We're introduced to August Sitwell in 1914 and eventually learn that in fact is not his real name. He's quite mysterious and there's several passages in reference to his story throughout the book. He's currently a groundskeeper for the Barclay household and also tends to the three apprentices. He relates to the boys because like them, he too was chosen from an an orphan asylum to be put to work. He works alongside several others as staff to this estate.
With the Barclay's falling on hard times they find themselves scrambling to get their heads above water. As it turns out they have a unique sauce produced by the kitchen staff that gains the attention of the right people to pull them out of the hole they've found themselves in. The Barclay's, along with a pushy investors, set out to market this sauce as their own all while using Sitwell's face as the caricature to push the product. To sum it up-
From the book: "Thirty seven years I cooked for these people. And do you know that not once was I invited to sit down? But I suppose that is how it always is with these people. Always a place on the table. Never a place at it".
This sets off a chain of events that brings out greed, murder, pride, and revenge from the people associated with the product. Ironically this product is just a catalyst for a much bigger picture. The embodiment of civil rights and women's rights are sparked throughout the book. It's a raw story with so much depth that goes beyond the market of a product.
The reason I only gave it 3 stars is due to my personal preference. But the story itself is absolutely powerful.
With the Barclay's falling on hard times they find themselves scrambling to get their heads above water. As it turns out they have a unique sauce produced by the kitchen staff that gains the attention of the right people to pull them out of the hole they've found themselves in. The Barclay's, along with a pushy investors, set out to market this sauce as their own all while using Sitwell's face as the caricature to push the product. To sum it up-
From the book: "Thirty seven years I cooked for these people. And do you know that not once was I invited to sit down? But I suppose that is how it always is with these people. Always a place on the table. Never a place at it".
This sets off a chain of events that brings out greed, murder, pride, and revenge from the people associated with the product. Ironically this product is just a catalyst for a much bigger picture. The embodiment of civil rights and women's rights are sparked throughout the book. It's a raw story with so much depth that goes beyond the market of a product.
The reason I only gave it 3 stars is due to my personal preference. But the story itself is absolutely powerful.