The Language of Food has two voices telling the story of a first cookbook, that was constructed the way we are used to seeing it nowadays. Eliza Acton (a lady from a middle class, who had aspiration to be a poetess, but her family's circumstances give her opportunity to do something new and unheard of for young unmarried lady) and Ann Kirby (a young girl, from impoverished family, who dreams to be a cook, but her home situation does not give her lot of hope to climb out of her class). About Eliza there is historical facts to rely on but Ann is just mentioned in some books, so the author of this book has let her fantasy fly and has given them both backstories that may or may not be true and she has made the story politically correct for modern readers, which makes some parts of it quite unbelievable.

The idea behind this story is pretty good, but with the modern twists and the controversial characteristic features of the protagonists, there were too many things that irked me. And it’s the first book about food that did not urge me to eat or to try some new recipes. True, there were some recipes that I wanted to see how they are written down nowadays (with pictures and all), and some recipes reminded me of my first mouthful of that particular food, but I did not want to eat it again or make it.

After reading the synopsis I did not expect to read a Victorian family drama with some historical motifs and food description, I was expecting more about the recipes and about food. It was not my book.

Perfect historical fiction, a memoir, a history book and a cookery book in one. It sounds a lot, I know, but it works! One of my favourite reads in a long time. I was hooked by the characters and the descriptive language. I expected to like this but I was wrong, I LOVED it!

This is a fictional biography of Eliza Acton, a poet, playwright and cookery book author, intertwined with the story of her assistant Ann Kirby. Most of Eliza’s story is based on true facts, following the story of her 10 year journey to creating one of the most successful cookery books in history.

The chapters alternate between Eliza and Ann. Eliza is an aspiring poet from an upper class family. Ann is a young woman from a ‘pauper’ family, who starts the book as a career to her family with dreams of being a cook. We go on a journey with both characters with lots of interesting reveals and great character development. The relationship between the two characters is what makes this even more special.

The pace of the story was fantastic and kept me engaged throughout. I totally devoured the book as I couldn’t put it down.

I loved the addition of the historical notes and the real recipes referenced at the end. It provided excellent context.

This story is endearing, inspiring and full of joy. I’m so glad to have read it and I would recommend this to everyone.

Thank you to the author, publisher (Simon and Schuster UK) and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Many thanks to Annabel Abs, Simon and Schuster UK, and Netgalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
As a person who cooks to live, I admit I found the story of Eliza Acton, the first person to prepare a modern cookery book, fascinating.
Ms Abbs's fictionalized version of Ms Acton's life is told in an engaging way, and Eliza's stamina and personality won my heart. The book is an example of a well-written historical fiction, with details on the period and social rules.
I never thought I would enjoy reading a book on recipes and cooking.

There are very few books which whet the appetite like The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs. Although this book is ostensibly about food as it follows Eliza Acton and her servant and assistant, Ann Kirby, it is also about having a purpose in life and the human desire to create something lasting. When we meet our two main characters they are both at a particularly low point in their lives: Kirby is caring for her unwell mother and her alcoholic father, Acton has had her book of poetry rejected by a publisher and just learned of her father’s imminent bankruptcy.

This may sound bleak but this book is surprisingly uplifting and inspiring as these two woman, who face so many challenges, work together to break away from society’s expectations and shape their own destiny. Abbs brings both protagonists to life so that the reader is willing them to succeed in their endeavours. Although I’d heard of Acton, I’d never realised that she was also a poet and playwright. Abbs is able to show the realities of life for women in the 19th century whilst weaving a gripping story and, most importantly, without derailing the plot. The descriptions of food are also beautiful and will have your mouth-watering. Although there are sad moments, this book is a real celebration: of the joys of food, friendship and women who have achieved against all the odds!

This was a wonderful read and I would heartily recommend it to friends and family. Although they should certainly not read it on an empty stomach! Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read this advance copy.

The Language of Foodby Annabel Abbas tells the story of Eliza Acton - poet, playwright and author of cookery books- and her assistant Ann Kirby who over a ten year period together produce one of the most important cookery books ever written.

Eliza always wants to be a writer and following the loss of the family home through bankruptcy Eliza and her mother rent a boarding house in Tonbridge in Kent. To the continual frustration of her mother she embarks upon creating a cookery book ( publishers refuse to publish her poetry) She employs the help of Ann Kirby and together they embark on creating the epic culinary tome that has become a bedrock in English food writing.

The book is written in alternating chapters from the perspective of Eliza and Ann. There is plenty of historical detail that enhance the authenticity of the atmosphere in the kitchen and the consequences in the two women’s lives.

Both women develop their strength to challenge Victorian conformity.Ann’s story acts as a direct contrast to Eliza’s in relation to the social circumstances of her parents ( mother in an asylum and father working as a gravedigger) and even the culinary differences ( a slice of badger ham or a piece of roasted rat).

The pace and style is brisk and as a reader I was pulled into the lives of the two women within a few chapters. As somebody who has studied food history I was intrigued by the book. The mix of fact and fiction ( faction) worked well. Ultimately this book shines a further light of the social oppression of women in the Victorian era and the fight for independence but also shines a light of the work of Eliza Acton who was one of the greatest food writers ever and deserves full recognition.( Mrs Newton’s plagiarism is acknowledged)

Annabel Abbas has written a beautifully crafted novel that should be enjoyed by those who love historical fiction , food writing or just a very well constructed and pleasurable novel.

4.5 rounded up.
This novel is based on fact and tells the story of Eliza Acton and her assistant Ann Kirby who collaborate to produce one of the greatest cookery books of all time, so great in facts some recipes are plagiarised by Mrs Beeton - naughty Isabella! The story is told alternately by Eliza and Ann.

