The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan is one of those books that leaves you happy and satisfied, like Thanksgiving dinner. Ironic, considering the book largely has to do with food, no? I read this delightful WWII novel in only a few days and enjoyed it so much.
Based on true events in Great Britain during WWII, The Kitchen Front follows four women from different backgrounds as they compete in the BBC’s cooking contest of the same name. The prize? Being the program’s first ever female co-host but, more importantly, an opportunity to better their lives through the success.
Audrey, Gwendoline, Zelda, and Nell could not be more different. Audrey is a recent war widow and the mother of three young boys who works night and day, selling pies and working her farm. Gwendoline is the lady of the village and Audrey’s estranged sister. Zelda is a trained chef who finds herself in an awkward position as she attempts to navigate the man’s world of culinary expertise. And lastly, young Nell – the kitchen maid in Gwendoline’s home – desires nothing more than to be free of servitude and of Gwendoline.
Each competitor undergoes significant development throughout the story, which I loved. The growth felt natural and appropriate based on each woman introduced to us and her experiences. I felt like Ryan gave the right amount of focus and time to each character and their supporting characters (like Audrey’s boys) so that none of them felt rushed or others came across overly detailed. It was balanced perfectly in my opinion.
Ryan also does a superb job of conveying war-torn England. The novel begins two years into the Blitz. England is tired, hungry, and feeling the daily sacrifices. Able-bodied men are scarce, and women are forced into positions they’ve never been in before. The whole point of the BBC contest was to help housewives with the tight rationing. Through our four competitors, we get a great look into what the rations were like, how people managed, what substitutions they used, and more through. I thought Ryan did a great job with her setting and her history, and I felt transported straight into WWII England.
I really enjoyed every part of this novel, from the strong women to the cooking details we’re given (Ryan includes the competitors’ recipes at the beginning of each chapter!) to the very real ever-presence of the war. It was well-written, well-researched, heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and even a little bit funny in some spots. I don’t often feel quite so content after reading a new book as I did when this one finished. It was an experience and a pleasure, and I found myself fully satisfied – not wanting any more or any less – at its conclusion. I give The Kitchen Front five stars and definitely recommend it to you!
Jessica
Copyright Jennifer Ryan and Ballantine Books. Image from Amazon.com.
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