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lorenzomagnus's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely satisfying and delicious. This is a story that I would read over and over again to relive John's passion for Lucretia and the dishes he creates for her.
soupy_twist's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
kelic's review against another edition
3.0
Synopsis- A beautiful, rich and sensuous historical novel, John Saturnall's Feast tells the story of a young orphan who becomes a kitchen boy at a manor house, and rises through the ranks to become the greatest Cook of his generation. It is a story of food, star-crossed lovers, ancient myths and one boy's rise from outcast to hero.
Orphaned when his mother dies of starvation, having been cast out of her village as a witch, John is taken in at the kitchens at Buckland Manor, where he quickly rises from kitchen-boy to Cook, and is known for his uniquely keen palate and natural cooking ability. However, he quickly gets on the wrong side of Lady Lucretia, the aristocratic daughter of the Lord of the Manor. In order to inherit the estate, Lucretia must wed, but her fiance is an arrogant buffoon. When Lucretia takes on a vow of hunger until her father calls off her engagement to her insipid husband-to-be, it falls to John to try to cook her delicious foods that might tempt her to break her fast.
Reminiscent of Wolf Hall and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, John Saturnall's Feast is a brilliant work and a delight for all the senses.
Review- I really didn't know what to expect with this one. I initially took it out from the library based on the cover and title. I wondered if it would be like [b:Chocolat|47401|Chocolat (Chocolat, #1)|Joanne Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388674628l/47401._SY75_.jpg|2930558]. I don't often read the synopsis or summaries or teasers or blurbs, whatever the descriptions of books are called. I have found that they often don't fit. So I stopped ages ago and base my reading solely on recommendations or the cover. I am not often disappointed with this system, except with YA but that’s a whole different kettle of fish. Anyway, this little semi-precious stone of a gem didn't let me down. It didn't dazzle me like the ruby that is Chocolat, but it was better than I expected, which granted wasn't much, but still.
It's set during the English civil war, which was a fascinating setting to place a foodie novel in. We don't really associate the 17th century with delicious food. And, honestly, based on the descriptions in the book, we're not wrong. The foods sound disgusting. Amazing in its presentation but vile in taste. They literally ate anything back then. I like our modern trend of being a bit choosier, a refined palate if you will. So every section starts off with these unappetising but fascinating recipes, which relate to what's occurring in the story. There is a fair amount of cooking in the rest of the book but I think this is eclipsed by the budding romance of our MCs. I loved the descriptions of the Jacobean/Caroline era kitchens and the social structure of the estates. I always find it shocking how little freedom people had back then. Intellectually I know it, but for some reason it just gets me every time I'm reminded of it, particularly the little things. In this one, it's the fact that all the staff have to avert their eyes from the toffs. They have to recognise their every passing with a bow, bob, curtsey or nod but can't look at them. No looking at your betters, ugh. Another reason I'm happy to be born now.
The characters are almost as interesting as the setting. The part with John and his mom in their little village was great. There was real tension in this part and we got to know John and his mom. Sadly, that didn't last very long. The kitchen staff save, Scovell and Philip, were all one and the same. Lady Lucretia was fairly well fleshed out though. I quite liked her, she had spirit. Oftentimes women and girls are overshadowed or ignored in ye olden times novels because of their perceived lack of value outside of a marriage. So they are relegated to objects without personality and the men are center stage. Actually all of the women in the book have distinctive personalities; Mrs Poole the governess, Gemma the maid, John's mom are more that just feudal era cutouts. We're even given an insight into Lucretia's dead mother. I really liked this. I wouldn't say the novel is female centred but Lawrence does give his women agency, which is so often lacking.
The prose and pacing of the plot were pretty good. I can't say I loved Lawrence's use of language or style but it certainly didn't offend. It lacked the magic and beauty of Chocolat, which is why it is ultimately a three star read and not a four. Also, I really didn't understand the whole Feast thing. I wasn't sure if this was a biblical thing or a social hierarchy thing or a pagan thing. Ultimately, I didn't care and it didn't ruin enjoyment of the book.