First of all, what an absolute joy to read! You relish every word, savour the characterisation and delight at the delicious tempting recipes. All the characters are well portrayed but obviously Eliza and Ann stand out. Eliza wants to be more than her spinsterhood, she’s on a mission to transform and change how things are done in the culinary world and it strikes me that so many of her ideas are modern so must have been revolutionary at the time. This includes giving precise weights and so on of the ingredients which is completely new. . I like how we get the tantalising hints of Eliza’s past and how her story unfolds, ideas which may well be grounded in fact. Ann is resourceful, clever, prepared to do what she has to in order to survive and you marvel at her commitment to her family as she strives so hard for her poor benighted mother. It’s fate that brings these two together and it seems it’s meant to be as their food ideas gel and compliment. I like the inclusion at the end of some of their recipes (receipts) though I’ll definitely pass on the eels!

There are some fantastic descriptions of places such as London, the stinks, the colour, the sights and sounds all seem to jump off the pages as you see what Eliza and Ann see. Through the different social status of the two women we get a good glimpse of the role and place of women in society in the nineteenth century and what Eliza wants to do strikes horror in the heart of her mother who, frankly, is something else! There’s good social commentary on issues like provision (or lack of) for the mentally ill and their cruel and often callous treatment and conditions for the poor and destitute and how they survive on next to nothing. I find the whole thing engrossing and captivating though I do think the ending is a bit abrupt with a slight feeling of being left hanging!

Overall, the novel is extremely accomplished, the plot unfolds organically and it’s very hard to put down. It conveys really well just how important Eliza Acton is in the cookery world and how much is owed to her. I applaud the author for creating such a marvellous novel without a huge amount of evidence to go on. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction or those who love food!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I just know this is going to be popular in my library because I’m going to be recommending to everyone who reads historical fiction. It’s fantastic. So beautifully written and such depth, I could not put it down. Honestly one of the best books I’ve read this year.

The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs is a beautiful and stunning historical fiction that I truly treasured from beginning to end.

This book introduces the reader to the wonderfully intricate culinary world that took place in Victorian England. The options, the societal differences, the demands, the effort, the recipes, the food preferences, and the insane work involved to create the everyday meals and the exquisite delicacies and delights were depicted in this book.

The rich descriptions of the main characters through alternating viewpoints of Eliza and Ann really gave the reader the advantage of seeing the barriers, adversities, experiences, and the challenging landscapes that women of different social classes experienced in the mid-nineteenth century. It was not easy to overcome one’s gender and social place no matter what. It was truly a pleasure to see these women form a bond, a friendship (through their own respective and associated challenges), and develop their respective crafts and fight against the barriers that were set forth during this time.

The complexities of each woman, the plot, and the surprises really made for a unique, beautiful, and memorable story. And to find that the written character of Eliza Acton is based on the real culinary and writing expert, made it all the more enjoyable. (Yes, it is correct in that I had not heard of her until this book…however I am rectifying that as we speak!) I love when I can be entertained, inspired, and informed all from one fabulous historical fiction novel.

I highly recommend!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Simon & Schuster UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

What an incredible story. Every page was a delight. I’m a keen home cook and I enjoy well written historical fiction. I collect cookery books, so I was particularly interested in this take on Eliza Acton. Her story is fascinating; filled with quiet drama as her family status changes, her poetry dreams remain unfulfilled and she’s commissioned to write a cookery book. Without spoiling the tale, she employs a young kitchen assistant, Ann who’s from an impoverished home with an alcoholic father and mother with dementia. The narrative switches between the two women, each having a different perspective on developments. Ann grows physically, mentally and emotionally with every page as she learns the ways of the world. Eliza values her opinion about food and taste and the passages describing development of recipes are literally mouthwatering.

This is a book which works at every level. It’s a tale of friendship, emancipation and empowerment. It’s about food and life in middle class England mid 1800s. But it’s also an interesting insight into how the modern cookery books, we all take for granted, evolved from Eliza Acton’s first book of recipes. She’s lauded by the likes of Elizabeth David and Prue Leith. Mrs Beeton plagiarised many of the recipes for her more famous books and it’s a delight to savour in every way. I live the cover too. Eye catching and original.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

I found this a very interesting and knowledgeable read, one that took me on a journey of food. It is 1835 in England, Eliza is a poet and would love to have her poems published but when she takes them to a publisher, they don't want her to write poetry, they want her to write a cookery book. She doesn't want to do this but when her circumstances change she has to. Eliza cannot cook so when she employs Ann, she doesn't look back. It was a very interesting read to learn all about how to set up a cookbook back in the day and also what kinds of foods Eliza was dealing with. The research along with the food is rich and delightful and the recipes seem to come alive across the pages. A wonderful read and one I would certainly recommend if you are a foodie like me.

What an absolute delight of a novel. A fascinating story and so well written.

A key part of the enjoyment is the way Annabel Abbs writes from the perspective and view of her two different protagonists, Eliza Acton and her kitchen maid, Ann Kirby. It's very clever the way she uses this to add tension via mutual misunderstanding of what their lives are like and what drives them.

There is even some melodrama, the mad mother, the crippled father, the unmarried mother. What's not to like.

Masses of historical detail, lightly beaten in. It's always such a pleasure when research informs and adds piquancy rather than drowning a book. Add to this a couple of passionate heroines and you have a cracker of a novel.

Having finished this I went out and ordered myself a copy of Eliza Acton's recipes! I'll also look out the two earlier novels the author has written