“It was deemed bad spirit to show tears—Mr. Churchill had drummed that into them: Collective despair could bring the nation to its knees.”

The war effort was considered a shared responsibility between all people, which created a sense of unity and security while at the same time romanticizing the war into something nobler than it was. Much of the novel—and, indeed, most historical fiction set in this time period—deals with the juxtaposition between the way war encouraged some to become their very best selves and others to become their very worst.

“They had stood in that doorway as girls—Audrey and Gwendoline—making up stories about becoming grand ladies living in the great house.

To Audrey it was a fairy tale.

To Gwendoline, it was a plan.”

This moment illustrates the fundamental differences between Audrey and Gwendoline as people while also highlighting the truly loving relationship they had as children. This shows the reader that these innate qualities are the things that drove them apart as adults despite their family connection. Gwendoline felt she needed to create safety and security on her own while Audrey never felt this lack because she received it from her mother.

“If Matthew were still alive, he would be so proud of her. He always adored her cooking, savoring every mouthful—telling her that she put a little of her warmth and love into everything she baked.”

Connections made through food are at the heart of the novel, and this moment encapsulates the theme of love presented through the filter of cooking and nourishment. While Audrey is considered the least formally qualified of all the contestants, she proves herself to be one of the most formidable because her food is enhanced by authenticity and love rather than pure ambition.