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Mary Berry Autobiography by Berry, Mary (2013) Hardcover
Mary Berry has shared her skills, experience and tips through a varied and fascinating career, yet few people know the professional and personal story behind her success. Now, in her inspiring, charming and life-affirming memoir, Mary tells us about her life - a life in some ways reassuringly ordinary, yet at the same time completely extraordinary.
Hardcover
First published September 12, 2013
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About the author
Mary Berry
248 books239 followersThere are multiple authors in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mary Berry is an English food writer and television presenter. After being encouraged in domestic science classes at school, she went to college to study catering. She then moved to France at the age of 21 to study at Le Cordon Bleu school, before working in a number of cooking-related jobs.
She has published more than seventy cookery books (her first being The Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook in 1970) and hosted several television series for the BBC and Thames Television. Berry is an occasional contributor to Woman's Hour and Saturday Kitchen. She has been a judge on the BBC One (originally BBC Two) television programme The Great British Bake Off since its launch in 2010.
Mary Berry is an English food writer and television presenter. After being encouraged in domestic science classes at school, she went to college to study catering. She then moved to France at the age of 21 to study at Le Cordon Bleu school, before working in a number of cooking-related jobs.
She has published more than seventy cookery books (her first being The Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook in 1970) and hosted several television series for the BBC and Thames Television. Berry is an occasional contributor to Woman's Hour and Saturday Kitchen. She has been a judge on the BBC One (originally BBC Two) television programme The Great British Bake Off since its launch in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
March 23, 2017
First and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVE, MARY BERRY!
No journey, especially one of biographies, is complete without some light fare along the way, which is amply provided with this memoir by Mary Berry. For those who are not familiar with this most splendid woman, she has come to be known as the Queen of Cookery in Britain, though her journey to that pedestal was highly entertaining and captivating in a life filled with twists. Born into a modest family, Berry was the middle of three children and the only girl. With a father who served as the Mayor of Bath, Berry was often left to the fought and tumble ways of her brothers, admitting that she was a tomboy for the early years of her life. A close knit family home provided Berry with the love she needed to succeed, though she was a horrible student and failed most every class she took in school, save Domestic Science. With an aptitude for all things cooking, she was able to study a little at a local college, soon leading to a number of interesting jobs and the chance to study for a month at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, a story that will both shock and entertain the reader. Berry soon married Paul Hunnings, a rugby star who made an honest woman out of her at the ripe age of thirty-one. Still working and setting up house after her marriage, Berry entertains the readers with many vignettes, including making her own wedding cake and a cold honeymoon spent fishing before announcing the expansion of her family, both with children and interesting pets. Thomas, William, and Annabelle would soon be mini-Marys in the kitchen to help their mum before growing up and branching off into their own careers. From there it was moving to television cookery and a slew of cookbooks to accompany her weekly shows, having learned it is best to be an independent freelancer than being stuck to any one job. Berry excelled and laid the groundwork for her future as a television star on all things cookery. Her personal advice is to keep things simple enough that the viewer can relate to what is being prepared. The reader is taken on a wonderful journey as Berry explores her numerous shows, workshops, and the eventual arrival of her celebrity chef status when she agreed to judge on The Great British Bake Off, surprised by its complete success. Anyone who has not seen the original Bake Off will have to tune in, as it is a marvel how a quaint woman can stand amongst Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay while holding her own. Brilliant in its delivery and warm nature, Mary Berry captures the reader with her honesty and motherliness.
It was a great friend of mine who introduced me to Mary Berry, at least through the television. The Great British Bake Off has been a deeply-rooted staple of BBC programming for a handful of years. She is affable and, like the grandmother we all wished we had, proves approachable as long as she is impressed. Peeling back some of the upper crust nature for which she is so well known, Berry offers up a wonderful insight into her life. Told in a frank and humorous manner, without the need to 'tell all' or smear anyone (she goes so far as to refuse to discuss past relationship, as some of these men are still alive!), Berry shows how she carved her niche as a working woman in the early 1960s and used a passion she developed when academics did nothing to support her. Berry is insightful throughout, commenting on the lack of foundation in the education system (where some subjects remain mandatory and yet are never used while the basics of cooking and sewing are glossed over). With straightforward chapters that include a number of personal asides by people about whom she refers. Perhaps the most 'Mary Berry' aspect of the memoir is the collection of simple recipes for the reader to attempt at the end of each chapter, in which Berry seeks to instil her love of cookery and its simplicity in the busy grinds of the everyday. Even if that includes using something as peculiar as the AGA oven (I know... I am still baffled!), Berry wants the reader and anyone who comes across something with which she is associated to feel comfortable in the kitchen and their own apron. I know I will be the next time I try a cake, pudding, or pie!
Kudos, Lady Berry! You have such a way with words and sentiments, perfectly baked and crisp, which just the right amount of ebullient topping to keep me hooked. How I will miss you on Bake Off!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
No journey, especially one of biographies, is complete without some light fare along the way, which is amply provided with this memoir by Mary Berry. For those who are not familiar with this most splendid woman, she has come to be known as the Queen of Cookery in Britain, though her journey to that pedestal was highly entertaining and captivating in a life filled with twists. Born into a modest family, Berry was the middle of three children and the only girl. With a father who served as the Mayor of Bath, Berry was often left to the fought and tumble ways of her brothers, admitting that she was a tomboy for the early years of her life. A close knit family home provided Berry with the love she needed to succeed, though she was a horrible student and failed most every class she took in school, save Domestic Science. With an aptitude for all things cooking, she was able to study a little at a local college, soon leading to a number of interesting jobs and the chance to study for a month at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, a story that will both shock and entertain the reader. Berry soon married Paul Hunnings, a rugby star who made an honest woman out of her at the ripe age of thirty-one. Still working and setting up house after her marriage, Berry entertains the readers with many vignettes, including making her own wedding cake and a cold honeymoon spent fishing before announcing the expansion of her family, both with children and interesting pets. Thomas, William, and Annabelle would soon be mini-Marys in the kitchen to help their mum before growing up and branching off into their own careers. From there it was moving to television cookery and a slew of cookbooks to accompany her weekly shows, having learned it is best to be an independent freelancer than being stuck to any one job. Berry excelled and laid the groundwork for her future as a television star on all things cookery. Her personal advice is to keep things simple enough that the viewer can relate to what is being prepared. The reader is taken on a wonderful journey as Berry explores her numerous shows, workshops, and the eventual arrival of her celebrity chef status when she agreed to judge on The Great British Bake Off, surprised by its complete success. Anyone who has not seen the original Bake Off will have to tune in, as it is a marvel how a quaint woman can stand amongst Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay while holding her own. Brilliant in its delivery and warm nature, Mary Berry captures the reader with her honesty and motherliness.
It was a great friend of mine who introduced me to Mary Berry, at least through the television. The Great British Bake Off has been a deeply-rooted staple of BBC programming for a handful of years. She is affable and, like the grandmother we all wished we had, proves approachable as long as she is impressed. Peeling back some of the upper crust nature for which she is so well known, Berry offers up a wonderful insight into her life. Told in a frank and humorous manner, without the need to 'tell all' or smear anyone (she goes so far as to refuse to discuss past relationship, as some of these men are still alive!), Berry shows how she carved her niche as a working woman in the early 1960s and used a passion she developed when academics did nothing to support her. Berry is insightful throughout, commenting on the lack of foundation in the education system (where some subjects remain mandatory and yet are never used while the basics of cooking and sewing are glossed over). With straightforward chapters that include a number of personal asides by people about whom she refers. Perhaps the most 'Mary Berry' aspect of the memoir is the collection of simple recipes for the reader to attempt at the end of each chapter, in which Berry seeks to instil her love of cookery and its simplicity in the busy grinds of the everyday. Even if that includes using something as peculiar as the AGA oven (I know... I am still baffled!), Berry wants the reader and anyone who comes across something with which she is associated to feel comfortable in the kitchen and their own apron. I know I will be the next time I try a cake, pudding, or pie!
Kudos, Lady Berry! You have such a way with words and sentiments, perfectly baked and crisp, which just the right amount of ebullient topping to keep me hooked. How I will miss you on Bake Off!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 8, 2020
As a more recent huge fan of The Great British Baking Show, I am pretty new to the Mary Berry fan club. She was a judge on that show, alongside Paul Hollywood, and she was fantastic in that roll. She remained kind, even as contestants produced less than stellar baked goods to be judged.
