It's rare, in my experience, that a book has a visceral pull over you in the way that a place or a person does; a hold which means that when you turn the final page and leave the world you've inhabited for so many hours and days, you feel that parting keenly.
John Saturnall's Feast is such a book, and approaching the end this morning I found myself slowing down, trying to make its conclusion last a little longer, wishing that somehow I could linger within the story. Lawrence Norfolk's literary historical novel is a triumph of technique but it's also a very affecting work, a magical one, a banquet for the thinking reader, a sensuous delight. Lay hands on a copy and read it as soon as you may and you'll find something truly worth savouring - every image, every detail, inspired, its full and fascinating depths inviting exploration and providing pleasure of the most satisfying kind.
It is set in seventeenth century England and is the story of one man, the eponymous John Saturnall, from his boyhood as the son of a woman hounded as a witch, to his life in the kitchens of a great house - Buckland Manor - and his relationship with the headstrong daughter of the house, Lady Lucretia Fremantle. It is a complex tale of its time, when the Civil War shattered the old order and in place of comfort and plenty came stricture and hardship, but it's in the rendering of life below stairs in the regimented and hierarchical world of the vast kitchens - scenes of almighty labour and the highest expertise - that the book's world truly lives.
And yet there is so much more to it than the tale of a boy's rise from the squalor of the scullery to the lofty position of Master Cook. It encompasses myth and legend, allegory and arcane knowledge, love, war and entrancing storytelling, combining these ingredients to make no mere culinary conceit or kickshaw but a readers' feast of the highest order.
I confess I am now at a loss as to what to read next - the book has spoiled me for anything less; if ever I meet Lawrence Norfolk I shall kiss his ring.
Article by Norfolk in The Guardian this morning.
Posted by: Mary | 06 September 2012 at 01:03 PM
Wow, that is quite a review and recommendation and follows on from Annabel at Gaskella. Looks like I am going to have to get to read this somehow - hope the library gets a copy!
Posted by: LizF | 06 September 2012 at 02:38 PM
That's some recommendation. I've had it sitting here for weeks, so I think it's just gone to top of the pile!
Posted by: Mary | 06 September 2012 at 02:56 PM
Many thanks, Mary, I've read it now.
Posted by: Cornflower | 06 September 2012 at 07:33 PM
It has everything I want in a book, and the subject matter was very appealing. I'm lost without it now!
Posted by: Cornflower | 06 September 2012 at 07:34 PM
I began it months ago and then had to put it aside for other reading, but when I picked it up again I went back to the beginning (because it repays close attention) and after a slowish build it really comes into its own. Wonderful book!
Posted by: Cornflower | 06 September 2012 at 07:35 PM
Is it set in the real Buckland manor outside Broadway? The most wonderful place I ever stayed at in England.
Posted by: EllenB | 08 September 2012 at 02:39 AM
I am so glad I read your post about this, Cornflower as I admit I was very nervous of it. It seemed a bit...well. DIFFICULT I suppose but if you like it then I certainly will read it! Thanks!
Posted by: adele geras | 08 September 2012 at 10:15 AM
I've just looked up your Buckland Manor, Ellen - http://www.bucklandmanor.co.uk/ - I want to go there!
I think the house in the book is in Somerset rather than the Cotswolds, but I wonder whether Lawrence Norfolk based it on a real place.
Posted by: Cornflower | 08 September 2012 at 11:10 AM
I loved it! I hope Lawrence Norfolk is getting on well with his next book (I read something about it having to do with an Elizabethan garden) because I am waiting with bated breath.
Posted by: Cornflower | 08 September 2012 at 11:14 AM
Try Jane Borodale's The Knot - also set in Somerset and about Henry Lyte of Lytes Cary, and his translation of a herbal. But so much more than that...
Posted by: Carol Norton | 09 September 2012 at 07:42 AM
Indeed - I flagged it up here: http://www.cornflowerbooks.co.uk/2012/07/on-the-wish-list-.html
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 September 2012 at 08:57 AM
Oh gosh, so you did - and I think it was reading your post which sent me off to Amazon in the first place! Anyway, it certainly delivers all it promises - you've a real treat in store.
Posted by: Carol Norton | 09 September 2012 at 12:13 PM
Glad to hear that, Carol!
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 September 2012 at 08:47 PM
It is very rare that I get to the end of a book and want to go back to the beginning and start again but that was exactly how I felt when I finished this - just a shame that the library had to have it back!
John Saturnall's Feast is one of those books that you inhabit and to think that I would have missed it if not for your review because I had struggled with one of Lawrence Norfolk's earlier books - thank you SO much for a real reading treat!!
It is now on my Christmas list and if that fails I will just have to wait until it comes out in paperback and buy it myself (just hope they keep that gorgeous cover!)
Posted by: LizF | 19 November 2012 at 10:03 AM
So glad to hear this, Liz!
Posted by: Cornflower | 19 November 2012 at 08:32 PM
As ever, you're quite right, Cornflower. Am reading now and can't stop thinking about it. A masterpiece. I don't use that word very often! LOVE IT! And yes, hope he doesn't take 7 years on the garden book!
Posted by: adele geras | 25 January 2013 at 11:20 AM
I want that next book ASAP!
Posted by: Cornflower | 25 January 2013 at 12:23 PM
"John Saturnall's Feast" is enthralling! I'm listening to the audiobook whilst knitting and keep having to stop as I lose count of stitches when so caught up in the story. What elegant descriptions; it feels as though I'm right there in the events with John and the other characters.
Must buy a few paperback copies, both to keep and give to friends.
Posted by: Susan Campbell | 04 June 2013 at 02:46 PM
Hurrah! Many thanks for letting us know it's going down so well, Susan.
Posted by: Cornflower | 04 June 2013 at 02:49 PM
Just finished listening to it on cd. I liked it, but I was expecting more: I thought the novel couldn't figure out if it was a fantasy/adventure or an historical novel, and the love plot dragged and dragged for me. I did NOT like Lady Lucy.
Posted by: Rebecca | 01 November 2013 at 09:51 PM