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The Cheese Cure: How Comté and Camembert Fed My Soul
‘A wonderful book.' Cathy Rentzenbrink
‘A remarkable tale’ The Spectator
A giant wheel of Comté – a cheese full of delight, a mosaic of flavour – can sometimes become flat. Despite all that’s gone into making it and caring for it, its complexity mysteriously vanishes, its spark dies. Cheesemongers know that. That’s why they regularly test the they insert a cheese iron deep into the wheel and extract a sample from its core. Sometimes they can cure it and sometimes they can’t.
A highly successful BBC and Guardian Journalist, somehow Michael Finnerty's life had become flat. His psychological cheese iron told him he needed to make a change, and he becomes convinced his salvation lies in cheese. Michael becomes an apprentice cheesemonger at Borough Market, and is plunged into a world of intense physicality, extraordinary knowledge, and total geeky passion. From learning the cheese's personal nighttime riders – Castillon Frais needs to sit in its box underneath some waxed paper but its box needs to be kept in a plastic sheath, Comté sits unwrapped in a cool cupboard, and has a quick saline bath before bed – to learning intricate ways to wrap their different shapes; from being able to taste nuances between the cheeses, to slicing fingers, bruising toes, getting allergic reactions, and the simple dog-tiredness of being on your feet from the crack of dawn till night, Michael's new job is more demanding than he could ever have imagined – and he loves it. Then when Borough Market is subjected to a terrifying attack, Michael realises through cheese, he has found something even more powerful – community.
‘A remarkable tale’ The Spectator
A giant wheel of Comté – a cheese full of delight, a mosaic of flavour – can sometimes become flat. Despite all that’s gone into making it and caring for it, its complexity mysteriously vanishes, its spark dies. Cheesemongers know that. That’s why they regularly test the they insert a cheese iron deep into the wheel and extract a sample from its core. Sometimes they can cure it and sometimes they can’t.
A highly successful BBC and Guardian Journalist, somehow Michael Finnerty's life had become flat. His psychological cheese iron told him he needed to make a change, and he becomes convinced his salvation lies in cheese. Michael becomes an apprentice cheesemonger at Borough Market, and is plunged into a world of intense physicality, extraordinary knowledge, and total geeky passion. From learning the cheese's personal nighttime riders – Castillon Frais needs to sit in its box underneath some waxed paper but its box needs to be kept in a plastic sheath, Comté sits unwrapped in a cool cupboard, and has a quick saline bath before bed – to learning intricate ways to wrap their different shapes; from being able to taste nuances between the cheeses, to slicing fingers, bruising toes, getting allergic reactions, and the simple dog-tiredness of being on your feet from the crack of dawn till night, Michael's new job is more demanding than he could ever have imagined – and he loves it. Then when Borough Market is subjected to a terrifying attack, Michael realises through cheese, he has found something even more powerful – community.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
3066 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 24, 2025
I was very kindly sent a copy - as was a friend so we were able to buddy read this, which quickly sparked our own cheesy adventure. We visited local cheesemongers, sampled some delicious goodies… and yes, a few cheeses came home with us.
The fact we were called “cheesy people” says it all!
This is a celebration of all things fromage - foodie non-fiction at its cheesiest.
Michael Finnerty was working at a radio station in Canada when he decided to take a sabbatical and become a cheesemonger apprentice in London’s Borough Market. This is the story of how he transitioned from broadcasting to cheese.
Each chapter of his journey is followed by a cheese spotlight - its origin, taste, serving suggestions, pairing tips, and a fun fact. Some of the cheeses we picked up were mentioned in the book. Sadly, not all were available to try, but can’t say we weren’t spoilt for choice!
We had SO much fun reading this book together and learning about the wide world of cheese. It sparked curiosity and a full-on cheese hunt. We loved it. It was informative, entertaining and unique and buddy reading made it even more special - we were constantly messaging each other, and from the very start, we knew a cheese themed adventure was coming.
We both came away having learned alot. The book had us Googling cheese types, diving into rabbit holes, and expanding on what Michael shared.
The storytelling itself was incredibly engaging - there were moments when we became so immersed in his journey that we had to remind ourselves it was nonfiction.
Taking the book with us on our cheese expedition and chatting to the cheesemongers really brought the story to life. The knowledge we gained - both from the book and our visit - gave us a real taste (pun intended) of the world Michael wrote about.
This is a true insight into the life of a cheesemonger and the culture of cheese.
For all the other cheesy people out there: grab yourself a copy. You won’t regret it - but your bank balance might.
Thank you so much to Michael Finnerty & HarperCollinsUK for sending us both a copy to read and review - all opinions are our own.