I became interested in Mary Berry's life. She presents, in every aspect, the very definition of the word "lady". An octogenarian, she was also named one of the Best Dressed in the UK at one time. She is neat as a pin in appearance and demeanor.
When I found out she had written her autobiography, I ordered a copy immediately. A child born in Bath in 1935, her early years were filled with delight combined with the extremely scary sounds of air raid sirens. At 13, she became ominously close to losing her life to polio, and spent more than a year away from her family for treatment in isolation.
Mary has written a myriad of cookbooks and I plan to check on those too - but first, I wanted to know her better, and now I feel that I do. I was so sad when she left the show - not because of her age or health issues, but because they had taken the show away from PBS in Great Britain to produce it on a mainstream venue, and Mary Berry was basically the face of public broadcasting. She did not want to follow along. She has always found her own path, and she did so at that time.
I became interested in Mary Berry's life. She presents, in every aspect, the very definition of the word "lady". An octogenarian, she was also named one of the Best Dressed in the UK at one time. She is neat as a pin in appearance and demeanor.
When I found out she had written her autobiography, I ordered a copy immediately. A child born in Bath in 1935, her early years were filled with delight combined with the extremely scary sounds of air raid sirens. At 13, she became ominously close to losing her life to polio, and spent more than a year away from her family for treatment in isolation.
Mary has written a myriad of cookbooks and I plan to check on those too - but first, I wanted to know her better, and now I feel that I do. I was so sad when she left the show - not because of her age or health issues, but because they had taken the show away from PBS in Great Britain to produce it on a mainstream venue, and Mary Berry was basically the face of public broadcasting. She did not want to follow along. She has always found her own path, and she did so at that time.
January 25, 2023
Jan 14, 8pm ~~ Usually in January I try to read various samples from my planned Book lists, just to check and see if I have made the correct plans for my reading year. This year I have already finished two short lists and sampled three longer ones, but I also have been hijacked by a few Book Universe titles. A Book Universe title is any book that comes along demanding to be read but is not part of any set list.
This autobiography by Mary Berry is my third Book Universe title so far! The book belongs to my Mom, who asked me to order it when we were wondering about Mary Berry after seeing a couple of Christmas specials on our local PBS channel. Mother had seen her before on The Great British Bakeoff but neither of us knew much about her other than that. Mother enjoyed the shows so much that I snooped around until I found a copy of this book and ordered it for her.
She devoured it and wanted me to read it too, so here we are!
I was impressed by Mary's story and her approach to life. She has not had an easy time of things, and she is not shy about revealing that she was a terrible student never interested in school, or the pain she went through when her son William died in a car crash. But she also shared her career triumphs and her love of gardening and how much she has enjoyed herself over the years helping people learn to cook, sharing her down-to-earth style with everyone and hoping they learn to see cooking as a joy and not a mere chore.
I liked this book not only for the book itself but for how much pleasure it gave my mom. Thank you for that, Mary!
This autobiography by Mary Berry is my third Book Universe title so far! The book belongs to my Mom, who asked me to order it when we were wondering about Mary Berry after seeing a couple of Christmas specials on our local PBS channel. Mother had seen her before on The Great British Bakeoff but neither of us knew much about her other than that. Mother enjoyed the shows so much that I snooped around until I found a copy of this book and ordered it for her.
She devoured it and wanted me to read it too, so here we are!
I was impressed by Mary's story and her approach to life. She has not had an easy time of things, and she is not shy about revealing that she was a terrible student never interested in school, or the pain she went through when her son William died in a car crash. But she also shared her career triumphs and her love of gardening and how much she has enjoyed herself over the years helping people learn to cook, sharing her down-to-earth style with everyone and hoping they learn to see cooking as a joy and not a mere chore.
I liked this book not only for the book itself but for how much pleasure it gave my mom. Thank you for that, Mary!
January 11, 2025
This book is delicious!
If you’re looking for a sweet and frank autobiography with lots of food and hospitality in it, this is a great one.
Mary Berry has lived quite a life - her dedication and discipline to her field and the kitchen milestones she’s helped pioneer is impressive, her capitalistic venture over one winter holiday genius, and her house, gardens, and the all-in-way she is hospitable is inspiring (those Aga classes - wow!). Maybe one of the most impressive virtues was how she handled the death of her son, not shrinking back from socializing and continuing to keep his memory a part of the family’s lives.
