To be read: Elza's Kitchen

 

    "For years, Elza has managed to get by. She has her own little restaurant in the Hungarian city of Delibab, cooking quality versions of her country's classics and serving them with a smile. But lately her smile has become tired, she is weary of cooking for the same customers and the loveless affair with her sous-chef is now an irritation.

    With her country in a state of transition from communism to capitalism, Elza embarks upon her own change. She decides to woo The Critic, one of the harshest, most powerful culinary columnists in Europe. But as relationships in the kitchen sour, the food threatens to turn with them, and not even Elza's strained composure can prevent the chaos that seems fated to engulf her.

    Serving up all the heat, sensual delights and rich atmosphere of the restaurant itself, Elza's Kitchen is a wonderful celebration of culture and cuisine. Resisting the comfortable pattern of her old life, Elza finds that true joy - and love - can be hidden in the most surprising of places."

    Marc Fitten's second novel - Valeria's Last Stand was his first - sounds just the thing for a lazy evening with something to nibble on, perhaps, or to have to hand in the kitchen while you stand and stir a risotto. It's not just the content which appeals, as I like that cover, too; and speaking of exteriors, here's an amusing post on what might result were designers to use stock photos for book jackets.