The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

 

From the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir comes an unforgettable story inspired by the true events of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition.

Two years into the Second World War, and German U-boats are frequently disrupting Britain’s supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio programme called The Kitchen Front launches a new cooking contest – and the grand prize is a job as the programme’s first-ever female co-host.

For young widow Audrey, winning the competition could be a chance to pay off her husband’s debts and keep a roof over her children’s heads. However, her estranged sister, Gwendoline, is equally set on success even if her own kitchen maid, Nell, is competing against her. And then there is Zelda, a London-trained chef desperate to succeed in a male-dominated profession – and harbouring a secret that will change everything . . .

'The Kitchen Front is an enchanting hug of a novel written with Jennifer Ryan’s usual skill' - Cathy Kelly

'A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship'

- Jill Mansell on The Kitchen Front

'Rich in historical detail, The Kitchen Front, is a heart-warming account of the power of friendship. An uplifting tribute to female solidarity in challenging times.' - Fiona Valpy

 

My Thoughts

 Set in the early years of the Second World War, we follow life in rural England as seen very much though the Home Front. There are so many details about daily life which seem well researched and authentic and I loved the regular wartime recipes which are dotted through the story. They reminded me so much of the wartime recipe cake which my Mother used to produce, not always to an appreciative family, I must admit! Make do and mend, Dig for Victory and the pronouncements from the helpful Ministry of Food were all so important in those days of rationing.

    The Kitchen Front was an actual radio programme which gave families advice on how to stretch out the rations  so it was a great idea to use the idea of a competition to chooses a new co-presenter. The four contestants are so different and start off as rivals. As the story develops, family and friendship becomes so important and strong bonds are formed as they help each other through loss, grief, violence and abandonment. Two of the women are estranged sisters, so they have far reaching issues to work through. Despite some of the events, this is a comforting story, which shows how women can work together to advance their lives and support each other. 

About the Author

Jennifer Ryan is the author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. She lives in Ireland with her husband and two children. Originally from Kent and then London, she was previously a non-fiction book editor.

You can follow Jennifer here: 

Twitter  |  Website 

Book link: Amazon UK

Thanks to Jennifer Ryan, Pan Macmillan, and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!