She includes some of her very best recipes at the end of each chapter too. And I can’t think of a more fitting way to end this read than by having a Mary Berry night with the friend who recommended this book and cooking a few of the dishes in it. Can’t wait until Wednesday!
Ages: 14 +
Content Considerations: mentions a fertility doctor a few times and a lady who undressed for her appointment.
If you’re looking for a sweet and frank autobiography with lots of food and hospitality in it, this is a great one.
Mary Berry has lived quite a life - her dedication and discipline to her field and the kitchen milestones she’s helped pioneer is impressive, her capitalistic venture over one winter holiday genius, and her house, gardens, and the all-in-way she is hospitable is inspiring (those Aga classes - wow!). Maybe one of the most impressive virtues was how she handled the death of her son, not shrinking back from socializing and continuing to keep his memory a part of the family’s lives.
She includes some of her very best recipes at the end of each chapter too. And I can’t think of a more fitting way to end this read than by having a Mary Berry night with the friend who recommended this book and cooking a few of the dishes in it. Can’t wait until Wednesday!
Ages: 14 +
Content Considerations: mentions a fertility doctor a few times and a lady who undressed for her appointment.
March 14, 2015
How can anyone give Mary Berry a bad book review? Having watched many a series of “Bake Off”, I’ve come to love her pithy comments and excitement when she’s digging in to a piece of cake – a trait I can certainly relate to! So it’s with much curiosity that I picked up Mary Berry’s biography to find out more about her chosen food path.
Mary is self deprecating and humble throughout, and with every chapter to read, a more whole, charming picture is created of what a human dynamo Mary is. From contracting polio as a young child to losing a loved one, Mary exhibits her “carry on” mentality and just gets on with it. An admirable trait that we can all attempt to put more of in our day to day!
The best part of the book for me, however, was reading her recipes throughout the book, as she talks about their origin and why they are special to her. Mary’s recipes have long been go-to’s for me, as it’s pretty much idiot proof. And as she says, why make recipe difficult? Create something with what you’ve most likely got in the pantry. No need for that fancy hard to get ingredients! So the recipes in the book hold a special place in her story, and feels all the more special that she is sharing them with us.
A delightful insight into a pioneer into the world of celebrity chefs. Imagine Jamie Oliver having thousands of people in his house every year for intensive cooking sessions!
The bits on “Bake Off’ are small, but the rest of the book more than makes up for the lack of gossip from the set. Mary Berry is certainly an extraordinary woman!
February 12, 2014
I first 'met' Mary Berry when Pamela, my wife, give me a copy of her Complete Cookbook as a Christmas present in 2011. I had been advised by both my GP and my employers' medical advisor to take up a hobby, and I chose cooking! Since then I have purchased 2 further Mary Berry cookbooks and 2 cookbooks where she has collaborated with Lucy Young.
Now why do I tell you this? Simply because the Mary Berry I 'met' professionally in her cookbooks, is the self-same Mary Berry I have now 'met' personally in her autobiography!
Recipe for Life is simply authentic Mary Berry! Honest, forthright, open, self-effacing, modest, fun, intriguing and downright delightful! Her personal encounter with polio and her dealing with the untimely and sudden death of her son are dealt with in the book quite matter-of-factly but empathetically. Pure Mary Berry!
Being a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ myself, I was pleased to see that on at least two occasions in the book she referred to both her own and her son's and daughter-in-law's Christian faith. It is warming to know that faith in Jesus Christ is important to Mary Berry.
Only one comment that I would like to make, and perhaps could be considered for future editions ... perhaps a final page 'life recipe', would make a fitting epilogue to what is a most gratifying read!
A truly 5-star read and heartedly recommended to all!
PS. And if I had one wish, it would be to meet Mary Berry in person and enjoy a cup of tea with her!
Now why do I tell you this? Simply because the Mary Berry I 'met' professionally in her cookbooks, is the self-same Mary Berry I have now 'met' personally in her autobiography!
Recipe for Life is simply authentic Mary Berry! Honest, forthright, open, self-effacing, modest, fun, intriguing and downright delightful! Her personal encounter with polio and her dealing with the untimely and sudden death of her son are dealt with in the book quite matter-of-factly but empathetically. Pure Mary Berry!
