentic detail.

Haveing met Mary Mahoney on many occasions, I found this book to be factual and interesting to me. However, if you did know Mary you might feel that she was sort of a flake. She was a woman who love people, life, good food and all things fun. I enjoyed the book and hope that everyone who read it did too. The writing was a little disjointed and in some instances didn't seem to go into enough depth to truely get the feel for Mary Mahoney. Her son is still carrying on her tradition of good food and good fun.

This book brought back memories of my past childhood. I was very excitied to see my father mentioned in the book. I think my cousin has done a wonderful job in the research and writing of this book. I am very proud of him.

Edward Lepoma has written a wonderful book, well researched and beautifully written. At last we know the influences that shaped Mary Mahoney into the great person she was. It was obviously written by someone who understood Mary but who was not blind to her faults.

I am a long time friend of the author and became acquainted with Mary Mahoney and her restaurant through him. Mary was indeed larger than life and the author has captured this in his book. This is an excellent biography. It is well researched and presents a true picture of a great lady, warts and all. Mary was loyal to her heritage, friends, family, city and her religion. She is still sorely missed as hostess, friend and benefactor by everyone she touched in her joyful life. You will laugh and you will cry as you read this book.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in fine dining and remarkable personalities. The author has extensively researched his subject and presented the biography in an easy, readable style. It also gives an insight into the culture and customs of the American Gulf Coast from Alabama to Louisiana with its French Catholic heritage. The restaurant recipes alone are worth the price of the book.

The protagonist had possibilities but was portrayed in a shallow manner. She was one-dimensional and, instead of lionizing her as the author seemed to intend to do, he often portrayed her as a slut who drank too much, spoke too loudly and didn't know the meaning of subtlety, dignity or reserve. One wondered all through the story why she was so "loved" by her patrons when she so often interrupted their enjoyment of their meals by table-hopping constantly. Book badly written. Tried to read it all but stopped in frustration half way through.