The Food of Love, Book 1 Laura’s Story by Prue Leith

Reviewed by Jan Speedie

Prue Leith has had 5 novels published and has now embarked on number 6 which is to be a trilogy of stories about the Oliver family: Book 1 Laura’s Story. Prue Leith is well known as a cook, restaurateur, business women and judge on the television series Great British Menu. Having published 12 cookery books she decided to turn her writing skills to fiction.

The Food of love is the story of the Oliver family and their lives during and after the Second World War. Donald Oliver has moved his family to a Cotswold farm where he hopes to be accepted by his aristocratic neighbour but his domineering attitude makes this impossible.

Laura Oliver has always doted on her father. She is beautiful, spoilt and tempestuous so when she falls in love with Giovanni, an Italian POW, her father is outraged.

Laura and Giovanni flee to London to start a new life together. They struggle with poverty, hardship and destitution but their love for each other remains strong. Slowly they realise their dreams but not without consequences to other lives.

Prue has woven a story about food and survival during wartime rationing and the introduction to the British nation of Italian themed cooking in Giovanni’s restaurants. The smell of garlic, pasta and tomatoes rises from the pages.

Who will feature in the next episode of this trilogy about the Oliver family?

Prue Leith has played a key role in changing our eating habits in Britain. She lives in London and Oxfordshire.

Published by Quercus in September 2015

Available in Hardback: eBook: at £19.99