Good Taste by Caroline Scott

 

With delectable prose, a sharp heroine ahead of her time, and an adventure across the English countryside in search of great food,  Good Taste  is the perfect historical novel for fans of  Dear Mrs. Bird  and  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society . You can tell a lot about a person from what they like to eat… England in 1932 is in the grip of the Great Depression. Author of a much-loved but not very successful biography, Stella Douglas is a bit depressed herself. When she’s summoned to see her editor in London, she dreads being told her writing career is over before it’s even started. But much to her surprise, she finds she is being commissioned to write a history of food in England and how the English like to eat. It’s to be quintessentially English and will remind English housewives of the old ways, and English men of the glory of their country. The publishers hope such a book will lift the spirits of the nation. The only problem is—all English food is actually quite terrible (and anything good is from elsewhere).

  So Stella sets about inviting recipes from all corners of England, in the hope of discovering a hidden culinary gem. But what she discovers is oatcakes and gravy and lots and lots of potatoes.  Longing for something more thrilling, she heads off to speak to the nation’s housewives. But when her car breaks down and the dashing and charismatic antiques dealer Freddie springs to her rescue, she is led in a very different direction... Full of wit, life, and—against all odds—delicious food,  Good Taste  is a story of discovery and one woman’s desire to make her own way as a modern woman.

My thoughts:

This is an enjoyable novel, with a wonderful premise and Stella, the main character. It’s interesting how her career path changed as she’s tasked with writing the history of food in England and how the English eat. The story is set in 1932, which I found fascinating because I love Historical novels.  Especially ones like this peppered with witty dialogue, delightful characters, and the time period.

I am a picky eater, so not a foodie, but I liked learning about the different foods with the different recipes.  It isn’t all fun and games for Stella as she researches and tastes local dishes, not at all, she has some personal losses to deal with as well.

Overall, I though this was well written, interesting an well worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own.