Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger

Slater, Nigel

ISBN 10: 0143057146 ISBN 13: 9780143057147

Publisher: Viking Penguin Audio, 2004

Synopsis

A deliciously evocative story of childhood in 1960s suburban England from one of theUnited Kingdom's best-loved writers, Nigel SlaterToast is the truly extraordinary story of a childhood remembered through food. In each chapter, as Nigel Slater takes us on a tour of the contents of his family's pantryâ€"rice pudding, tinned ham, cream soda, mince pies, lemon drops, bourbon biscuitsâ€"we are transported†¦His mother is a chops-and-peas sort of cook, exasperated by the highs and lows of a temperamental stove, a finicky little son, and the asthma that would prove fatal. His father is a honey-and-crumpets man with an unpredictable temper. When he is widowed, Nigel's father takes on a housekeeper with social aspirations and a talent in the kitchen and the following years become a heartbreaking cooking contest for his affections. As he slowly loses, Nigel finds a new outlet for his culinary gifts and we witness the birth of a lifelong passion for food. Nigel's likes and dislikes, aversions and sweet-toothed weaknesses, form a fascinating backdrop to this exceptionally moving memoir of childhood, adolescence, and sexual awakening.With a new preface and glossary for American readers, this British bestseller and national award winner is sure to delight foodies and memoir enthusiasts on this side of the pond. Possessed of the subtlety and wit of Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone and the disarming frankness of Anthony Bourdain's page-turning Kitchen Confidential, Toast is a treat to be savored.

About this title

Review:

· 'Nigel is a bloody genius.' Jamie Oliver
· 'The greatest cookery writer of them all.' Guardian
· 'The pick of the bunch ... bubbling with ideas, suggestions, hints and personal opinions that genuinely help you to make your own mind up about how and what to cook.' The Times
· 'He's a genius.' Matthew Fort, Guardian
· ‘Slater remains the reigning champion, a writer incapable of uninspiring sentences.' Daily Express
· 'No one writes more temptingly about food.' Independent
· 'My kitchen god' Red

From the Publisher:

His writing ...put you in mind of Nick Hornby, Martin Armis and Philip Larkin all at the same time.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Penguin Audio
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0143057146
• ISBN 13: 9780143057147
• Binding: Audio CD