Being a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ myself, I was pleased to see that on at least two occasions in the book she referred to both her own and her son's and daughter-in-law's Christian faith. It is warming to know that faith in Jesus Christ is important to Mary Berry.
Only one comment that I would like to make, and perhaps could be considered for future editions ... perhaps a final page 'life recipe', would make a fitting epilogue to what is a most gratifying read!
A truly 5-star read and heartedly recommended to all!
PS. And if I had one wish, it would be to meet Mary Berry in person and enjoy a cup of tea with her!
September 16, 2024
This past week I read Mary Berry's autobiography. I suspect the reason I liked it is the reason more conservative folks might not.
I'm a conservative Christian, second generation homeschooler, mother of five, committed to home. Jonathan has everything under control so that I am at complete liberty to be a SAHM. But! He also knows that I LIKE to be busy with projects & he makes room for me to breathe creatively. I like building a safe place for my kids where they know I'm always here, their needs will be met & where their interests can be pursued as far as they would like to take them. I'm here now & this is right.
It has also not been infrequent that I have told Jonathan, "I've never met anyone who can keep up with the rate of my ideas." Never. Not even Jonathan can, which is saying something, because he likes ideas and will run them with me. I can talk ideas endlessly because I breathe them constantly. I hate being bored & my kids know better than to tell me that they have nothing to do. Life isn't meant to be a lounge session.
All this explained, I read this book & felt I made a friend. (Only it's one-sided because she doesn't know me.) Apparently I must learn to be content with the idea that God doesn't put all of the Big Idea people all in the same place or even at the same time. He apparently spreads us out which, upon reflection, is probably a kindness (to everyone else). ;) But, I mean, wouldn't it be fun if we all got together with endless resources? To me, that's a bit of Heaven still to come. I wrestle with this desire often *because* I want to do a thousand things immediately. It's very hard to feel like I'm sitting still. Kids require a stillness that frequently has me outside my comfort zone.
Then Berry goes on. Most of the book is spent talking about the host of opportunities she's had in life which are mind-blowingly interesting. Then, she inserted a few paragraphs saying that if she had life to do over again, she would have spent more time just playing/being with her kids when they were young. I needed this statement from her.
It reminded me of some sage advice I have rec'd (several times) from an older woman in my life who is also a Big Idea Gal: "Stay at your post."
If you leave your post (i.e., home) then everything breaks, nothing works quite right & you'll risk living with Mary Berry regrets. I don't want those. I know, theoretically, that thousands of opportunities are still to come. When the kids need me less, other things can be picked up & tried on for size. It is not a sin to look forward to future possibilities, unless I left them drive away The Now.
Life SHOULD be actively fun. I appreciated Berry's encouragement that hard things should be pursued in all seasons. I loved her book for this. But most of all, I needed the reminder that home life is impossibly valuable and should never be substituted out for anything less.
Home is my post right now. At the same time, it's okay to be full of ideas & activity. It's ordering things rightly that is the trick! Berry gave me much to mull over, and for that I am grateful.
I'm a conservative Christian, second generation homeschooler, mother of five, committed to home. Jonathan has everything under control so that I am at complete liberty to be a SAHM. But! He also knows that I LIKE to be busy with projects & he makes room for me to breathe creatively. I like building a safe place for my kids where they know I'm always here, their needs will be met & where their interests can be pursued as far as they would like to take them. I'm here now & this is right.
It has also not been infrequent that I have told Jonathan, "I've never met anyone who can keep up with the rate of my ideas." Never. Not even Jonathan can, which is saying something, because he likes ideas and will run them with me. I can talk ideas endlessly because I breathe them constantly. I hate being bored & my kids know better than to tell me that they have nothing to do. Life isn't meant to be a lounge session.
All this explained, I read this book & felt I made a friend. (Only it's one-sided because she doesn't know me.) Apparently I must learn to be content with the idea that God doesn't put all of the Big Idea people all in the same place or even at the same time. He apparently spreads us out which, upon reflection, is probably a kindness (to everyone else). ;) But, I mean, wouldn't it be fun if we all got together with endless resources? To me, that's a bit of Heaven still to come. I wrestle with this desire often *because* I want to do a thousand things immediately. It's very hard to feel like I'm sitting still. Kids require a stillness that frequently has me outside my comfort zone.
