Hands!

by Esmeralda Anstrauta

How do we reconcile our life’s work with the unholy devotion our jobs require of us? Esmeralda Anstrauta’s debut novel HANDS! takes us through one chef’s daily tasks at the best restaurant in the world and shows us what lies underneath the long, hard hours of relentless and meticulous work. When we meet Alma, she’s just beginning to navigate the exacting demands of a kitchen where creativity is reserved for those at the top of the hierarchy and a social dynamic in which competition for roles with more autonomy and forging lasting friendships are often at odds. And what about life outside the kitchen? Alma must also learn what the city of Copenhagen has to offer as she figures out not only how to build a new life for herself, but also if it’s possible at all. Through scenes and conversations that span the mundane and sublime, HANDS! brings us into contact with someone who, ultimately, must decide what it means to live in service not only to others, but also to oneself.

186 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Alise Miļūna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously written. I would say "Hands!" is a younger literary sibling to "The Bear" TV series (including references to a particular three-star restaurant in Copenhagen...), so if you enjoyed the latter, "Hands!" will match your taste. The plot is light and very personal. What really shines for me are the descriptions, bringing environments, people and food to life with minimalist precision.

[marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book joins the bear on the short but specific list of good media that makes me certain i will never ever handle working in a kitchen