I’m a huge (read huuuuuuuuuuuge) Gordon Ramsay fan, I devour all his TV shows- be it Masterchef U.S., Hell’s Kitchen, and my latest obsession 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
Yes, he is infamous for his swearing and temper. But there is no one else like him. The 16 times Michelin stars awardee (now holds seven), he is one of the best known and most influential chefs out there.
What can you expect from Gordon Ramsay’s memoir? Definitely nothing humble, you’d think. However, that’s not the case. Read on to find out.
Gordon Ramsay’s Humble Pie ~ Book Review
“I know how it feels to be in a corner, unnoticed and unloved.“
The book starts off with Chef Ramsay penning down his difficult childhood. His father was a cheating alcoholic and used his wife as a punchbag. He had to move homes across the country every couple of months, poverty loomed over the family and the little money they had was misspent on his dad’s singing career. This first chapter of the book was brutally honest and hard-hitting.
Chef Ramsay also talks about his love for football and how a grave injury screwed up his chances of continuing in Rangers. Though he had an affinity towards cooking, it was not his passion. Yet.
Chef Ramsay was also doesn’t hold back about his “war” with his mentor Marco Pierre White who is portrayed as a violent, domineering bully who intimidates and assaults those who work for him. We also come to know of how he tries to cheat Ramsay in is business.
What I loved most was reading about his struggles and working his way up in some of the toughest kitchens in the world, including a few in Paris where he learnt how to use the simplest of ingredients to produce gourmet food.
“Addicts are selfish; it’s always, ALWAYS about them.”
It was also truly heartbreaking to read about his sad relationship with his drug-addict brother Ronnie,the struggles and hardships he has gone through to help him lead a normal life. It’s pretty devastating to learn of a life led like that.
I can fully understand why people don’t like Chef Ramsay. He is portrayed that way through his TV shows and his Ill-swearing doesn’t help either. The book is no different. You can always find ‘fuck’, ‘bollocks’, ‘arse’, ‘shag’ throughout his book and strangely I could even hear his voice in my head as I read the book.
But I also have learned now why he is the way he is. Of course, this book is not an excuse for any of his behavior. He strives for gastronomic perfection. An OBE (Order of the British Empire, the most excellent British order of chivalry), he is a culinary genius.
Will I Recommend Humble Pie?
Definitely Yes. This is how a memoir should be. Honest and Straightforward.
4.5 Paws on 5
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Have you read any books by Gordon Ramsay?
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I’m a real big fan of Gordan Ramsay and have gone through a lot of his work. What I’m wondering is why haven’t I read this book yet?
Sure to do that soon now.
Happy A2Zing 🙂
I’m a really great fan of Gordon Ramsay and live hell’s kitchen. That’s a great review and will check out the book. #tmmreads #blogchattera2z
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That sounds like an interesting book, though my eyes refused to leave those two cute coffee mugs 😀
I used to follow his show -Hells Kitchen. And yes, he is an influential figure. If we can ignore his famous words then his shows are good to watch. Now I am looking forward to this book.
We judge so many people without quite knowing them. Your review itself about his struggles has hit me hard. I’m loving your reviews. 🙂
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I never read or heard him. Your post is so intriguing, I would like to check him out. Shalini, you know I just wonder how beautiful you are at bookstagrammar photography. I see your pics for moments. Lovely post.
I never liked him, being a Tony Bourdain fan. I felt it blasphemous to love someone else. However, there are a couple of episodes of Hell’s Kitchen that I loved.
I think he’s a great chef and he trains future chefs well but I’m not a fan. I think you gain more by kindness than in bringing people down.
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I’m not usually one for memoirs but I do like Ramsay, so I’ll keep this in mind! Thanks for the review.
I quite like Gordon Ramsay. The audiobook is on my Storytel bookshelf but I have not got around reading it. Time to pick it up.
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He is really famous. Have watched him in some of his shows.
Remember – ‘where’s the lamb sauce?’
You are right- his reputation is because of the way he has been portrayed.
The fact that he’s not as arrogant as he deliberately portrays comes through on so many alternative shows – Masterchef Junior, the youtube videos with his children etc
True arrogance is not something that can be easily turned off that way
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I love memoirs. I haven’t followed Gordon Ramsay’s career that closely but even so I’m sure I’d enjoy the book.
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Great review and great photo! Not a fan of profanity but when the author is as famous as Gordon Ramsay politeness is often not a priority. Didn’t know about his family situation – poor chap.
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He is a culinary genius. No doubt about that! And despite all his mannerisms and abusive language, I suspect he’s a softie at heart. This is clearly evident from his videos with his family, especially Matilda.
I haven’t read his books, but I have seen several of his shows (including the prison cooking one). I think he’s a pretty good guy (based on how he is with kids) who knows how to be a celebrity personality.
Good post. I hope you and yours are well.
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