Description
The Woman Who Wanted More
Book Summary
A warm and funny novel about second chances, unexpected friendship, and the power of good food to heal the soul. At forty, following a breakup, Kate moves back into her mother's house. Her life takes a turn when she meets Cecily Finn, a sharp-tongued 96-year-old woman. Cecily gives her a peculiar 1957 cookbook that promises answers for every romantic situation. Between menus for winning over, keeping, or saying goodbye to someone, the two women will forge a friendship that teaches them that life is meant to be enjoyed intensely, beyond romantic love. A comforting read that combines humor, emotion, and gastronomy.
What is it about?
Kate breaks up with her boyfriend and, after a few days of self-pity, decides to move back in with her mother at 40. To occupy her time, she begins volunteering at the "Lauderdale Foundation for Exceptional Ladies." There she meets Cecily Finn, a 96-year-old woman, tired of living but with a sharp wit. Cecily recommends a very particular self-help manual: a cookbook she wrote herself in 1957, with menus designed for any romantic situation. What to cook to win over an old flame? And a new one? How to keep the man you hope will stay after dinner? And how to invite the one who won't to leave? Through these menus, Kate will try to find the ideal dish for a broken heart, while discovering if Cecily can also find a way out of her own rut. Thus, a friendship is forged between two lonely and stubborn souls who discover that food is for indulgence, that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, and that the way to a man's heart is, in the end, irrelevant.
Main themes
- Second chances and personal reinvention at 40.
- Intergenerational friendship between two strong-willed women.
- The therapeutic and symbolic power of cooking and gastronomy.
- Overcoming heartbreak and emotional grief.
- The search for happiness beyond romantic relationships.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers of contemporary fiction and romantic novels with a touch of humor and realism. Especially suitable for those who enjoy stories about female friendship, strong female characters, and second chances, with a backdrop of cooking and recipes. Also for those looking for a light yet emotionally deep read that combines entertainment with reflections on life and love.
What this book offers
- A moving and funny story that shows it is never too late to rebuild your life.
- An original reflection on how food can be a vehicle for emotions and human relationships.
- A realistic, unsweetened portrait of loneliness and old age, balanced by humor and vitality.
- An unforgettable friendship between two women who become each other's support system.
- A read that invites you to enjoy the little pleasures in life, such as good food and company.
Technical specifications
- Author: Zimmerman, Vicky
- Publisher: EDICIONES VERSATIL, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION, ROMANTIC NARRATIVE
- Collection: NARRATIVE
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2019
- Number of pages: 368
- Weight: 687 g
Editorial review
A novel that successfully combines British humor, tenderness, and reflection on the passage of time. The relationship between Kate and Cecily is the heart of the work, offering sparkling dialogue and moments of great emotion. The original narrative thread of recipes as a metaphor for romantic relationships adds a layer of originality to a story of personal growth. Ideal for those looking for an entertaining read with substance, which does not shy away from difficult topics but approaches them with lightness and optimism.