A Recipe for Family by Tori Haschka

Set in the northern beaches of Sydney, Recipe for Family is the story of three women of three different generations.

Stella is a working mother of a four-year-old and stepmother to a 14 year old. Her husband’s job has him for long periods and her mother has dementia. Her job is demanding and she finds herself struggling to balance her job, family, house, and social life.

 

She is convinced to hire an au pair. Eighteen-year-old Eva arrives from the USA to fill the role. Ava has her own struggles following the death of her mother, but her memories are kept alive through a series of envelopes with messages, and recipes, to cope with any situation.

 

Stella’s mother-in-law, Elise, is a highly qualified industrial chemist and a staunch feminist. She has her own issues with her job and matters from the past.

 

The story follows each of the women and their struggles to juggle expectations and relationships.

 

It was an interesting concept and enjoyable enough read but I felt it was a bit slow in parts.

 

Throughout the story, reference is made to various food and dishes appropriate for occasions. The recipes for these are included at the back of the book.

 

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Tori Haschka for providing a copy for review.

My rating 2*