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Babette’s Feast (1950)

by Karen Blixen

Other authors: See the other authors section.

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450749,689 (4.03)43
Babette's Feastis a sublime celebration of eating, drinking and sensual pleasure. In Isak Dinesen's life-affirming short story, two elderly sisters living in a remote, god-fearing Norwegian community take in a mysterious refugee from Paris one night - and are rewarded for their kindness with the most decadent, luxurious feast of a lifetime.… (more)
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» See also 43 mentions

Showing 4 of 4
"I am a great artist!" (damnit!)

I wasn't a fan of this one, but I have to appreciate the richness of the scenes that Blixen described. With her Gothic Tales as part of her repertoire, I cannot help but feel that there is something else going on underneath Babette's Feast; she brings in French food to an austere group like a colonizer and without telling them what they are eating. Then, in the last 2-3 pages the brief mention of a dish served in Africa to Missionaries that contained one of the Chief's grandchildren is dropped. Her ego on full display when she proclaims multiple times how she isn't just an artist but a GREAT artist stands in wild contrast to the demure lifestyle that she's been living among for the past 12 years. Maybe she just couldn't take it anymore being around those without "culture".

The book and film have garnered worldwide acclaim for being a "spiritually transformative" work, however I can't shake the feeling that Blixen is trying to do something subversive. ( )
  macleod73 | Sep 14, 2022 |
#05/225 signed Richard Olney & Karin Wikstrom. ( )
  kitchengardenbooks | Feb 11, 2019 |
Sisters Martine and Philippa belong to a ascetic, minimalist sect in Norway. They are happy to offer asylum to a French chef, Babette, who is on the run from the French government, but they will only allow her to cook simple Norwegian meals so they can give as much of their money as possible to the poor. Many years later, the girls are concerned that their beloved Babette will leave them, because she has recently come into some money. Babette is mum on the matter but asks permission to cook one real French meal for the founder of the sect, the sisters' late father.

A beautiful, poignant, borderline-perfect short story. You all know of my love for fancy food, so it should come as no surprise that this story really touched me. And I love short stories so I will be on the lookout for more by Dinesen/Karen Blixen. ( )
  norabelle414 | May 25, 2013 |
arrival of Babette- a mysterious refugee from France in small Danish hamlet encourages 2 austere sisters and their community to try something outrageous-- a gourmet French meal! 1 hour 43 minutes
  cljacobson | Jan 31, 2010 |
Showing 4 of 4
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» Add other authors (25 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Karen Blixenprimary authorall editionscalculated
Rosich, MariaTranslatorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Süskind, W.E.Translatorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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Der er i Norge en lang, snæver fjord, mellem høje fjelde, ved navn Berlevaag Fjord.
In Norway there is a fjord - - a long narrow arm of the sea between tall mountains - - named Berlevaag Fjord.
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1950 short story
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Babette's Feastis a sublime celebration of eating, drinking and sensual pleasure. In Isak Dinesen's life-affirming short story, two elderly sisters living in a remote, god-fearing Norwegian community take in a mysterious refugee from Paris one night - and are rewarded for their kindness with the most decadent, luxurious feast of a lifetime.

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