My Fine Fellow
Fine alternative-history romance with a foodie flair.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that My Fine Fellow is a historical romance based on the classic Hollywood musical My Fair Lady. The genders have been flipped, so the street urchin being groomed for high society is male and his two teachers are female. It's also set in an alternative timeline with an author's note at the end comparing real events to the world of the story. There's very little content of concern, with one "bloody hell," some mild romantic dynamics including one kiss, and drinking champagne once but not to excess. Anti-semitism is a major part of the story and the racial slurs "dirty Jew" and "Jew boy" are used negatively, once each. Other important issues explored include women's rights, equal access and opportunity for everyone, and harmful class and racial distinctions and prejudice.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
MY FINE FELLOW tells the story of best friends Helena Higgins and Penelope Pickering, who are starting their last year at a royal culinary academy in 1830s London. On their way to a night market to sample exotic foods, they meet Elijah Little, a poor street urchin selling empanadas to passersby. Intrigued by the unique flavors of the empanada and impressed with his knowledge of foods from the far-off Americas, Helena decides to train Elijah to become a "gentleman chef." But in order for a lowly street vendor to be accepted by London's elite as a gentleman chef, Elijah will have to cram three years of academy training into just a few months. And keep his real identity a secret.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of historical romance will enjoy this breezy, entertaining gender-swap twist on the familiar story of Elza Dolittle and Professor Henry Higgins. And My Fine Fellow has enough appeal for readers who aren't familiar with either the Hollywood musical or Broadway play versions of My Fair Lady. Author Jennieke Cohen combines an interesting what-if version of history with a reality-TV-type cooking contest that holds the readers interest. The story provides lots of food, not only for the senses, but for thought as well.
Older tweens and teens will relate to Penelope and Elijah as they struggle against society's prejudices, expectations, and limitations. Sometimes the dialog tries too hard to be "veddy British," and Penelope bits her lips an awful lot, but fans of the genre probably won't mind. Sprinkles of light-hearted humor balance the more serious issues explored and keep things upbeat while exploring complex issues like identity, gender roles, and class distinctions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role models in My Fine Fellow. How do Penelope and Elijah show their character strengths? And what about Helena? Her weaknesses are pretty clear, but do they make her a bad person?
Is it OK when authors change history to tell a story? Is it helpful or interesting to imagine things happening differently? Does it hurt anything?
Have you ever seen the movie or the play, My Fair Lady? If you have, which version of the story do you like better? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author: Jennieke Cohen
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Cooking and Baking, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: harper teen
- Publication date: January 11, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: January 30, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Bittersweet, mouthwatering Latino coming-of-ager.
-
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue: Montague Siblings, Book 1
Funny, exciting escapades of bisexual English teen in 1700s.
-
If the Shoe Fits: Meant to Be, Book 1
Cute romcom blends Cinderella story with reality TV.
-
My Fair Lady
Witty, stylish musical classic will entertain all ages.
For kids who love historical fiction and romance
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate