Julia's Cats

“A cat-centric biography of Julia Child? Why not? . . . The many feline fanciers out there will surely enjoy the photographs of the cats.” —Chicago Tribune

The world knows Julia Child as the charismatic woman who brought French cuisine to America and became a TV sensation, but there’s one aspect of her life that’s not so familiar. Soon after the Childs arrived in Paris in 1948, a French cat appeared on their doorstep, and Julia recalled, “Our domestic circle was completed.” Minette captured Julia’s heart, igniting a lifelong passion for cats equaled only by her love of food and her husband, Paul. All the cherished feline companions who shared Julia’s life—in Paris, Provence, and finally California—reminded her of that magical time in Paris when her life changed forever.

From Julia’s and Paul’s letters and original interviews with those who knew her best, Patricia Barey and Therese Burson have gathered fresh stories and images that offer a delightfully intimate view of a beloved icon.

“It’s clear that all the cats that passed through her life gave her joy and comfort, probably in ways that food and even Paul could not. Having that perspective of this grande dame makes her seem all the more human and wonderfully admirable to me.” —Epicurious

“This compact, entertaining read is filled with personal photos and letters that document the role cats played in Julia’s life as she moved from Paris to Provence, Cambridge to California.” —Shelf Awareness

“Brings this little known aspect of Julia Child’s life to light in an engaging and entertaining way.” —The Conscious Cat