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kali76's review against another edition
4.0
Food brings this family together, but each of a mother and two adult children feel alone and misunderstood in their suffering following a tragic even in their past. Beautifully unfolding and great descriptions of food.
cerilouisereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death
frinsreads's review against another edition
3.0
*2.5 stars rounded up*
This is a story of the importance of family and food. It's a story of traditions, reminiscence, and deep family secrets
We are very much in Grace's head throughout the book, caught up with her thoughts of the present and her past as a young girl. The story is completely character-driven, which I think is why it didn't completely click with me. I also couldn't relate to 70 year old Grace's life experiences, so I found it difficult to connect to her. I'm not completely plot-driven, but I'm learning I need both an engaging plot and great characters
I really enjoyed the complexity of Grace's relationship with her daughter, Susan. It was quite hostile but still filled with love and well meaning. I've never read a subtly strained relationship like it and it felt incredibly tangible. As the book progresses we learn of reasons for this hostility which gave a lot of depth to the characters and their motivations
Overall, this book is well written and the characters are fleshed out. As a warning, one of the characters is a butcher and there's some detailed description of that, which I really didn't enjoy, but that definitely won't bother everyone!
*This book was sent to me by Netgalley and Legend Press for an honest review*
This is a story of the importance of family and food. It's a story of traditions, reminiscence, and deep family secrets
We are very much in Grace's head throughout the book, caught up with her thoughts of the present and her past as a young girl. The story is completely character-driven, which I think is why it didn't completely click with me. I also couldn't relate to 70 year old Grace's life experiences, so I found it difficult to connect to her. I'm not completely plot-driven, but I'm learning I need both an engaging plot and great characters
I really enjoyed the complexity of Grace's relationship with her daughter, Susan. It was quite hostile but still filled with love and well meaning. I've never read a subtly strained relationship like it and it felt incredibly tangible. As the book progresses we learn of reasons for this hostility which gave a lot of depth to the characters and their motivations
Overall, this book is well written and the characters are fleshed out. As a warning, one of the characters is a butcher and there's some detailed description of that, which I really didn't enjoy, but that definitely won't bother everyone!
*This book was sent to me by Netgalley and Legend Press for an honest review*
solarmidnight's review against another edition
2.0
Once I finish all the contemporaries on my bookshelves, I should just stay away from them in future. They bore me to tears.
michalow's review
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a quiet, slow-paced novel, though not without tragedy and conflict. I loved getting to know Grace through her memories of her family and friends. I think I will remember her and her fondness for foreign flavors and mismatched table settings for some time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
candiemarsh's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fast read. This is a story of family, forgiveness and acceptance, revolving around food. I enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
butterfly2507's review against another edition
3.0
I love the idea of this book. Bringing family and friends together, sharing memories (good and bad) and getting to know the different people a little more. I also enjoyed the food themed book - since I love cooking and eating - but found it to be a little too much at times. Pages and pages about food and how to cook it is just not my thing. However, it was still very enjoyable and a fun read, perfect for a summer vacation as well!
del_devours's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
First of all, let me just say, I really dig the cover on this book. It's simple, but elegant; pictures of dinner paraphernalia set against a blue backdrop evoking images of family dinners at Nannas. I love that the blurb is set within the image of the cookie jar, working with the design instead of dominating it. My complements to Allison Colpoys, who is responsible for the design.
The cover sets the tone for the book. Grace's Table is a literary gem that skilfully weaves a narrative around the complexities of grief, anger, blame, redemption, and family. Piper’s voice is almost poetic, providing vivid descriptions that contrast the beauty of Grace's memories with the starkness and immediacy of her present reality. Transitions between past and present are fluid, creating an engaging and immersive journey into Grace's life.
This is very much a character-driven novel, with Susan’s hero worship of her father and strained relationship with Grace paralleling Grace’s fond memories of her own father and the troubled relationship she had with her mother. The exploration of family dynamics is powerful. Piper draws us into Grace’s life with such ease, she feels like a friend by the end of the book.
The thematic exploration of food adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting how much of our lives and memories are intertwined with it. Piper uses food to evoke strong emotions, both positive and negative, forming a poignant connection to the past, and displaying the wide array of personalities among Grace’s friends and families.
I won’t discuss the ending in detail because, spoilers. I will say that it is powerful and highly emotional, though it did feel slightly rushed after such a long build-up. The slow start might deter some readers, but I encourage you to persevere; you will surely be rewarded with a rich and immersive story that leaves a lasting impression, turning the ordinary act of sharing a meal into a profound exploration of the complexities of life, love, loss, and family.
The cover sets the tone for the book. Grace's Table is a literary gem that skilfully weaves a narrative around the complexities of grief, anger, blame, redemption, and family. Piper’s voice is almost poetic, providing vivid descriptions that contrast the beauty of Grace's memories with the starkness and immediacy of her present reality. Transitions between past and present are fluid, creating an engaging and immersive journey into Grace's life.
This is very much a character-driven novel, with Susan’s hero worship of her father and strained relationship with Grace paralleling Grace’s fond memories of her own father and the troubled relationship she had with her mother. The exploration of family dynamics is powerful. Piper draws us into Grace’s life with such ease, she feels like a friend by the end of the book.
The thematic exploration of food adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting how much of our lives and memories are intertwined with it. Piper uses food to evoke strong emotions, both positive and negative, forming a poignant connection to the past, and displaying the wide array of personalities among Grace’s friends and families.
I won’t discuss the ending in detail because, spoilers. I will say that it is powerful and highly emotional, though it did feel slightly rushed after such a long build-up. The slow start might deter some readers, but I encourage you to persevere; you will surely be rewarded with a rich and immersive story that leaves a lasting impression, turning the ordinary act of sharing a meal into a profound exploration of the complexities of life, love, loss, and family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Mental illness, and Abortion