The fact we were called “cheesy people” says it all!
This is a celebration of all things fromage - foodie non-fiction at its cheesiest.
Michael Finnerty was working at a radio station in Canada when he decided to take a sabbatical and become a cheesemonger apprentice in London’s Borough Market. This is the story of how he transitioned from broadcasting to cheese.
Each chapter of his journey is followed by a cheese spotlight - its origin, taste, serving suggestions, pairing tips, and a fun fact. Some of the cheeses we picked up were mentioned in the book. Sadly, not all were available to try, but can’t say we weren’t spoilt for choice!
We had SO much fun reading this book together and learning about the wide world of cheese. It sparked curiosity and a full-on cheese hunt. We loved it. It was informative, entertaining and unique and buddy reading made it even more special - we were constantly messaging each other, and from the very start, we knew a cheese themed adventure was coming.
We both came away having learned alot. The book had us Googling cheese types, diving into rabbit holes, and expanding on what Michael shared.
The storytelling itself was incredibly engaging - there were moments when we became so immersed in his journey that we had to remind ourselves it was nonfiction.
Taking the book with us on our cheese expedition and chatting to the cheesemongers really brought the story to life. The knowledge we gained - both from the book and our visit - gave us a real taste (pun intended) of the world Michael wrote about.
This is a true insight into the life of a cheesemonger and the culture of cheese.
For all the other cheesy people out there: grab yourself a copy. You won’t regret it - but your bank balance might.
Thank you so much to Michael Finnerty & HarperCollinsUK for sending us both a copy to read and review - all opinions are our own.
July 21, 2025
2 stars
(thankyou harper collins for a physical arc !!!)
wow thats a lot of cheese !!!
i dont really think this was anything special and it couldve gone without being a book
is a intresting concept though .
i did really like learning about the cheese attack though it was really intresting , i think the author shouldve focused on that more .
it was really easy to read with short chapters but some bits did yap on and i got bored
(thankyou harper collins for a physical arc !!!)
wow thats a lot of cheese !!!
i dont really think this was anything special and it couldve gone without being a book
is a intresting concept though .
i did really like learning about the cheese attack though it was really intresting , i think the author shouldve focused on that more .
it was really easy to read with short chapters but some bits did yap on and i got bored
January 5, 2026
The Cheese Cure – a book about cheese written by a radio presenter. The person who gave me this book for Christmas, Eric Widdecombe, knew that I had to read this. I know a lot of other people who should as well. I knew the author, Mike Finnerty, through his voice on CBC Daybreak in Montreal and on the BBC’s Newshour. We haven’t met, at least, I don’t think so, although our social circles do interconnect.
This is a book about reinventing oneself. Is there a professional life beyond working in radio? I can easily ask myself the same question. In my case, I do not know. Finnerty however does have the answer, and the answer is cheese. During a sabbatical from the Mother House in Montreal, he became a cheesemonger in training at a market in South London – a move that would change his life.
I have also, from a young age, had a close relationship with cheese. I used to accompany my father to cheese factories to buy curds long before the word poutine was even a thing. My grandparents always had a large cheese box in their fridge – it was a metal container with a painting/photo of a ship on top, representing the shipping company where my uncle worked – it was a Danish company and we had a steady supply of Danish cheese. In those days, the selection of Quebec cheese, unlike today, was limited. There was however Oka, and that’s what got me started. My earliest days in South Africa were in a cheese desert – young cheddar and young gouda was about all there was. Fortunately, that is no longer the case – one of my favourite cheeses is South African – mature Huguenot, from Franschhoek.
But I digress. The Cheese Cure is just that, it’s a cure, a cure for what looked like was becoming a fast track to burnout. Working with cheese, apart from the obvious benefits, gave Finnerty a new sense of community, it took away the pressure of the constant early morning deadlines associated with being host of a fast-paced morning current affairs programme, and, thanks to the training that goes with being a journalist, gave him all he needed to develop rapports with the customers at the market stall. I think of Brian, the cheesemonger at the Linden Cheese Shop here in Johannesburg and imagine he must be our local version of Mike Finnerty. In case there is any doubt, I love the Linden Cheese Shop.
At the end of each chapter, and fortunately there are many, there is a description of a cheese Finnerty finds particularly interesting – the range is wide – French, Swiss, English, hard, soft, raw milk, sheep, cow and goat milk.
The next time I’m at la Fromagerie Hamel in the Jean-Talon market, I’ll be using The Cheese Cure as a guide.
Mike, if you happen to read this review, I want to let you know that I often eat cheese while working. One of the benefits of working primarily in francophone Africa – well, I don’t need to tell you, you know what I mean.
