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mollysticks's review
4.0
What a fun and interesting way to read about these women's lives. My food story would be interesting and probably a little bit boring.
asurges's review
3.0
I really wanted to like this book and feel bad giving it three stars. It is well researched, Shapiro is a thoughtful and engaging writer, and the book's concept is a unique one.
However, I felt it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. The first two stories worked well, but after that, I lost interest, since the stories weren't so much about food as I would have liked--instead, they were more like stories with some food. The Eva Braun chapter left--no pun intended--a terrible taste in my mouth. Why give time to someone who 1) was a terrible human being; and 2) didn't seem to eat all that much anyway? The inclusion of Braun was a death knell to the book for me, as I lost faith in Shapiro to follow up on the concept and to continue in good faith.
However, I felt it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. The first two stories worked well, but after that, I lost interest, since the stories weren't so much about food as I would have liked--instead, they were more like stories with some food. The Eva Braun chapter left--no pun intended--a terrible taste in my mouth. Why give time to someone who 1) was a terrible human being; and 2) didn't seem to eat all that much anyway? The inclusion of Braun was a death knell to the book for me, as I lost faith in Shapiro to follow up on the concept and to continue in good faith.
lyrareadsbooks's review
2.0
I could maybe go as high as 2.5 - this book didn’t live up to the experience promised by the blurb. The “history” in each section had a lot of emotional speculation, which is one of my personal bugaboos.
crobey's review
3.0
As someone who always enjoys learning about history through the female eye especially the "mundane" this book piqued my interest. A good read for sharing "did you know..." facts around polite company, but also overwhelmingly and disappointingly white. I wish this book had some more varied voices, and maybe didn't humanize Hitler? Otherwise, if you like learning tidbits of history, especially about lesser known female historical figures, this is a light and interesting read, but by no means is a must read for all.
pr727's review
2.0
I give it a 1.5. I listened to the audio book, which was clear and easy to understand. I just wasn't able to connect or get very interested in most of the women she writes about - Wordsworth's sister, Barbara Pym, Rosa Lewis - in part because I had no previous knowledge of them and, given that, that the author did not spark my interest in them. The chapter on Eleanor Roosevelt was more interesting although Shapiro's take on her disinterest in food during the White House years seems contrived. The chapter on Eva Braun was just creepy and that on Helen Gurley Brown tiresome. I wish she'd try again, writing about better known and more contemporary women.
haniganr's review
3.0
I expected to love this book because of the introduction and great reviews. I think the authors idea was much grander than what she could deliver. I was expecting more food stories and the direct relation of how it shaped these women’s lives. But instead I got mini biographies with some mention of food. Which left a lot of the food interpretation work up to the reader. The writer herself does an incredible job writing and integrating her findings which made the stories tolerable. Just different from what I was expecting.
A new perspective on six women from history through the lense of the food. Pulling from grocery lists, diaries and third-person accounts of sometimes abysmal dinner parties, we gleam the inner thoughts, motivations and strifes of these women just from what they ate.
Only two figures she chose to profile had completely healthy relationships with food. Rosa Lewis, an Edwardian-era caterer dominating a profession closed off to women at the time and British novelist Barbara Pym both used food to advanced their careers.
The other women in this book variously gorged on, weaponized, disdained and feared food. What did these dysfunctions say about their lives or about society at the time?
Poet and diarist Dorothy Wordsworth spent majority of her life caring for her famous brother William. Only, when he married, he had someone else to prep his meals, leaving Dorothy with little purpose. (Not true but a greater reflection of the times and women’s values).
Eva Braun, Adolf Hitler’s mistress, her food story paints us a picture of immaturity, survival and narcissism. Her story also gives us perspective on the hypocrisy of war. The country ordered into a state of food conservation while leaders feast on expensive meals behind closed doors. Which very much plays into her overall relationship with Hitler and the regime.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s story reveals her strengths and vulnerabilities as First Lady as well as the possibly subconscious ways she used food to channel her own resentments. Overall her leadership has an indirect way of influencing American culture and relations.
The most interesting story was that of Helen Gurley Brown, the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine from 1965 to 1997. Brown’s contribution to the magazine has warped following generations’ attitude toward food and the female body. Most interesting too was her climb to power during a great feminist movement and her avoidance of women’s rights. All contributed back to her relations with food.
Overall a good read with an interesting premise, the fusion of women’s history and food. I take issue with the execution however I’ll leave the review on a positive note.
A new perspective on six women from history through the lense of the food. Pulling from grocery lists, diaries and third-person accounts of sometimes abysmal dinner parties, we gleam the inner thoughts, motivations and strifes of these women just from what they ate.
Only two figures she chose to profile had completely healthy relationships with food. Rosa Lewis, an Edwardian-era caterer dominating a profession closed off to women at the time and British novelist Barbara Pym both used food to advanced their careers.
The other women in this book variously gorged on, weaponized, disdained and feared food. What did these dysfunctions say about their lives or about society at the time?
Poet and diarist Dorothy Wordsworth spent majority of her life caring for her famous brother William. Only, when he married, he had someone else to prep his meals, leaving Dorothy with little purpose. (Not true but a greater reflection of the times and women’s values).
Eva Braun, Adolf Hitler’s mistress, her food story paints us a picture of immaturity, survival and narcissism. Her story also gives us perspective on the hypocrisy of war. The country ordered into a state of food conservation while leaders feast on expensive meals behind closed doors. Which very much plays into her overall relationship with Hitler and the regime.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s story reveals her strengths and vulnerabilities as First Lady as well as the possibly subconscious ways she used food to channel her own resentments. Overall her leadership has an indirect way of influencing American culture and relations.
The most interesting story was that of Helen Gurley Brown, the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine from 1965 to 1997. Brown’s contribution to the magazine has warped following generations’ attitude toward food and the female body. Most interesting too was her climb to power during a great feminist movement and her avoidance of women’s rights. All contributed back to her relations with food.
Overall a good read with an interesting premise, the fusion of women’s history and food. I take issue with the execution however I’ll leave the review on a positive note.