The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs (Simon and Schuster UK)

 A recipe can be as beautiful as a poem. 

19th century England. Eliza Acton, aspiring poetess, finds out from her publisher, that poetry isn't for ladies and she should write a cookbook instead. Even though she cannot boil an egg, Eliza accepts the challenge, and tries to learn and write the cookbook which will be understandable and even poetic.

Impoverished seventeen-year-old Ann Kirby starts to work as Eliza's assistant. Although uneducated, she has a remarkable palate and becomes irreplaceable in the kitchen and as Eliza's friend. 

The story is enchanting and beautifully written, with interesting recipes and refined narrative. Eliza and Ann are women on a mission, powerful and determined and that was not so easy in times of great social, gender and economic inequality.

Inspiring and comforting.

4/5