This is a book about reinventing oneself. Is there a professional life beyond working in radio? I can easily ask myself the same question. In my case, I do not know. Finnerty however does have the answer, and the answer is cheese. During a sabbatical from the Mother House in Montreal, he became a cheesemonger in training at a market in South London – a move that would change his life.
I have also, from a young age, had a close relationship with cheese. I used to accompany my father to cheese factories to buy curds long before the word poutine was even a thing. My grandparents always had a large cheese box in their fridge – it was a metal container with a painting/photo of a ship on top, representing the shipping company where my uncle worked – it was a Danish company and we had a steady supply of Danish cheese. In those days, the selection of Quebec cheese, unlike today, was limited. There was however Oka, and that’s what got me started. My earliest days in South Africa were in a cheese desert – young cheddar and young gouda was about all there was. Fortunately, that is no longer the case – one of my favourite cheeses is South African – mature Huguenot, from Franschhoek.
But I digress. The Cheese Cure is just that, it’s a cure, a cure for what looked like was becoming a fast track to burnout. Working with cheese, apart from the obvious benefits, gave Finnerty a new sense of community, it took away the pressure of the constant early morning deadlines associated with being host of a fast-paced morning current affairs programme, and, thanks to the training that goes with being a journalist, gave him all he needed to develop rapports with the customers at the market stall. I think of Brian, the cheesemonger at the Linden Cheese Shop here in Johannesburg and imagine he must be our local version of Mike Finnerty. In case there is any doubt, I love the Linden Cheese Shop.
At the end of each chapter, and fortunately there are many, there is a description of a cheese Finnerty finds particularly interesting – the range is wide – French, Swiss, English, hard, soft, raw milk, sheep, cow and goat milk.
The next time I’m at la Fromagerie Hamel in the Jean-Talon market, I’ll be using The Cheese Cure as a guide.
Mike, if you happen to read this review, I want to let you know that I often eat cheese while working. One of the benefits of working primarily in francophone Africa – well, I don’t need to tell you, you know what I mean.
August 6, 2025
I loved this book. A wonderful antidote to all the terrible things going on in the world, it celebrates learning (about self, place and other people), connection, and of course, cheese! You don’t need to know anything about cheese to enjoy it , you will still appreciate the beautiful descriptions and concise, entertaining stories, and there are even some short histories of individual cheeses. Plus, there are thoughtful insights into learning to understand the product when working at the cheese counter and – most important – about engaging with the customers. I really liked those bits - some funny, some touching and all told with sharp observation and a great sense of Borough Market where it's set. Overall, an interesting and engaging read that will leave you feeling better informed and, well, just better.
September 6, 2025
As someone who loves cheese and journalism, this autobiography about a journalist taking a sabbatical and becoming a cheesemonger is full of delicious detail about both professions, detailing the challenges of working at a cheese shop that range from the difficulties of everyday retail to more unusual ones, such as the experience of sheltering in the store during the 2019 London Bridge stabbings. However, Finnerty also showcases the camaraderie that develops amongst the store staff and the sense of joy that he rediscovers in this role, as well as offering plenty of lovely writing about the different cheeses he's mongered and serving suggestions for them. THE CHEESE CURE rambles in places, but it's a delightful story about the most important things in life: friendship, personal fulfilment, and dairy products.
August 28, 2025
It had been YEARS since I read a non-fiction book until I received this book in the post and when I tell you - I SPED through this book🙂↕️
I didn't think l'd enjoy a non-fiction so much but the emotions that were poured into this book are unbeaten. I felt like Michael's internal struggles were my own and by the end of the book, I felt a deep relief, like l'd finally let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.
Michael truly has a passion for cheesemongering and his passion is felt through each and every page, and while some may see this book as a little silly or quirky, I'm begging you to give it a chance.
Also - the irony is not lost on me as a person who is lactose intolerant and also LOVES cheese🫡
🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀/5
I didn't think l'd enjoy a non-fiction so much but the emotions that were poured into this book are unbeaten. I felt like Michael's internal struggles were my own and by the end of the book, I felt a deep relief, like l'd finally let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.
Michael truly has a passion for cheesemongering and his passion is felt through each and every page, and while some may see this book as a little silly or quirky, I'm begging you to give it a chance.
Also - the irony is not lost on me as a person who is lactose intolerant and also LOVES cheese🫡
🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀/5
September 16, 2025
This is a fantastic journey of self discovery, and cheese! I love how Mike shared his experience and brought us all along his ups and downs as he navigated a significant life shift. He teaches us so much about cheese, and yet invites every reader to explore this world in their own way. A great guide to the life of a mongerer, but more so encouragement to take leaps into the unknown. Face the future head on! Thanks for sharing your story, and giving us a glimpse into the cheese community you’re now a huge part of.
