The Cook of Castamar Fernando J. Múñez

     The Duke of Castamar has lost his wife to a horrible accident. It destroys his spirit. He neglects his duties and his family while he mourns. The King of Spain sends a messenger to tell the Duke, he must return to his duties. No more mourning time.

   Clara Belmonte's  father is killed during the war. Clara takes the news so hard she becomes agoraphobic. A monk secures employment for her at Castamar. Clara's mother taught her to cook and then when she died, Clara continued to cook and create recipes. What follows is a story you will fall in love with.

     I watched this movie because I couldn't find the book translated anywhere. It's beautiful and groundbreaking for the time period. I couldn't get enough of this movie. The movie is broken down into twelve one hour episodes. I knew I had to find the book translated. This is just as beautiful and wild as you can imagine. You must read the book and see the movie.

    I did find issues. If you watch the movie first and fall in love with it... don't read the book. You will be disappointed. The back stories in the book are significantly different. Relationships are different. Not just a bit different though, it changes the story. The book is more violent as well. I am so glad I found the movie first.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because it changes the story too much.