OVERVIEW
This was a novel about the writing of a book called "How The English Eat". Stella is a writer who travels around England in 1931 to learn more about the "old time" or traditional foods of England.
She has many adventures while writing her book, but she learns so much about herself and what writing and food mean to her. Also, she finds what REALLY matters in her life.
This is a VERY English book so it was hard for me to follow at times because the food was so unfamiliar.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
Okay, so I could NOT pin down what was making this lovely book feel like a textbook at times. The author has a Ph.D. in History which I discovered at the end of the book! At times, it felt like a historical cookbook.
I would have loved it more if it had more of a true historical fiction feel.
The letters that Stella received from posting in the various newspapers were AMAZING!!
Character development: 4.0 stars
I loved the characters in this book! I thought that they were the quintessential English folks that I imagine when I think of my VERY extended cousins who still live in England (only know of them through genealogy).
The main characters are Stella, her father, and her mother (deceased). Stella is a writer who published a book that did mediocrely well. She is working on her new book about the food of England when her dad unexpectedly moves into her small cottage. Her mother's impact on the book is felt throughout through her love for her family, but most especially at the end.
The secondary characters are Dilly, Michael, Lucien, and Freddie. These four characters help Stella understand the meaning of friendship, integrity, and truth.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
I honestly can say that I predicted the ending of the book, but not all of it. The author had a few twists up her sleeve.
The main locations were London and Yorkshire, England.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
The main thing that I took away from this book is that I am not sure that I would like much English food.
I do wish that the author had had a glossary and description of the food mentioned in the book. This American was not familiar with much of the food at all.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
It was okay.
Book title: 3.0 stars
It was appropriate for the storyline. But the name of the book that Stella was researching would have been even better!
RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (via Book Club Girl) Kindle ebook
Good Taste by Caroline Scott
429 pages
Simon and Schuster UK
Release date of 11/07/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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