Rating - Three weird and wonderful food stars. ⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Really liked it, consumed within days
⭐⭐⭐ - Enjoyed a fair bit, better than average
⭐⭐ - Meh
⭐ - Absolute drivel
Orphaned when his mother dies of starvation, having been cast out of her village as a witch, John is taken in at the kitchens at Buckland Manor, where he quickly rises from kitchen-boy to Cook, and is known for his uniquely keen palate and natural cooking ability. However, he quickly gets on the wrong side of Lady Lucretia, the aristocratic daughter of the Lord of the Manor. In order to inherit the estate, Lucretia must wed, but her fiance is an arrogant buffoon. When Lucretia takes on a vow of hunger until her father calls off her engagement to her insipid husband-to-be, it falls to John to try to cook her delicious foods that might tempt her to break her fast.
Reminiscent of Wolf Hall and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, John Saturnall's Feast is a brilliant work and a delight for all the senses.
Review- I really didn't know what to expect with this one. I initially took it out from the library based on the cover and title. I wondered if it would be like [b:Chocolat|47401|Chocolat (Chocolat, #1)|Joanne Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388674628l/47401._SY75_.jpg|2930558]. I don't often read the synopsis or summaries or teasers or blurbs, whatever the descriptions of books are called. I have found that they often don't fit. So I stopped ages ago and base my reading solely on recommendations or the cover. I am not often disappointed with this system, except with YA but that’s a whole different kettle of fish. Anyway, this little semi-precious stone of a gem didn't let me down. It didn't dazzle me like the ruby that is Chocolat, but it was better than I expected, which granted wasn't much, but still.
It's set during the English civil war, which was a fascinating setting to place a foodie novel in. We don't really associate the 17th century with delicious food. And, honestly, based on the descriptions in the book, we're not wrong. The foods sound disgusting. Amazing in its presentation but vile in taste. They literally ate anything back then. I like our modern trend of being a bit choosier, a refined palate if you will. So every section starts off with these unappetising but fascinating recipes, which relate to what's occurring in the story. There is a fair amount of cooking in the rest of the book but I think this is eclipsed by the budding romance of our MCs. I loved the descriptions of the Jacobean/Caroline era kitchens and the social structure of the estates. I always find it shocking how little freedom people had back then. Intellectually I know it, but for some reason it just gets me every time I'm reminded of it, particularly the little things. In this one, it's the fact that all the staff have to avert their eyes from the toffs. They have to recognise their every passing with a bow, bob, curtsey or nod but can't look at them. No looking at your betters, ugh. Another reason I'm happy to be born now.
The characters are almost as interesting as the setting. The part with John and his mom in their little village was great. There was real tension in this part and we got to know John and his mom. Sadly, that didn't last very long. The kitchen staff save, Scovell and Philip, were all one and the same. Lady Lucretia was fairly well fleshed out though. I quite liked her, she had spirit. Oftentimes women and girls are overshadowed or ignored in ye olden times novels because of their perceived lack of value outside of a marriage. So they are relegated to objects without personality and the men are center stage. Actually all of the women in the book have distinctive personalities; Mrs Poole the governess, Gemma the maid, John's mom are more that just feudal era cutouts. We're even given an insight into Lucretia's dead mother. I really liked this. I wouldn't say the novel is female centred but Lawrence does give his women agency, which is so often lacking.
The prose and pacing of the plot were pretty good. I can't say I loved Lawrence's use of language or style but it certainly didn't offend. It lacked the magic and beauty of Chocolat, which is why it is ultimately a three star read and not a four. Also, I really didn't understand the whole Feast thing. I wasn't sure if this was a biblical thing or a social hierarchy thing or a pagan thing. Ultimately, I didn't care and it didn't ruin enjoyment of the book.
Rating - Three weird and wonderful food stars. ⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Really liked it, consumed within days
⭐⭐⭐ - Enjoyed a fair bit, better than average
⭐⭐ - Meh
⭐ - Absolute drivel
untitledemily's review against another edition
5.0
Written for food lovers with a liking towards history. Mysterious and magical yet realistic. Highly developed plot and envelops the reader. Strong female characters.
Physical book is stunning; heavy paper, beautiful font, etc.
