The Apologist

A light fluff novel about a restaurant critic who — after a chef kills himself following a particularly harsh review — discovers the joys of apologizing and eventually becomes the chief apologist for the United Nations, expiating the sins of the Western world — everything from slavery to colonialism to corporate monopolies. There is a very interesting account of a chocolate-themed dinner for all the foodies in the audience, plus an elaborate apology lunch demanded by a Jesse Jackson-like character as part of the slavery apology.

Restaurant review results in roasted restauranteur. Okay, so not restauranteur. Chef. But he also owned the restaurant. And the reviewer responsible for the chef roasted himself in his own oven, with a copy of the review tape to the door of same oven, decides that maybe he has been too harsh and apologies to the widow. And that feels so good, he decides to apologize to everyone he has every cause pain or misery. And that goes so well, he is tapped to be Chief Apologist for a new organization within the United Nations. Sound a bit over-the-top? It is, but it is also mostly delightful.

The apologies are deliciously themed (the author is a real life restaurant reviewer and knows his food), and the story moves along quite nicely. There is a show more good deal about the father/son relationship, as well as brotherly love. I adore stories with a male point of view and this one does it without too much testosterone or frat boy goofiness.

The ending goes a bit awry... I think the author decided he needed to toss in more testosterone. But all in all, I think this is a very entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more from Raynor. show less

I thought this book was pretty bad actually. The topic was ambitious but it just came across as really silly.

Clever idea!