A Waiter in Paris

A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm is a gripping memoir that immerses you into the hidden, gritty world of Parisian restaurant life. Told with unflinching honesty, Chisholm's narrative captures the raw and often brutal reality of being a waiter in one of the world's most romanticised cities. This is not just a tale of serving dishes and catering to the whims of diners; it’s an odyssey through exploitation, camaraderie, and survival.

At the heart of this recount is Chisholm's struggle to make ends meet in the underbelly of Paris. As an Englishman in a foreign land, he faces relentless challenges: from enduring inhumane hours and meagre wages to coping with tyrannical bosses and navigating the treacherous world of co-workers who are as desperate and cunning as he is. The memoir vividly portrays the stark contrast between the luxurious facade presented to patrons and the chaotic, competitive, and often cruel environment behind the scenes.

A waiter's job, as Chisholm conveys, is to create an illusion of ease and sophistication while concealing the hellish reality just beyond the dining area's threshold. Throughout his journey, readers are introduced to an array of characters, including ex-Legionnaires, paperless immigrants, drug dealers, and thieves, each with their own stories and struggles.

This spellbinding account isn't just a personal story; it's a commentary on the broader Parisian culture, laden with biting insights and dark humour. The memoir resonates with the same power and poignancy as classics like George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the often overlooked labour that supports the glamour of Parisian dining.

"This astonishing book describes a cruel, feral existence and is worthy of standing on the shelf next to George Orwell's Down And Out In Paris And London as another classic about human exploitation." - Daily Mail

"Chisholm's story is immersive and often thrilling ... He's a fine writer." - WSJ

"Kitchen Confidential for Generation Z" - Fortune

"An English waiter's riveting account of working in Paris" - Daily Mail

"Visceral and unbelievably compelling" - Emerald Fennell

"Vividly written and merciless in its detail" - Edward Stourton

"An excellent book" - Strong Words magazine

"A completely fascinating read and feels like a book Anthony Bourdain would have written" - Rosie Kellet

"A Dickensian tale of a young man's trial by fire in a French bistro gives rise to biting commentary on Parisian culture in Chisholm's intoxicating debut" - Publisher's Weekly

"Ah, Paris... gastronomie magnifique and... insane shit going on behind the scenes. A Waiter in Paris charts Edward Chisholm's jaw-dropping experiences while serving tables in the French capital, a demi-monde of sadistic managers, thieves, fighting for tips and drug dealers. Seems like not much has changed since George Orwell worked the same beat." - Evening Standard

A waiter's job is to deceive you. They want you to believe in a luxurious calm because, on the other side of that door... is hell.

Edward Chisholm's spellbinding memoir of his time as a Parisian waiter takes you below the surface of one of the most iconic cities in the world and right into its glorious underbelly.

The waiter inhabits a world of inhuman hours, snatched sleep, and dive bars; scraping by on coffee, bread and cigarettes, often under sadistic managers, with a wage so low you're fighting your colleagues for tips.

It's physically demanding, frequently humiliating and incredibly competitive. And with a cast of thieves, narcissists, ex-Legionnaires, paperless immigrants, and drug dealers, it makes for a compelling and eye-opening read.

Shortlisted for the 2023 Ackerley Prize for Autobiography.