The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs Review by Michelle Hollis-Hunt

Based on the inspiring true story of Eliza Acton and her 1845 bestselling cookery book. Eliza wanted to be a poet but was told by a publisher that 'poetry is not the business of a lady.' She is instead told to go and write a cookery book. When circumstances change, she hires a maid - Ann Kirby, and goes about to do just that.

This is a delicious tale, told by both of the women, of the writing of the cookery book. The food descriptions leap off the pages and make you feel you're there tasting them too. But it's also a tale of Victorian expectations of women and female friendship - one that spanned age and class. You'll be cheering them on all the way. 

A must read for fans of historical fiction, especially women's stories. But also for people interested in food history and want to find out more about the book that changed how cookery books were written. 

Yum.