The Lit List - Food Fiction - Burton in Wiltshire

Top 10 in Food Fiction

Ten of the best for foodies of all tastes.

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle (2019) Haruki Murakami. After losing his job and his cat, Toru finds comfort in preparing food.
Like Water for Chocolate (1993) Laura Esquivel. As the youngest in her family, Tita is expected to remain single to care for her mother. Only in the kitchen does she find freedom and expression.
The Debt to Pleasure (2015) John Lanchester. Tarquin Winot – hedonist, food obsessive and snob – embarks on a journey of the senses.
Bones and All (2015) Camille DeAngelis. A coming-of-age cannibalistic love story. Coming to cinema screens near you, starring Timothée Chalamet (see below).
Chocolat (1999) Joanne Harris. Vianne Rocher arrives in a small French village and converts its disused bakery into a chocolatier. As the villagers fall under her spell, the old order is threatened.
Heartburn (2018) Norah Ephron. Seven-months into her pregnancy, a cookery writer discovers her husband is having an affair.
This One Sky Day (2021) Leone Ross. On the archipelago of Popisho, Xavier has a gift from the gods. He will make each resident one perfect meal when the time is right.
The End of the Affair (2004) Graham Greene. Love ignites over steak and onions.
Toast (2004) Nigel Slater. A childhood remembered through food.
White Truffles in Winter (2013) N M Kelby. Escoffier is challenged by his wife Delphine Daffis to name a dish for her, in the same way he has honoured his mistress Sarah Bernhardt.