Review of 'The Recipe for Hope' by Fiona Valpy
The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy
(Escape to France series)
What the book is about:
In this charming novel from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, food was once the language of Evie’s soul. Now, can she remember the recipe for happiness?
Revised edition: Previously published as The French for Christmas, this edition of The Recipe for Hope includes editorial revisions.
Evie’s running away: from her soon-to-be ex-husband’s shiny new life, from the devastating loss of her baby last year, from a memory-filled London and, most particularly, from Christmas. A remote cottage in the South of France seems like the perfect peaceful place to soothe her sorrows.
But the countryside soon proves anything but quiet, from the rooster crowing at dawn to the barn owl hooting through the night—not to mention Evie’s handsome neighbour, doctor Didier, who works away in his garage at all hours.
Unexpectedly, the sights and sounds of life amid the sparkling beauty of the Dordogne give Evie a renewed sense of inspiration, and with her French grandmother’s recipe book for company, she begins to rediscover her love of cooking. Soon, the tight-knit community begins to enfold her, reminding Evie what really matters in life.
But are Didier’s gorgeous blue eyes on more than Evie’s delicious dinners? And can a cancelled Christmas—complete with a Not-Christmas feast for two—heal her heart?
❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️
MY REVIEW
I won three of Fiona Valpy’s novels—the latest reprints. I chose The Recipe for Hope to read first because of its Christmas theme (which is fast approaching). First I must say, I was absolutely captivated by this story (and love the title). Fiona is a very poetic writer. Her exceptional descriptions transported me to stunning settings where I could see the beautiful wintry landscapes, taste the exquisite cuisine and feel all the elements and emotions every moment. And when I entered the plot of her narrative, I was prepared to dive deep into serious heart issues. (Which I have experienced in her other novels). She writes with a pure delicacy and simplicity (uncluttered) style that is highly skilled. It is like watching a prima ballerina dance or a professional figure skater skate with such graceful movements they look natural and easy but these tasks are far from it! The messages may skim across the waters of my mind at first but then they sink and settle deeply into my soul. For profound revelations surface through the characters’ actions and thoughts. As in the case of The Recipe for Hope, I was down in the belly of the whale with main character Evie feeling her grief and fear and then later standing on the highest peak with the sunlight streaming above me in her victories.
Yes, the core of The Recipe for Hope is grief. In this case, grief that comes from losing a child through stillbirth. The husband also is affected by this loss but he reacts very differently. A great gulf opens between them. They separate and Evie loses hope and the spark for living. She feels overwhelmed and escapes to France to distance herself from the trauma she has experienced, the memories of London and the Christmas that broke her heart. Heading to a rustic remote location, she seeks peace and quiet but life there is anything but what she expects. Animals, snowstorms and unexpected visitors and neighbours will ruffle her feathers. But, of course, change will provide growth. She will rediscover the need for companionship. Friendships will rise from her solitude. She may even be tempted by love. This caring community will touch her heart and remind her what is important and better still, how to regain hope and to celebrate a new future. Part of that will be encouraged by another who has come through difficult times. Doctor Didier has had his own battle with grief. But he is further ahead and will try to draw her out of her coiled position; out of the darkness into the light so that she can feel excitement for life again. And through all this, her passion for cooking will be rekindled through friends Eliane and Mireille. Cooking will help her step forward, to give something of herself again. As Mireille says, it is ‘nourishment for mind, body and soul’ and sharing the food you have prepared, is an expression of love.
There are beautiful headings and signposts at the start of each chapter that herald aspects of Christmas and Evie’s journey. Also, when Evie is sharing how her grandmother was driven out of France and eventually to America during the war, I was greatly moved. For we not only learn of her hardship but also how her book of recipes became her way of remembering and honouring her roots: making the cooking a reconnection vehicle that she shares with her granddaughter.
It is a gentle story of healing as Evie begins to deal with her feelings and to rediscover her purpose and passion. But first she must pass through the dark winter of her soul. The seasons, nature, animals, birds and weather clearly reflect the atmosphere and experiences of this woman’s troubled heart. But truth opens like a flower and beauty is unveiled. For as her grandmother says, ‘Sometimes ….like the fields of sunflowers, it’s best to turn your face to the sun so that shadows fall behind you.’
I highly recommend this novel by Fiona Valpy. 5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the author:
Fiona is an acclaimed number one bestselling author whose books have sold over a million copies and been translated into more than twenty languages worldwide. She draws inspiration from the stories of strong women, especially during the years of World War Two, and her meticulous historical research enriches her writing with an evocative sense of time and place.
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