Recipe for Life, Mary Berry
Recipe for Life, Mary Berry
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Recipe for Life
The Autobiography

Author: Mary Berry

Narrator: Patricia Hodge

Unabridged: 10 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 09/12/2013


Synopsis

From Queen of Tarts to the nation's heart, Mary Berry shares her Recipe for Life.

'In the words of my father, my birth caused no end of trouble...'

From the moment she came into the world - two weeks early, throwing her parents' lives into disarray - Mary has gracefully but firmly done things her own way.

Born in 1935, in the city of Bath, Mary's childhood was a curious mix of idyllic picnics and ramblings, and alarming air raids; of a spirited and outdoorsy home life and a dreaded school existence. All nearly cut horribly short by an almost fatal bout of polio when she was thirteen, which isolated Mary in hospital, away from beloved family and friends for months.

Recovery saw her turn to her one true passion - cookery. And so began a love affair that has - so far - spanned six remarkable decades; from demonstrating ovens in the early 1950s to producing glossy food magazines in the 60s and 70s, gradually becoming the country's most prolific and - many would say - best loved cookery writer. Until her emergence in the 21st century as a TV sensation and style icon on the Great British Bake Off.

As a working mother, at the heart of a busy household, Mary became an expert at the art of juggling, even bringing her working life into her home with her Aga school. And there have been challenges, one terrible tragedy and many joys along the way.

In this touching, evocative and fascinating memoir, we accompany Mary on her journey of nearly eighty years; a life lived to the full, with a wicked sense of fun and an eye for the absurd, it is the life of a delightfully traditional but thoroughly modern woman.

Fans of The Great British Bake Off can't wait to get their hands on Mary Berry's Recipe for Life.

Born in 1935, Mary has been teaching Britain how to cook for over half a century. Her far-reaching culinary career has taken her from recipe tester, cookery editor, author and entrepreneur to TV personality. Mary lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Paul.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Luisa on January 11, 2025

This book is delicious! If you’re looking for a sweet and frank autobiography with lots of food and hospitality in it, this is a great one. Mary Berry has lived quite a life - her dedication and discipline to her field and the kitchen milestones she’s helped pioneer is impressive, her capitalistic v......more

Goodreads review by Melinda on March 14, 2015

How can anyone give Mary Berry a bad book review? Having watched many a series of “Bake Off”, I’ve come to love her pithy comments and excitement when she’s digging in to a piece of cake – a trait I can certainly relate to! So it’s with much curiosity that I picked up Mary Berry’s biography to find......more

Goodreads review by Wallace on February 12, 2014

I first 'met' Mary Berry when Pamela, my wife, give me a copy of her Complete Cookbook as a Christmas present in 2011. I had been advised by both my GP and my employers' medical advisor to take up a hobby, and I chose cooking! Since then I have purchased 2 further Mary Berry cookbooks and 2 cookbook......more

Goodreads review by Carrie on September 16, 2024

This past week I read Mary Berry's autobiography. I suspect the reason I liked it is the reason more conservative folks might not. I'm a conservative Christian, second generation homeschooler, mother of five, committed to home. Jonathan has everything under control so that I am at complete liberty to......more

Goodreads review by Jane on December 01, 2013

I loved this book because her positive mental attitude suffuses every page. A book to chase away the gremlins, it is a perfect 'Mum knows best' sort of read. Faced with difficulties and tribulations Mary picks herself up, keeps calm and carries on. If you are in need of a pick me up then read this.......more