The Language of Food: "Mouth-watering and sensuous, a real feast for the imagination" BRIDGET COLLINS

The Language of Food is a historical novel by Annabel Abbs that tells the story of Eliza Acton, a poet who becomes one of the world's most successful cookery writers, revolutionizing cooking and cookbooks around the world. The novel is written with elegance, beauty, charm, and skill in a voice that is both lyrical and unique. It explores the enduring struggle for female freedom, the power of female friendship, the creativity and joy of cooking, and the poetry of food. The book is filled with recipes that leap to life from the page and is praised for its thought-provoking and page-turning nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

The Language of Food is a captivating novel that captivates readers with its elegant, beautiful, charming, and skilled writing, delivered in a lyrical and unique voice. The story is an intriguing one, with characters that come to life and leave a lasting impression. However, what sets this novel apart from its contemporaries is Annabel Abbs's exceptional prose. Santa Montefiore, a woman who had never boiled an egg before, became one of the world's most successful cookery writers, revolutionizing cooking and cookbooks worldwide. Her story is fascinating, uplifting, and truly inspiring.

The novel is told in alternate voices by the award-winning author of The Joyce Girl, and the recipes that leap to life from the page make it a truly thought-provoking and page-turning historical novel. It explores the enduring struggle for female freedom, the power of female friendship, the creativity and joy of cooking, and the poetry of food. By bringing Eliza Action out of the archives and back into the public eye, the novel sheds light on a remarkable woman who has been overlooked for far too long.

Eliza Acton is a captivating character, and her journey throughout the novel is filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth. She is a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations and pursues her passion for cooking with determination and skill. Her friendship with Annabel Abbs is a source of strength and support, and their bond is a testament to the power of female companionship.

The Language of Food is a feast for the senses, rich with the flavors of Victorian England. The author's vivid descriptions of food and cooking bring the reader into the kitchens of the time, allowing them to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of the era. The recipes included in the novel are not only delicious but also historically accurate, providing a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the period.

The novel also delves into the themes of female empowerment, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Eliza Acton's journey as a cookery writer is a testament to the power of female determination and the impact that one person can have on the world. Her success in revolutionizing cooking and cookbooks has inspired countless women to pursue their culinary dreams and break down barriers in the male-dominated field.

Overall, The Language of Food is a remarkable novel that offers readers a captivating story, thought-provoking themes, and a delightful culinary experience. It is a must-read for anyone who loves history, literature, and food, and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 225 x 144 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398502222