I read this on a short train journey, it's a very evocative book, especially for one who grew up in the 60s and 70s! He relates his childhood through food memories. I can relate to this!
I found though that the book brough up more questions than it answered. Lots of stuff was alluded to and never really resolved, I think Vol 2 "Second Helpings" is called for!

A great read though


This is about to go out on a ring, participants are listed below, please PM the next on the list for their address when you're done.
Gooner
battypuss
Camis
Anfield
Jalna

"The story of a boy's hunger" arrived here safely this morning. Thanks for ringing it Angi.

I'll journal it asap.

I have to agree with ragtimebabe: I think this raised a lot of questions, and await the next course.

This book was most enjoyable, with lots of forgotten foods from the 50s and 60s getting a mention. Although Nigel did not say he had eaten Tunnock's Wafers himself (perhaps his parents considered them 'common' like those silver-and-red chocolate marshmallow teacakes!) they did get a mention in the book on p.95 at his friend Warrel Blubb's house, much to my delight. Not that Tunnock's wafers are obsolete of course - I never leave a supermarket without a week's supply in my trolley.

And I'm delighted to say his recollections confirmed what I've been ranting about for a few years now. Walnut Whips used to have a walnut in the bottom, next to the chocolate base, at the bottom of the marshmallow-type goo, as well as decorating the top.

Happy memories brought back by this one.

Arrived today from Gooner and swooped upon. Camis, you've got a fight on your hands! (only joking, should be in the mail next week). Thank you.

Overwritten, overhyped and overdone! This book annoyed me immensely; I found myself rewriting large chunks in my head...
As somebody of similar age to Slater, I thought I might have identified more, but if anything this book alienated me completely. Especially the frequent references to cocks - and I don't mean the au vin variety.

Sending to Camis tomorrow.

This was waiting for me on my return from holiday along with 4 other ring books. I will read as soon as I can!

A very enjoyable read, although I agree with previous comments that it did leave a lot of questions unanswered.

Brought back some fond memories of food - why did Arctic Roll taste of cardboard yet still taste good?!

Will be passing on to Anfield shortly.

This was waiting on the mat when I got back from holiday.

A very touching memoir and I really felt for him as he struggled on his own to make sense of the erratic hand that he was dealt in life. The food backdrop made for a very witty read.

It arrived safely this morning - but I'm very confused as it had another BookCrossers's name on the envelope as the sender!

Riddle: Why are Ring and Ray books like buses?
Answer: You wait ages and then 3 come at once!

I'll try not to hold on to it for too long.

I really enjoyed this read as I am a sucker for nostalgia. Although I am a little older than Nigel, the home he grew up in had a lot of similarities with mine and I remembered all the branded foods he mentioned - largely with affection. Creamola Foam - now there's a hark back!

Like Battypuss, I found there was rather too much - unnecessary - reference to sex and certain body parts. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I wasn't left with a feeling of unanswered questions, but rather liked the writing style of certain events being merely hinted at or obliquely referenced.

I will return the book to Ragtimebabe as soon as I have an address. (Update: Returned on 24 Sept 04.)

found at Unconvention - quite interested in cooking so hope to enjoy this!