Physical book is stunning; heavy paper, beautiful font, etc.
jeremyhornik's review against another edition
4.0
Novel of romance, succession, thievery, and cooking. I quite like Norfolk, and enjoyed this historical potboiler thoroughly, ‘receipts’ and all. It almost made some of those weird old dishes sound edible... thoroughly British.
snicksnacks's review against another edition
3.0
Dripping and glorious food descriptions, an arguably fascinating parallel universe set in the time of the interregnum, but somehow devoid of depth of flavour.
wordnerdy's review against another edition
2.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2012/08/2012-book-213.html
sohnesorge's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic: love triumphs over hate, good over evil in a Restoration setting. With recipes! I'm ferreting out everything Norfolk has ever written, it's that good.
mandi_m's review against another edition
3.0
We had a great discussion with Friday morning book club about this one - medieval kitchens, herbs and the lady of the manor!
We rated it 7.5/8/5/7/8/7/6
We rated it 7.5/8/5/7/8/7/6
thiefofcamorr's review against another edition
4.0
‘John Saturnall’s Feast’ by Lawrence Norfolk is a historical fiction set in 1625 and beyond, following the life of John Sandall. It begins when he’s a child, soon to be on the run as a small, religious town accesses his mother of witchcraft. She dies during the winter, and John is sent to a manor to work in the kitchens.
From there, John becomes one of the greatest cooks of the time, impressing even the King. Then the Civil War throws his life into chaos once more, and he has to learn to survive the battlefield long enough to return to his beloved kitchens, and the girl who resides above them.
This is a tale of seventeenth-century life, love, war and religion, written so well that it will capture you no matter your usual genre preference. This book is highly recommended.
The first thing that is to be noted about this book is the beautiful way it is presented. The hard cover edition is printed on lovely paper, with sections of the book divided by careful drawings and a recipe that will feature in that chapter. The cover is printed with thick, raised ink that display the foods John learns all about from his mother and then the kitchens afterwards; so detailed that you can spend a surprisingly long time just gazing at the front, then inside covers.
The characters are few and simple – John and those he interacts with in the village, and then the manor, and few others. Though it doesn’t dip greatly into their thoughts and feelings, or the backstory of anyone but John and the girl in the manor, still a great deal is known about them thanks to Norfolk’s elegant writing.
Norfolk has wound fact and fiction well, easily giving a feel for the time whilst still inserting his own fantasy. The changes we see in their world as time passes are intriguing, showing how even the smallest of villages are effected by war at that time.
The plot moves along at an easy and believable pace, showing the general worries and fears one would have had at that time – being picked out by the church, or freezing or starving during the winter.
This book is highly recommended, for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or simply loves an author who has an almost lyrical way with words.
From there, John becomes one of the greatest cooks of the time, impressing even the King. Then the Civil War throws his life into chaos once more, and he has to learn to survive the battlefield long enough to return to his beloved kitchens, and the girl who resides above them.
This is a tale of seventeenth-century life, love, war and religion, written so well that it will capture you no matter your usual genre preference. This book is highly recommended.
The first thing that is to be noted about this book is the beautiful way it is presented. The hard cover edition is printed on lovely paper, with sections of the book divided by careful drawings and a recipe that will feature in that chapter. The cover is printed with thick, raised ink that display the foods John learns all about from his mother and then the kitchens afterwards; so detailed that you can spend a surprisingly long time just gazing at the front, then inside covers.
The characters are few and simple – John and those he interacts with in the village, and then the manor, and few others. Though it doesn’t dip greatly into their thoughts and feelings, or the backstory of anyone but John and the girl in the manor, still a great deal is known about them thanks to Norfolk’s elegant writing.
Norfolk has wound fact and fiction well, easily giving a feel for the time whilst still inserting his own fantasy. The changes we see in their world as time passes are intriguing, showing how even the smallest of villages are effected by war at that time.
The plot moves along at an easy and believable pace, showing the general worries and fears one would have had at that time – being picked out by the church, or freezing or starving during the winter.
This book is highly recommended, for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or simply loves an author who has an almost lyrical way with words.