A memoir / anecdotes of various meals that the author had with an elderly neighbour. This was a good audiobook, but I did find that I was not full able to invest in it. The snippets jumped around quite a bit and I found my mind wandering in places. That being said, I do enjoy how different generations of people can be friends and how each can teach the other new things and this felt like I was sitting listening to the author just reminiscing. I do also love food, so the stories of how the author made the meals and couldn't quite make them the same as Edward was interesting too.

I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I did and I can now confirm that it is absolutely gorgeous inside and out!

I devoured it, it made me laugh and it might have made me shed a few tears within the opening pages, I loved the connection between Edward and Isabel. This is a love letter to food (the descriptions are mouthwatering) & a life-changing friendship.

An endearing, uplifting read!

Now I just need to buy a real copy for my forever shelf.

A huge thanks to Pushkin Press & NetGalley for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After reading an excerpt from this book in a Sunday supplement I was delighted to have the chance to read the whole thing. Isabel at a crossroads in her life, not very happy is asked to keep an eye on the elderly Edward who is mourning the recent death of his beloved wife Paula. Edward is a fantastic cook and they share many meals. Sadly I must come to the conclusion that I should have just stuck to the excerpt as I was disappointed with the author’s behaviour, forgetting Edward’s important dates and acting like a love struck teenager the minute she met a new man. She hurt her back but still managed to go shopping for ingredients and then cook Edward’s recipe instead of turning up at his dinner party. Don’t read this book if you are on any type of diet as the pounds will pile on without a morsel passing your lips!

What an absolutely gorgeous book. Dinner with Edward is a memoir of sorts. It is kind of the memoir of two people rather than one. Isabel Vincent met Edward when she was bequeathed the task of looking after him. Edward had recently lost his wife and didn’t see the point carrying on however, through his unusual friendship with Isabel and their shared love of good food they form an irrepressible bond that was just gorgeous to see unfold. All the while we see how Isabel Vincent’s life is unfolding parallel to Edward’s life winding down.

Dinner with Edward is an absolute joy of a book. It reminds us to value people not things, shared experiences, stories and that the bet things in life can often be shared over a decent meal. It reminds us to be kind and it reminds us to give a moment to pause and a second thought to those who are older and potentially lonely.

I honestly cannot recommend Dinner with Edward enough. The writing style is easy and approachable, you don’t get overwhelmed by the story you simply find yourself immersed in the friendship and wishing you were invited along for the meal.

Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent is available now.

For more information regarding Isabel Vincent (@isareport) please visit her Twitter page.

For more information regarding Pushkin Press (@PushkinPress) please visit www.pushkinpress.com.

Journalist Discovers Joy In Life.....
Journalist discovers the joy of life through delectable menus but mainly through the delectable Edward. Sentimental- yes it may be, but it is also a joyous, positive read about the simple pleasures in life which can be so often overlooked.

Well this was a delightful distraction during lockdown! A heartwarming tale of friendship, food, and martinis. So many martinis, icy cold and sometimes lemony! Warning: this book will make you hungry, and make you crave a martini! I can think of no greater tribute to Edward than to report that finally, at the age of 40, I have been inspired to make my first martini, and I've already perfected it!

Oh I didn't want this book to end. A memoir of the author's dinners with a friend's elderly father, it's warm and charming, sweet and sad, and made me long for New York. Lovely.