The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

"In a new World War II-set story from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, four women compete for a spot hosting a wartime cookery program called The Kitchen Front - based on the actual BBC program of the same name - as well as a chance to better their lives.

Two years into WW2, Britain is feeling her losses; the Nazis have won battles, the Blitz has destroyed cities, and U-boats have cut off the supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio program called The Kitchen Front is putting on a cooking contest--and the grand prize is a job as the program's first-ever female co-host. For four very different women, winning the contest presents a crucial chance to change their lives.

For a young widow, it's a chance to pay off her husband's debts and keep a roof over her children's heads. For a kitchen maid, it's a chance to leave servitude and find freedom. For the lady of the manor, it's a chance to escape her wealthy husband's increasingly hostile behavior. And for a trained chef, it's a chance to challenge the men at the top of her profession.

These four women are giving the competition their all--even if that sometimes means bending the rules. But with so much at stake, will the contest that aims to bring the community together serve only to break it apart? " (Goodreads.com)

During WWII, rationing challenged many households. Set in a small village in the outskirts of London, this historical fiction features 4 women who compete in the BBC's cooking contest. The winner will be the new host for "The Kitchen Front" radio show-which features cooking with rations. Ryan alternates chapters between the women: Audrey Landon a young war widow and mother of 3 boys who is struggling to hold onto her farm; the wealthy and snobby Lady Gwendoline Strickland  (based loosely on Marguerit Patten considered to be the first celebrity chef); Nell Brown, a kitchen made for Lady Gwendoline , and Zelda Dupont , the only Cordon Bleu trained professional among the group-who works at the local meat canning factory that is owned by Lady Gwendoline's husband. It's an interesting mix of personalities, backgrounds, and talent. The resourcefulness and creativity that went into preparing meals back then amazes me.  I was also intrigued by the ingredients used for some of the recipes.  For example, pigeon, whale and canned sardines. There were a lot of "mock" chicken and other hard to get ingredients. The Kitchen Front was an actual BBC radio show.  Ryan spent a year researching for this book which included interviewing a lot of British women about their WWII cooking experiences. I enjoyed this book very much & highly recommend it!

Sue Nakanishi
Adult Services & Outreach Coordinator

Available at the Langley-Adams Library