Then Berry goes on. Most of the book is spent talking about the host of opportunities she's had in life which are mind-blowingly interesting. Then, she inserted a few paragraphs saying that if she had life to do over again, she would have spent more time just playing/being with her kids when they were young. I needed this statement from her.
It reminded me of some sage advice I have rec'd (several times) from an older woman in my life who is also a Big Idea Gal: "Stay at your post."
If you leave your post (i.e., home) then everything breaks, nothing works quite right & you'll risk living with Mary Berry regrets. I don't want those. I know, theoretically, that thousands of opportunities are still to come. When the kids need me less, other things can be picked up & tried on for size. It is not a sin to look forward to future possibilities, unless I left them drive away The Now.
Life SHOULD be actively fun. I appreciated Berry's encouragement that hard things should be pursued in all seasons. I loved her book for this. But most of all, I needed the reminder that home life is impossibly valuable and should never be substituted out for anything less.
Home is my post right now. At the same time, it's okay to be full of ideas & activity. It's ordering things rightly that is the trick! Berry gave me much to mull over, and for that I am grateful.
December 1, 2013
I loved this book because her positive mental attitude suffuses every page. A book to chase away the gremlins, it is a perfect 'Mum knows best' sort of read. Faced with difficulties and tribulations Mary picks herself up, keeps calm and carries on. If you are in need of a pick me up then read this. Shedding light on the '60s from her point of view, allowing us into her beautiful homes, and clearly outlining her moral codes of conduct, she has an unashamed way of celebrating her talent and those of her family in a way that lets us all join in. Well done Mary!
January 24, 2024
I came to love Mary Berry late in life: late in hers and late in mine. Like many Americans, I first met her through "The Great British Bake Off." Here in the Colonies it was necessary to rename the programme "The Great British Baking Show" because "Bake-Off" is a registered trademark of Pillsbury. Given the trademark owner's truculence in this matter, I have ceased to purchase Pillsbury Best flour and now use King Arthur instead. That oughta show 'em. Mary Berry, together with baker Paul Hollywood and presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, introduced the show and presided over the tent for seven seasons. Mary impressed me as humble (especially in contrast to Paul), intelligent, kind, expert, and gracious. When I learned that she had written an autobiography in 2013 (while still judging "The Great British Bake Off"), I hastened to get a copy and read it before finishing the other five or six books on my currently-reading shelf. Her tone is very conversational. Her writing is normally of recipes and a number of those (including her deceptively simple shortbread recipe) are included. She passes the highest test I have for others: would I want this person to be my next-door neighbour?
August 20, 2021
this is what Netflix Germany not having The Great British Bake Off has driven me to.... reading Mary Berry's autobiography just to feel something
April 4, 2018
While I am aware of who Mary Berry is, I've never watched her in The Great British Bake Off, or seen her in anything else. I've not even come across one of her cookbooks. The latter maybe not so much of a surprise, as cooking is not really my thing.
This was one of those books that was given to me and I'm glad it was, as I would never have picked this up in a shop. I often find autobiographies about people I don't really know, much better than those I do. This was no exception and I loved reading about Mary's life.
It got very emotional when she talks about her son dying. I had no idea she lost a son when he was only 18. But it's also heartwarming when she talks about all the good and happy things that have happened to her. Based on reading this, I feel like Mary Berry would be lovely to know in real life.
This book also has recipes at the end of every chapter for people who are aspiring bakers! The good thing about this book is you don't need to be interested in cooking to read this. It's just a good read!
This was one of those books that was given to me and I'm glad it was, as I would never have picked this up in a shop. I often find autobiographies about people I don't really know, much better than those I do. This was no exception and I loved reading about Mary's life.
It got very emotional when she talks about her son dying. I had no idea she lost a son when he was only 18. But it's also heartwarming when she talks about all the good and happy things that have happened to her. Based on reading this, I feel like Mary Berry would be lovely to know in real life.
This book also has recipes at the end of every chapter for people who are aspiring bakers! The good thing about this book is you don't need to be interested in cooking to read this. It's just a good read!
November 15, 2020
This is a very nice read, just like Mary herself. If you’re a fan of the bake off then I would recommend. It includes some great recipes as well.
