Britain is two years into WWII and the hardships are starting to affect an increasing amount of people, both financially and morally. Aimed to divert and entertain, a BBC Show The Kitchen Front was launched, aimed to encourage people, especially women, to become creative by cooking outstanding meals out of the weekly ratios.
Far away from the centers of conflict, taking refuge in the safety of the countryside, the widow Audrey and her estranged sister Gwendoline, are keen to participate, (re)inventing outstanding recipes almost out of nothing. Together with other women - more or less difficult characters - involved into the competition, they may spend an impressive amount of energy, and less ingredients, preparing - each and every one of them - lavish gourmet recipes.
Based on true facts - such a foodie show was actually initiated by BBC during the war - The Kitchen front by bestselling author Jennifer Ryan has an elaborated writing and recipes of meals I had to spend a long time hungrily search online (crab bisque, is one of the many examples). It uses real historical circumstances to create a story with an unique social and historical impact.
Personally, I loved how the various elements of the story are so well coordinated around foodie-related events, and especially how the food is inserted in various way within the everyday life encounters. It happens not only because, you know, women are expected to be busy with food, no matter the circumstances, but because food has a highly social and human value.
The book is a feast of good writing and exquisite meals, but it also focuses on the human weaknesses and challenges of the women involved in creating the food.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Thanks for the blog tour support xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity!
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