The Kitchen Front

By Jennifer Ryan and Jennifer Ryan

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir comes an unforgettable novel of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition and the four women who enter for a chance to better their lives.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING - "This story had me so hooked, I literally couldn't put it down."--NPR

Two years into World War II, 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 holding 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 competition would present 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 a 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 only serve to break it apart?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593158806
• ISBN13: 9780593158807
• Release Date: February 2021
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Decent WWII-Set Read

Ryan has a talent for redeeming characters and it shows in this book. Her plots are a little repetitive-- I've read three now that are all women in World War Two involved in a contest-- but they've all been good books. The recipes included were a great touch.

A delightful book filled with warmth and delicious smells from the kitchen

The Kitchen Front is holding a cooking contest with four different women as contenders. You will get to know the contestants: Nell, the shy soft spoken kitchen maid, Audrey, the young widow with three boys, Gwendolyn, the lady of the minor who hides a dark secret, and Zelda, the trained chef. Who wins the contest? I’m not telling - You will have to read the book!!