Sylvia Plath’s Tomato Soup Cake review – a writer’s place is not in the kitchen

A new collection of recipes by various authors, including notable figures like Beryl Bainbridge and Norman Mailer, features unconventional and at times unappealing dishes. The book, which includes recipes like Bainbridge's Instant Mince and Streatfeild's Filets de Boeuf aux Bananas, showcases a mixture of writers' culinary contributions that range from intriguing to downright bizarre. Many recipes present unusual combinations of ingredients, such as beef served with bananas, or the oddity of Mock Anchovy Pate made from minced fish. While the collection has its share of questionable entries, there are also delightful contributions from authors known for their cooking prowess, like Ian Fleming's scrambled eggs. Amidst the culinary disasters, the book provides a glimpse into the gastronomical tastes and kitchen experiences of well-known literary figures, illustrating how personal cooking stories can reflect their broader narratives. Ultimately, this anthology offers a fun exploration of literature and food, even if some of its contents might make readers queasy.