Hungry by Grace Dent

A brief note before we begin

Some of my initial reviews published here will be short and sweet, as they are taken from brief synopses I wrote for myself in my book diary that I now want to share.

As I develop my blog and for new books I am reading now, I will be writing more long-form reviews and opinion pieces too.

Hungry by Grace Dent

I loved this book. It was like curling up to listen to a good friend; a rich and deeply satisfying read that you want to nibble so it lasts longer, but before you know it, it’s done.

The image of Grace Dent most of us — in the UK at least — have is a say-it-as-it-is, no nonsense restaurant critic, Guardian columnist and Masterchef judge. The story of how she arrives is a demonstration that having some ballsyness for the things you want really can help get you there (and that being 40-something is still NOT too late).

Juxtaposed with the high society life of a reknowned food critic, the family story of her father’s slow descent into dementia was heartbreakingly tragic but beautifully woven with the complexity of being a diligent and supportive daughter juggling a high profile career.

So, grab a big mug of tea (although I’m pretty sure Grace would approve if you opt for something more ‘grown up’), and don’t forget a slab of sticky cake and indulge.

Pixie Reads rating: 9/10 Definitely re-read worthy.

Available at (Hardcopy) Bookshop.org and (eBook) Hive.co.uk, supporting independent bookshops