This book will not appeal to everyone but I absolutely loved it. This is a translated publication and I have found that there is a requirement by the reader to read a book like this within the context of the culture of the original author. This book is set at a time in Spain where the Royal Court, courtiers and grandees were very much the overriding cultural influence in the country. Hierarchy, status and outward appearances are paramount and drives the story throughout, Our heroine is the daughter of an eminent doctor who supported the ruling monarchy in the war against the Bourbons. Killed during this war, his wife and two daughters are cast off by his heir without money or status despite their genteel life up to that point.
Food is the theme here and the Clara finds herself working for the Duke of Castamar as his cook. Taught by her mother to excel at cooking, she comes to the attention of said Duke. This is the start of a very slow burning romance. Alongside this theme is a complex court intrigue which is unravelled gradually and is beautifully described. Superb writing, wonderful immersion into Spanish society which I found enchanting. But it requires patience. I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for a superb translation of the Cook of Castamar.

Blockbuster of a book. Value for money with this read. Epic novel with about 15 hours of reading at normal speed.

17th century Spain, France, London. The difference between the upper noble classes and the servants of the day in the big houses. This book brings them all to light in an informative way.

A book for the holidays, really lets you get your teeth into it, along with a cookery lesson.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

Found it difficult to continue read about 20% and it just wasn't holding me so for me unfortunately one star

Im not sure if it was the translation or just the style of writing in this book that made me find it really hard to get into. I enjoyed the social history and would have liked more about the cuisine but a lot of the time it felt like a romantic novel written for teenagers and I found my self skimming big chunks of it.
Thank you to netgalley and Head of Zeus for an advance copy of this book