The Kitchen Front

by Jennifer Ryan

The setting is a small town in England in 1942, and food rationing is a major concern for the women of the time.  There are four main characters, all women, who participate in a cooking contest to become a co-host for a BBC radio program about cooking with rations.  Audrey is a war widow with 3 sons; Lady Gwendoline is her sister, and they are at odds with each other; Zelda is a chef who wasn’t able to find work in London after the restaurant where she worked was bombed; and Nell is a cook’s helper for Mrs. Quince at Lady Gwendoline’s manor.  Different backgrounds, different personalities, different challenges. 

I thought the writing of the first few chapters was a little simplistic but either that changed or I did.  I really enjoyed this book, especially because of it’s focus on women and their roles in a historical setting.  A ration recipe is included at the end of some chapters.

Quotes

“The reliability of the seasons—the formidable character that shaped months, years, lives—it gave Audrey a comfort that surged through her.”    p. 300  ¶6 (end)

“‘I found that contentment—happiness even—comes in all kinds of ways.  Sometimes you shouldn’t wait for things to be perfect.  You just need to enjoy the small things, every little moment that makes you smile....  I also discovered that it’s all right to admit that you can’t do everything, to accept help from friends.’”    p. 313  ¶8

"'Audrey says this is her favorite time of year,’ Zelda said, kicking a few leaves.  ‘It’s the end of the farming year, marking the start of the rest and recuperation over winter, the magic of renewal.  She loves to talk about the seasons, your sister.’”    p. 327  ¶10

“Gwendoline looked at her, hands on hips.  ‘One thing I’ve learned through this is that family is incredibly precious.  Other things may change us, but we start and end life with our family, whether it’s the one we’re born with or one of our own making.  It means that you love and are loved, whoever you are.’  Her eyes glazed over.  ‘And you know you’re not on your own.’”    p. 330  ¶3

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