September 28, 2025
This is my review of The Cheese Cure by Michael Finnerty, which came out on the 28 August. It’s a memoir, but a very funny one, written by Michael himself. He went from being a bored BBC presenter to moving from Canada to London in search of a change, and somehow ended up becoming a cheesemonger. Quite the leap from TV to cheese!
The book follows his journey into this unexpected new career, and between chapters he includes cheese recommendations, complete with history, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions. I loved those sections, though they definitely left me craving cheese the whole time I was reading.
Michael starts work in a Borough Market cheese shop, where he has to learn everything about the trade — from promoting and selling to customers to washing and soaking the cheeses themselves. Borough Market, being one of London’s oldest food markets, is full of characters and long-standing traditions, and it was fascinating to see him find his place there. The book is filled with humour, missteps, and witty observations, but also contains more sobering moments.
One particularly striking section was when he described the attack near Borough Market, where he and customers had to hide in a fridge for safety. I remember reading about that at the time, and hearing it from his perspective was moving. It really showed the sense of community and resilience, with people protecting and supporting one another in the face of danger.
I enjoyed the balance of comedy and heart in the writing. Michael was honest about his mistakes and struggles without being overly harsh on himself, which made the memoir feel very human. I also liked the reflections on working through the COVID period — the masks, the restrictions, and the challenges of keeping a food business going. It felt like both a time capsule and a reminder of how quickly that era has passed.
Overall, I thought the book was well written and much more engaging than I expected. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise, but I’m glad I did. If you love cheese, witty memoirs, or simply want to read something different, I’d definitely recommend The Cheese Cure.
The book follows his journey into this unexpected new career, and between chapters he includes cheese recommendations, complete with history, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions. I loved those sections, though they definitely left me craving cheese the whole time I was reading.
Michael starts work in a Borough Market cheese shop, where he has to learn everything about the trade — from promoting and selling to customers to washing and soaking the cheeses themselves. Borough Market, being one of London’s oldest food markets, is full of characters and long-standing traditions, and it was fascinating to see him find his place there. The book is filled with humour, missteps, and witty observations, but also contains more sobering moments.
One particularly striking section was when he described the attack near Borough Market, where he and customers had to hide in a fridge for safety. I remember reading about that at the time, and hearing it from his perspective was moving. It really showed the sense of community and resilience, with people protecting and supporting one another in the face of danger.
I enjoyed the balance of comedy and heart in the writing. Michael was honest about his mistakes and struggles without being overly harsh on himself, which made the memoir feel very human. I also liked the reflections on working through the COVID period — the masks, the restrictions, and the challenges of keeping a food business going. It felt like both a time capsule and a reminder of how quickly that era has passed.
Overall, I thought the book was well written and much more engaging than I expected. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise, but I’m glad I did. If you love cheese, witty memoirs, or simply want to read something different, I’d definitely recommend The Cheese Cure.
November 23, 2025
The Cheese Cure is a memoir from journalist Michael Finnerty about his decision to take a career sabbatical and his journey that takes him to Borough Market and into the world of cheesemongery.
It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s inspiring, and it’s emotional. Not to mention educational too! Each chapter comes to a close with a little fact file about a different type of cheese and includes some handy hints of how best to go about eating it!
You don’t have to know anything about cheese to enjoy this book, in fact going in without much knowledge is probably a bonus as you get to “learn on the job” with Michael. The Cheese Cure is a memoir that really touches on the sense of finding purpose in your life, finding meaning, finding a community, and finding where you fit in. If I was listing tropes for a fiction book then you’d have to market it as “found family”.
Ultimately the cheese is a vehicle to tell the story of someone taking a leap of faith in life in the hope of discovering what they are looking for, even if they aren’t quite sure what it is.
It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s inspiring, and it’s emotional. Not to mention educational too! Each chapter comes to a close with a little fact file about a different type of cheese and includes some handy hints of how best to go about eating it!
You don’t have to know anything about cheese to enjoy this book, in fact going in without much knowledge is probably a bonus as you get to “learn on the job” with Michael. The Cheese Cure is a memoir that really touches on the sense of finding purpose in your life, finding meaning, finding a community, and finding where you fit in. If I was listing tropes for a fiction book then you’d have to market it as “found family”.
Ultimately the cheese is a vehicle to tell the story of someone taking a leap of faith in life in the hope of discovering what they are looking for, even if they aren’t quite sure what it is.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews