Status
Available
Description
Toast is Nigel Slater's truly extraordinary story of a childhood remembered through food. In each chapter, as he takes readers on a tour of the contents of his family's pantry--rice pudding, tinned ham, cream soda, mince pies, lemon drops, bourbon biscuits--we are transported.... His mother was a chops-and-peas sort of cook, exasperated by the highs and lows of a temperamental stove, a finicky little son, and the asthma that was to prove fatal. His father was a honey-and-crumpets man with an unpredictable temper. When Nigel's widowed father takes on a housekeeper with social aspirations and a talent in the kitchen, the following years become a heartbreaking cooking contest for his father's affections. But as he slowly loses the battle, Nigel finds a new outlet for his culinary talents, and we witness the birth of what was to become a lifelong passion for food. Nigel's likes and dislikes, aversions and sweet-toothed weaknesses, form a fascinating backdrop to this exceptionally moving memoir of childhood, adolescence, and sexual awakening. A bestseller (more than 300,000 copies sold) and award-winner in the UK, Toast is sure to delight both foodies and memoir readers on this side of the pond--especially those who made such enormous successes of Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone and Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member shiunji
This book certainly read quickly (helped by good sectioning). A poignant but whimsical memoir, I thought Nigel drew the perfect line between empathy & self-depreciation. Some parts read a bit like horror (without giving too much away, watch out for Milk).
As a foreigner currently in UK, it
As a foreigner currently in UK, it
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introduces a maze of strange foods, which when mentioned to the right people, elicit contented sighs & faraway looks. I liked it best for it's small adventures. Show Less
LibraryThing member jimrbrown
I've only recently discovered Nigel Slater's cookery programmes on BBC TV and I love them. After acquiring several cookery books of his someone suggested this book. It is a comedy masterpiece and for anybody who grew up in Britain in the 50s and 60s it will be atrip down memory lane as far as food
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is concerned. The piece on school meals is especially funny and brought back nightmares for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member Greatrakes
This book is a dark delight. Every chapter starts with a food heading, this seems gimmicky at first, but soon becomes an integral part of the book. The foods evoke the 1960s and 1970s and make the book a real nostalgia feast for me, as I am of the same generation as Nigel Slater.
Although his mother
The story of an awakening, both personal and sexual and one of the best pieces of autobiographical writing I have read, I hope he writes more.
Although his mother
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died when he was eight, and he found his father cold and forbidding, and hated his step-mother, this is no misery memoir. In fact, from a very early age he was as good at giving misery as taking it. I was impressed with the clarity of his description of what it is like to be a child, as we get older we tend to sentimentalise our own childhood, we forget how brutal and unsentimental children and teenagers can be. His description of his feeling of release after the death of his father is a vivid example of this, and contrasts with the theatrical histrionics of his stepmother.The story of an awakening, both personal and sexual and one of the best pieces of autobiographical writing I have read, I hope he writes more.
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LibraryThing member shalulah
This book was tailormade for the Anglophile foodie in me. I loved how the story grew from each different remembered food.
LibraryThing member Fluffyblue
This book really brought back some childhood memories for me. It was an easy read, and very evocative of the type of food that was around in the 70's.
LibraryThing member sunfi
A short little book of a man's relationship with food starting when he was a small boy and proceeding to when he left home to start his journey towards becoming the chef he is today. While reading this story I found many of the biscuits and candies that he mentioned intriguing and wanted to try
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them for myself. Show Less
LibraryThing member bfolds
i savored every chapter of this book like another course in a great meal. Slater is a master of imagery....I found myself reading passages aloud to anyone within distance to enjoy his facility with language. Much more than just a book about food, this book is an honest and often sad memoir of
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Slater's boyhood, using food as a context for the events that shaped his youth. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member wester
An autobiography told through food. Dinners cooked well, cooked awfully, cooked with or without love. Sweets. Just about anything that you can put into your mouth.
This book has a great balance between the delicious and the disgusting, both described very plasticly. The description of eating
I would recommend keeping Wikipedia open while you read this so you can look up the foodstuffs. This is especially essential if you're not British.
And I would have preferred if this book had ended instead of just stopped.
I would recommend it, though - if you like to read about food.
This book has a great balance between the delicious and the disgusting, both described very plasticly. The description of eating
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spaghetti for the first time is hilarious. It also has a great balance between the very personal, almost ideosynchratic, and the culture this is grounded in. I also found it really touching at times.I would recommend keeping Wikipedia open while you read this so you can look up the foodstuffs. This is especially essential if you're not British.
And I would have preferred if this book had ended instead of just stopped.
I would recommend it, though - if you like to read about food.
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LibraryThing member Figgles
A poingant tale of a boy growing up in sixties Britain told through his relationship to food. Each episode is ony a few pages long and most are titled by food. Frome thes facets the reader builds up a picture of a difficult child surviving a difficult childhood (his mothers death and his father's
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subsequent remarriage). Although my life is very different to Nigel Slater's I'm almost exactly his age and spent my first seven years in England, and this book brings back memories of cakes sunk in the middle, tinned mandarins in jelly, tinned fruit and ideal milk, maybe not cuisine but made and eaten with love. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carrie.deSilva
This autobiography of the Observer's food writer is good read and has many resonances for those who grew up in middle England in the 1960s and 70s - most of the sub-headings are food related, ranging from Spinach to Heinz Sponge Pudding. A life where food has been comfort, focus, catalyst for
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memory and an enduring passion. Show Less
LibraryThing member ktran82
Toast is a memoir told through food-related anecdotes. Covering his childhood years through his culinary school years, the book revisits the foods, dishes, and meals that defined Nigel Slater’s youth. In the process, we learn what Slater associates with each particular meal, and a story is
Toast is an especially entertaining read because it is food nostalgia, something we can all understand. The book is written in light prose and is easy to read, even for those that may not relate to every food Slater describes. Not only is it easy to share in Slater’s stories but it is possible to trace how different foods affected Slater’s life (and, by extension, how food affects each of ours). On the whole, the anecdotes are funny, which helps to balance out some of the serious issues Slater tackles.
At points, however, the book treats certain events rather casually and without enough closure or explanation. Some dark incidents that surely had a great effect on Slater’s life are hinted at or dealt with in passing, but with little detail about why they were included or how they related to the overall theme of the book. In addition, as an American reader with only limited exposure to English cuisine, I had to look up many dishes to understand exactly what Slater was discussing. My edition included a very short glossary of some of the terms in the book, but did not explain many of the recurring items especially various puddings, candies, stews, and snacks.
Overall, an entertaining read recommended for anybody who enjoys reading about food.
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weaved. We learn how food played a role in his everyday life, his family, his sexual discovery, and his path to becoming a chef; in turn, we learn how each of these affected his views on food.Toast is an especially entertaining read because it is food nostalgia, something we can all understand. The book is written in light prose and is easy to read, even for those that may not relate to every food Slater describes. Not only is it easy to share in Slater’s stories but it is possible to trace how different foods affected Slater’s life (and, by extension, how food affects each of ours). On the whole, the anecdotes are funny, which helps to balance out some of the serious issues Slater tackles.
At points, however, the book treats certain events rather casually and without enough closure or explanation. Some dark incidents that surely had a great effect on Slater’s life are hinted at or dealt with in passing, but with little detail about why they were included or how they related to the overall theme of the book. In addition, as an American reader with only limited exposure to English cuisine, I had to look up many dishes to understand exactly what Slater was discussing. My edition included a very short glossary of some of the terms in the book, but did not explain many of the recurring items especially various puddings, candies, stews, and snacks.
Overall, an entertaining read recommended for anybody who enjoys reading about food.
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LibraryThing member karensaville
I particularly enjoyed this book at the beginning when NIgel was reminiscing about foods from his early childhood that I remember vividly from my own. Very amusing about his Mother and her lack of cooking skills. The book actually became quite sad towards the end and I found it very moving.
LibraryThing member redjanet
When I started this book I was delighted to realise that not only was it Nigel Slater talking about food in the beautifully and often humorous way he usually does, but that it was formed in the shape of a memoir of his youth.
This is a coming of age story of the author, who lost his mother at an
This makes for some quite sad reading, but as usual, I also find Nigel Slater's writing quite inspiring as he was spurned on by his desire to please his father as well as to broaden his horizons with regards to food. It is also a story of someone discovering himself sexually and there is a lot of admirable honesty in the author's writing about this aspect of his life.
I really enjoyed reading this. There were times when I would have liked to know a bit more about the food he was learning to prepare, but I suppose for that I'll have to stick to his cook books!
This is a coming of age story of the author, who lost his mother at an
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early age and then had to compete for his somewhat cold father's affections with a new stepmother, who provided him plenty of competition in the culinary arena of their kitchen.This makes for some quite sad reading, but as usual, I also find Nigel Slater's writing quite inspiring as he was spurned on by his desire to please his father as well as to broaden his horizons with regards to food. It is also a story of someone discovering himself sexually and there is a lot of admirable honesty in the author's writing about this aspect of his life.
I really enjoyed reading this. There were times when I would have liked to know a bit more about the food he was learning to prepare, but I suppose for that I'll have to stick to his cook books!
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LibraryThing member kcstewart
Funny, poignant and sad, Toast is a must-read book for all foodies. Nigel Slater tells the story of his upbringing in the 1960s - complete with intricate descriptions of food dishes he is introduced to throughout along the way.
Despite the ups and downs of family life, the book is ultimately a
Despite the ups and downs of family life, the book is ultimately a
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celebration of cooking and the joy it brings Show Less
LibraryThing member Glorybe1
I loved this very easy to read. Quite sad in parts and funny in others. He writes of his childhood with his mother (before she died) and her lack of culinary skills with a lot of humour and affection and his father and eventual step mother with frustration and lonliness. Food being a real solice
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for him throughout. A must read for anyone with the tiniest interest in food. Show Less
LibraryThing member pokarekareana
Nigel Slater, a famous British food writer and TV chef, recounts his childhood and early adulthood through the medium of, well, a book that will make you hungry enough to want to eat the book itself. I wouldn’t recommend doing this, especially not if you’re reading in Kindle format. What
On reflection, I’m not sure I expected this to be as good as it was. The combination of a readable, elegant style of writing, a touching memoir and the aforementioned nostalgia has brought the slightly odd man on the TV to life for me. I think a lot of my enjoyment of this book does stem from the common nationality, so I wonder how much readers who didn’t grow up with tinned ham and sherbet fountains might get from it. Having said that, it is very well-written and is deserving of the praise given to it, so definitely worth a read. I’d recommend bringing a snack along with you.
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outwardly seems to be a sad and lonely childhood is brought to life by the frequent mention of various staples of the post-war British diet. Slater is almost thirty years older than me, but I was pleasantly surprised at the number of foods that appeared on the plates of both our childhoods; Christmas Cake, Jammie Dodgers, Banana Custard, and the treats spoken of in hushed tones in a passage entitled “Crisps, Ketchup, and a Few Other Unmentionables”.On reflection, I’m not sure I expected this to be as good as it was. The combination of a readable, elegant style of writing, a touching memoir and the aforementioned nostalgia has brought the slightly odd man on the TV to life for me. I think a lot of my enjoyment of this book does stem from the common nationality, so I wonder how much readers who didn’t grow up with tinned ham and sherbet fountains might get from it. Having said that, it is very well-written and is deserving of the praise given to it, so definitely worth a read. I’d recommend bringing a snack along with you.
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LibraryThing member mojacobs
This book is an autobiography telling about Slater's (not very happy) childhood (mother had severe astma and died when he was nine, father eventually remarried but stepmother and -son did not see eye to eye) and adolescence. Very matter-of-factly written, short chapters, never any false sentiment
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but very touching anyway. It started of as a few columns in a newspaper, but grew into a very nice book indeed. Almost all the memories told here are in some way food-related; but together they form a story about families, love, and the lack of love. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bcteagirl
Toast:
This is a fun book that would make a great summer read. It is broken up into short manageable snippets for reading on the go. Basically it is the story of the British chef Nigel Slater told through the story of various foods, starting with his childhood foods (His mother served burnt toast
This is a fun book that would make a great summer read. It is broken up into short manageable snippets for reading on the go. Basically it is the story of the British chef Nigel Slater told through the story of various foods, starting with his childhood foods (His mother served burnt toast
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every morning of his childhood, and never go the hang of it). Certain foods (e.g. ketchup) were considered low class and not allowed in the house. His mother passed away when he was 9, leading to many changes including the type of foods served. His father remarried a woman who (although they did not get along) was a good cook. Stories of these transitions are told through the lens of the types of food served, prepared, and the politics associated with them. A good read in general, a great read if you like food! Show Less
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
Subtitled "The story of a boy's hunger," this is the story of a young boy whose mother was (to put it gently) not the greatest cook in the world. As he describes the horrors of the food she made, he manages to highlight the relationship of food to love in our lives.
While he has always been
Later when he gets old enough to get a job at a pub, and then a posh hotel, he realizes his calling in food prep. His father's death brings everything to a boil, severs the link with bridezilla, and provides Nigel with the impetus to go to cooking school and take up his true vocation.
I 'read' this one as an audio while preparing our Thanksgiving meal. I loved hearing the British terms for foods --had to go look up a few--and laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes in a few places. It really brings out the role food (and in Britain the role of TOAST) in our lives, and how our relationships with food providers are formed so early in life. An enjoyable read--it's as much a coming of age bio as a food event-- even if you're not a foodie.
While he has always been
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interested in food and cooking, his father did not allow him in the kitchen, so when his mother dies and father must take over the provision of meals, life becomes even more dire. After dad hires (and later marries) a cook/housekeeper, the food gets better, but life somehow does not. In fact, the family is uprooted and moved halfway across England to establish a more uppity lifestyle to please the 'new mum.'Later when he gets old enough to get a job at a pub, and then a posh hotel, he realizes his calling in food prep. His father's death brings everything to a boil, severs the link with bridezilla, and provides Nigel with the impetus to go to cooking school and take up his true vocation.
I 'read' this one as an audio while preparing our Thanksgiving meal. I loved hearing the British terms for foods --had to go look up a few--and laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes in a few places. It really brings out the role food (and in Britain the role of TOAST) in our lives, and how our relationships with food providers are formed so early in life. An enjoyable read--it's as much a coming of age bio as a food event-- even if you're not a foodie.
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LibraryThing member tixylix
Nigel Slater's autobiography of his childhood through to his teenage years is an interesting read. He conjures up a vivid depiction of his youth through descriptions of what his mother cooked (badly, from packets) and his stepmother's extravagant three course dinners on which Slater blames his
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father's heart attack. His adventures with the opposite and same sex are intriguing and I found I wanted to read on when the book finished. Show Less
LibraryThing member alanna1122
On the upside - I really love food description - and this book has beautiful descriptions of everything from full out dinners to candy bars....
On the downside - there are many weird and disturbing moments in this memoir that are just kind of dropped in the reader's lap... they left me unsettled
My edition had a glossary for American readers ... I thought it was very poorly constructed... it had entries for things that were pretty obvious.... but lacked some things that showed up again and again that I had no clue about (Victoria Sandwich anyone? Cake with jam in the middle? that's what i guess it is...)
I also found the ending really jarring and quick... it felt like there was much more to be said... it felt like the author was on deadline and just stopped writing the day the manuscript was due.
Despite all of that - I enjoyed the other bits...
On the downside - there are many weird and disturbing moments in this memoir that are just kind of dropped in the reader's lap... they left me unsettled
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and worried for the little boy the author used to be.My edition had a glossary for American readers ... I thought it was very poorly constructed... it had entries for things that were pretty obvious.... but lacked some things that showed up again and again that I had no clue about (Victoria Sandwich anyone? Cake with jam in the middle? that's what i guess it is...)
I also found the ending really jarring and quick... it felt like there was much more to be said... it felt like the author was on deadline and just stopped writing the day the manuscript was due.
Despite all of that - I enjoyed the other bits...
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LibraryThing member MarkPSadler
Slater's Toast awoke in me so many past food feelings from my own childhood not just from his sumptuous descriptions of his own past life but because of the proximity our lives shared in the fact that we were raised in towns barely eight miles apart and are within two years of being the same age.
My mother, as his, did not enjoy the preparation of food, and while for Slater that led to a life of exploration in food, for me not so much. This is why I enjoyed this book. Not only is it a tell-all tale of a youth hungering for the love of a father that was only occasionally available but one of a life of exuberance, a life that becomes filled with the joy of finding your niche in life and wallowing in it wholeheartedly. If only we all could find that space in our life.
Slater normally writes books on cooking, with recipes, so this was a brave soul-searching stab at a new venture that lets us in on why he is so good at what he does.
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The descriptions of past memories of sweets reminded me so much of my childhood, and I think would resonant more with a British audience than American.My mother, as his, did not enjoy the preparation of food, and while for Slater that led to a life of exploration in food, for me not so much. This is why I enjoyed this book. Not only is it a tell-all tale of a youth hungering for the love of a father that was only occasionally available but one of a life of exuberance, a life that becomes filled with the joy of finding your niche in life and wallowing in it wholeheartedly. If only we all could find that space in our life.
Slater normally writes books on cooking, with recipes, so this was a brave soul-searching stab at a new venture that lets us in on why he is so good at what he does.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MarkPSadler
Slater's Toast awoke in me so many past food feelings from my own childhood not just from his sumptuous descriptions of his own past life but because of the proximity our lives shared in the fact that we were raised in towns barely eight miles apart and are within two years of being the same age.
My mother, as his, did not enjoy the preparation of food, and while for Slater that led to a life of exploration in food, for me not so much. This is why I enjoyed this book. Not only is it a tell-all tale of a youth hungering for the love of a father that was only occasionally available but one of a life of exuberance, a life that becomes filled with the joy of finding your niche in life and wallowing in it wholeheartedly. If only we all could find that space in our life.
Slater normally writes books on cooking, with recipes, so this was a brave soul-searching stab at a new venture that lets us in on why he is so good at what he does.
Show More
The descriptions of past memories of sweets reminded me so much of my childhood, and I think would resonant more with a British audience than American.My mother, as his, did not enjoy the preparation of food, and while for Slater that led to a life of exploration in food, for me not so much. This is why I enjoyed this book. Not only is it a tell-all tale of a youth hungering for the love of a father that was only occasionally available but one of a life of exuberance, a life that becomes filled with the joy of finding your niche in life and wallowing in it wholeheartedly. If only we all could find that space in our life.
Slater normally writes books on cooking, with recipes, so this was a brave soul-searching stab at a new venture that lets us in on why he is so good at what he does.
Show Less
LibraryThing member shojo_a
I fell in love with British chef Nigel Slater's beautifully evocative food writing through his cook books, so I was very excited to see his autobiography at my library.
The book is written chronologically, as a series of essays centered around a various food item or recipe, and it was much more
The book is written chronologically, as a series of essays centered around a various food item or recipe, and it was much more
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gripping that that description makes it out to be. It was also a lot sadder than I'd expected. What amazed me most was that angry, stifled boy from the cold, stern home had grown into the warm, enthusiastic man of the cook books. Show Less
LibraryThing member JLsBibliomania
I often like food related memoirs, but couldn't get into this one and abandoned it 1/3 of the way through
Awards
British Book Award (Winner — Biography — 2004)
Andre Simon Award (Winner — 2003)
James Beard Foundation Award (Nominee — 2005)