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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review:
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Easy,enjoyable read Feb 29, 2008
This is a lively engaging story which captured my interest from the first paragraph. The author has the ability to transition deftly from descriptive passages of place and character to writing extremely natural dialogue. Because of this, the story line moves along swiftly as an entertaining read and peaks my interest to wanting to carry on and learn more. I'm very interested in how he will develop future characters.Creating the world of the Cafe in which they will operate is a rich landscape within which to explore them against an interesting background.
Besides a talent for bringing a place to life, the author has a special talent for dialogue. It flows smoothly and naturally between the two characters as well as the specific descriptions of the various wines and how they are made. I believe these descriptions enhance the story. The author definitely knows his stuff but has the ability to present it in a very knowledgeable yet easily understandable way.In a very limited excerpt, I feel I know who these characters are and the world which they inhabit, both the restaurant and NYC.
I would look forward to see how this story enfolds.
Cafe Bentley works for me Feb 13, 2008
Works for me, DeRochi's book (the 5000 or so words available for free viewing) leaves me longing for more...more of the rich coffee, NY cheesecake, eating pasta dishes street-side, New Yorkers and tourists abound and the wonderful collective smell of New York City. The trash, sirens, rattling taxis and creepy characters I can easily forget, but not the unique cafe or bistro on a New York City side street; tables set, inviting, open. I'd like to read the rest of the book, perhaps it will help me understand the restaurant business better, educate me in the fine art of wine selection but most certainly would love to read the rest of Lionel's adventure in the Big City! Let Cafe Bentley be a winner, it already is for me. Cafe Bentley - Official ABNA Entrant
Bud Dusel Feb 06, 2008
Very interesting! I am looking forward to reading the entire work.
The short ammount of reading available brought out a real feel of New York City and the many problems facing people and small restaurants.
The characters were very well developed. The reader has the feeling he knows them.
I am not knowledgable regarding the fine points or background of wine, however it appears the author is, and he makes you desire to learn more.
Again, I am anxious to read more from Mr. DeRochi.
Cafe Bentley.............Reserve a table for me!! Feb 04, 2008
I like the way the author,through his character,Lionel,tries to simplify wine for Walter, the owner of Cafe Bentley.I agree with the others who have said that the excerpt reminds them of the movie Sideways. Personally, I learned a lot more about wine in these few pages than I have in the few books I have tried to read.
I sense that Lionel will have his hands full when he meets Scott, the manager. Walter tells us that Scott has been with him since the beginning, and I would imagine that a young Frenchman telling him what a mess he has made of the wine will create an immediate "oil and water" mixture.
I've only met three of the characters but I already have a clear idea of who they are and I look forward to see what happens next. Of the excerpts I've read, this one is my favorite.I would love a quiet corner table at Cafe Bentley where I could enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir and watch this story unfold, but since thats not possible, publish this as I would love to read it, I'll supply the wine!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
I need to get this novel!!! Feb 03, 2008
As I began to read, my mind was instantly transported into the mind of Lionel. The author's descriptive writing is exceptional, and the rest of the story must be a treasure. I can't wait to read the rest.
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