This is a fascinating subject covered by a highly talented author and as such I can't help but feel that this book should be better than it is.
As Brand Nigella has gathered pace her books have increased in glossy photography including a few too many of the author. Despite Nigella's stunning good looks, I can't help but feel most cooks would trade the gloss for a bit more of her magical prose.
If you are new to this kind of cooking I think this is a worthwhile book which is simple to follow. If you have been cooking and reading about food for a good few years you will probably find much of the source material already on your book shelves. In addition, there are a lot of cake recipes and if you nod off while reading it you could wake up think you are reading Domestic Goddess. I don't deny that cakes are pretty central to feasts but as you turn the pages it can feel like a bit of extra padding between the covers.
That being said, it is a diverting read whilst sprawled on the sofa with a drink and has enough inspiring stuff to send you off for a potter around the kitchen.
Nigella's seminal work is, in my view 'How to Eat' and if you don't own it, buy it (no pictures at all though- one extreme to the other). Feast is less ground breaking but is still very good indeed.
