Good Material: A Novel

by Dolly Alderton
Good Material: A Novel cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4722
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
booksaremagic.net · Unknown · 2025-10-23
engaging 4.00

Good Material: A Novel is a deeply personal and introspective story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is rich with emotional depth and vivid descriptions, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven fiction.

Good Material: A Novel is a deeply personal and introspective story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is rich with emotional depth and vivid descriptions, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven fiction. The author's ability to delve into the intricacies of human emotions and relationships is truly commendable. The story is not just about the characters but also about the places they inhabit and the experiences that shape them. The setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, adding layers of meaning and context to the characters' journeys. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, drawing the reader in and making them reflect on their own experiences and relationships. Overall, Good Material: A Novel is a beautifully crafted story that will resonate with readers who appreciate deep, meaningful fiction.

Quick quotes

    They were people whom I considered in the abstract but did not know.

    I was starting to regret my cleanse.

    He’s right. Chocolate has been my constant companion: every birthday cake, my wedding cake, the food that got me through my divorce.

oldtownbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
profound 4.50

The book 'Bread, Wine, Chocolate' by Simran Sethi explores the loss of agricultural biodiversity and its impact on our favorite foods. It's a journey through six countries, meeting people dedicated to preserving food diversity, and reflecting on our own food choices.

The book 'Bread, Wine, Chocolate' by Simran Sethi is a profound exploration of the loss of agricultural biodiversity and its impact on the foods we love. Sethi takes readers on a journey through six countries, meeting a variety of people dedicated to preserving food diversity. The book is not just about the loss of biodiversity but also about the love and dedication people have for their food. It's a call to action for consumers to understand their role in the food system and to embrace the unique tastes and varieties that are at risk of disappearing. The book also raises important questions about affordability and meeting food requirements globally as we focus on diversity and regional varieties.

Quick quotes

    This is a book about food, but it’s really a book about love.

    But not everyone agrees that inherent earthiness is a good attribute.

    Eating is an agricultural act.

thebookshort.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
thought-provoking 3.50

The reviewer highlights the book's lament about the homogenization of global food tastes due to market economies, noting how many staple foods lack flavor. They agree with the author's concerns but argue that some progress has been made in food variety and quality over time. The book is seen as a passionate but somewhat one-sided account.

The reviewer discusses how the book 'Bread, Wine, Chocolate' by Simran Sethi presents a heartfelt critique of the global food industry's impact on taste and variety. The reviewer agrees that many staple foods have become bland and uniform, leading to a need for more complex meals to compensate. However, they argue that the book underplays the positive changes in food quality and diversity over time. For instance, the reviewer recalls how limited and unappetizing food options were in the past, suggesting that while the book raises valid concerns, it presents a somewhat one-sided view. Overall, the book is seen as a passionate and thought-provoking read, though it could benefit from acknowledging the progress made in the food industry.

Quick quotes

    It wasn't bad — on the contrary — just unusual.

    All the world over, she writes, we are increasingly compelled to eat the same food.

    Her dismay about the over-dominance in the market of a handful of food varieties is entirely justified — but I'm not totally convinced that the movement is all in the wrong direction.

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