A historical novel by Lawrence Norfolk. It tells the story of a young orphan named John Saturnall who becomes a kitchen boy at a manor house and rises through the ranks to become the greatest cook of his generation.
The book is set in the 17th century and explores how the civil war affected the career of a chef, the kitchens of great country houses, and the symbolism of food.
Its mythic center is a pagan rite belonging to a pre-Christian British people, in which serving and eating food was the basis of an egalitarian community.
The book has been praised for its beautiful, rich, and sensuous portrayal of historical events and its exploration of ancient myths and star-crossed lovers.
Book will be packed well for posting.