February 26, 2018
A true pleasure, I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I cannot recommend this book enough, everyone should read it at some point - even if GBBO isn't your cup of tea. Even better listen to Patricia Hodge's flawless narration. The most comforting, soothing and heart warming read I've probably ever had. Honestly, read this book and let Mary Berry into your heart.
June 21, 2016
I only chose this book because I am doing the pop sugar reading challenge and I needed to read an autobiography and it was in the library! However, I have really enjoyed it. It is a very honest book, Mary tells it like it is but kindly! She is frank about herself and her lack of academic achievements at school, (this would probably be a good book for any one who has failed their exams, especially considering her fantastic career). Very honest about her children, they weren't angels (are any children angels? Some parents would have you think so).
I liked the recipes which are interspersed in the book, I also liked the additional excerpts by her friends, colleagues and family. I thought it showed her to be anxious to be fair to all concerned. Mary is full of common sense, I loved her thoughts on maternity wear, it is just what I always think!! Her attitude to cooking is also very refreshing, she wants to teach everyone how to make simple, tasty family meals. I really related to that as I think today's chefs don't really understand the busy working mum.
She must be a lovely lady.
I liked the recipes which are interspersed in the book, I also liked the additional excerpts by her friends, colleagues and family. I thought it showed her to be anxious to be fair to all concerned. Mary is full of common sense, I loved her thoughts on maternity wear, it is just what I always think!! Her attitude to cooking is also very refreshing, she wants to teach everyone how to make simple, tasty family meals. I really related to that as I think today's chefs don't really understand the busy working mum.
She must be a lovely lady.
October 23, 2013
I can't believe it but I do have Hamlyns All Colour cookbook.
February 9, 2019
I loved Mary Berry on Bake Off so was interested to read her autobiography. She certainly had the best start in life - her childhood home is huge! - but she has worked so hard to get to where she is. Starting out as the person that came to your home and demo'ed your electric oven, to working on a magazine, to Bake Off, she has done so well. I didn't know much about Mary Berry before Bake Off so it was lovely to read about the career she had before the programme as well.
I didn't know that she had polio as a child or that she tragically lost her son. I was in bits reading about her son, that must have been so awful to go through. Mary is clearly a wonderful cook, wife and mother and loves her family deeply.
I did feel sad reading the end when she was saying how much she loves Bake Off and that she would be on it until they sack her as she didn't go when the programme moved channels. I do still enjoy Bake Off and now I feel less of a traitor knowing that her and Prue are friends!
A great read.
I didn't know that she had polio as a child or that she tragically lost her son. I was in bits reading about her son, that must have been so awful to go through. Mary is clearly a wonderful cook, wife and mother and loves her family deeply.
I did feel sad reading the end when she was saying how much she loves Bake Off and that she would be on it until they sack her as she didn't go when the programme moved channels. I do still enjoy Bake Off and now I feel less of a traitor knowing that her and Prue are friends!
A great read.
February 5, 2017
Loved this book. Mary Berry is so positive and up-beat, so genuinely nice. Her hard work and love of cooking and baking are admirable, and her recipes are ones I will be trying out for my family.
August 19, 2019
Ngl this book was ICONIC, it was v interesting so yah
Fun fact Mary berry’s first horse was called Susan
Fun fact Mary berry’s first horse was called Susan
September 14, 2024
What a humble lady with a great sense of humour. Loved reading the book even if it took me ages.
January 2, 2024
My Queen!!
July 20, 2025
Much better than expected. A really interesting read . Mary B has faced many challenges in life and has tackled them all with real stoicism.
January 27, 2016
I think you have to be a pretty big cooking/baking/Mary/old people fan to find this book interesting.
Luckily I am those things. However, at some points (mostly the beginning, which dragged, and the end) I did feel like I had been cornered by an elderly relative at a family party; looking furtively around for someone to rescue me as I got treated to a lecture on how ‘people nowadays blah blah blah’ and 'in my day it was much better’.
I found her career fascinating however. She was unusual for her generation to be a working woman who didn’t marry until her 30s and continued to work after having children. I mean, it doesn’t hurt that she is very posh. She could afford childcare and has that wonderful confidence of the always-wealthy.
Being of the Jamie Oliver generation, I loved hearing about how cookery shows and magazines were constructed in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She tells a great story about when cling film was invented and how she wrote features on how to use a freezer. The advancements that she has seen throughout her life are almost too mammoth to think about properly.
Throughout the cookery sections, I enjoyed it for the story but also because anything cooking related makes me feel very close to my mum. Mary’s autobiography has that tone throughout - of family being truly the most important thing in life. She writes very lovingly (but not in a soppy way) about her husband. Her children and grandchildren are her world. When she writes about the death of her middle son, she doesn’t get angry. She seems very gentle in her grief - grateful for the time they had with him and counting her blessings that her daughter survived that same crash. I did cry whilst reading these sections.
I was a little 'whatever’ about the Bake Off section. It is very short - so if you have come here for Bake Off gossip, you will be sorely disappointed. As I had said, it is her earlier career that is the real story.
Luckily I am those things. However, at some points (mostly the beginning, which dragged, and the end) I did feel like I had been cornered by an elderly relative at a family party; looking furtively around for someone to rescue me as I got treated to a lecture on how ‘people nowadays blah blah blah’ and 'in my day it was much better’.
I found her career fascinating however. She was unusual for her generation to be a working woman who didn’t marry until her 30s and continued to work after having children. I mean, it doesn’t hurt that she is very posh. She could afford childcare and has that wonderful confidence of the always-wealthy.
Being of the Jamie Oliver generation, I loved hearing about how cookery shows and magazines were constructed in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She tells a great story about when cling film was invented and how she wrote features on how to use a freezer. The advancements that she has seen throughout her life are almost too mammoth to think about properly.
Throughout the cookery sections, I enjoyed it for the story but also because anything cooking related makes me feel very close to my mum. Mary’s autobiography has that tone throughout - of family being truly the most important thing in life. She writes very lovingly (but not in a soppy way) about her husband. Her children and grandchildren are her world. When she writes about the death of her middle son, she doesn’t get angry. She seems very gentle in her grief - grateful for the time they had with him and counting her blessings that her daughter survived that same crash. I did cry whilst reading these sections.
I was a little 'whatever’ about the Bake Off section. It is very short - so if you have come here for Bake Off gossip, you will be sorely disappointed. As I had said, it is her earlier career that is the real story.
June 18, 2017
Mary Berry's autobiography is an interesting window into the charming life of a well-bred English woman who, although she has been in the public eye on and off for 40+ years, has just within the past five years become a genuine celebrity through-out many nations. This year she turned 82; at the time of publication she was 78, so it is true that "it's never too late!"
I enjoyed learning about her early life in and around Bath. She reminds me somewhat of my own mother in her can-do attitude towards getting jobs that others might not have thought her qualified for. It was fascinating to see how one sort of unusual food-related job seemed to lead to another over the course of her life until she has now reached a pinnacle of success as a judge on "The Great British Bake Off" series. Her personal story of childhood, polio, marriage, children and the untimely death of her middle child, is a solid background to who she is and why she is so appealing to a broad range of people, drawn to her humanity and warmth. Her voice in the book is sensible, honest and very down-to-earth. The only place where I feel her head got turned a bit is in the last chapter as she discusses the purchasing and styles of the outfits she wore to various award ceremonies. In one breath, she says that such things don't interest her and in the next, she is giving detailed descriptions of gowns, shoes and jewellery! It seems that her fan's avid interest in what she is wearing has made her far more aware of her appearance and so she is trying to feed their curiosity. I thought it struck a somewhat false note in her otherwise straightforward approach to life. Also, while it is a nice idea to include a recipe with each chapter, they are difficult for American readers to understand because all the measurements and cooking temperatures are given in British weights and scales with no American equivalents provided. That was a disappointment.
I enjoyed learning about her early life in and around Bath. She reminds me somewhat of my own mother in her can-do attitude towards getting jobs that others might not have thought her qualified for. It was fascinating to see how one sort of unusual food-related job seemed to lead to another over the course of her life until she has now reached a pinnacle of success as a judge on "The Great British Bake Off" series. Her personal story of childhood, polio, marriage, children and the untimely death of her middle child, is a solid background to who she is and why she is so appealing to a broad range of people, drawn to her humanity and warmth. Her voice in the book is sensible, honest and very down-to-earth. The only place where I feel her head got turned a bit is in the last chapter as she discusses the purchasing and styles of the outfits she wore to various award ceremonies. In one breath, she says that such things don't interest her and in the next, she is giving detailed descriptions of gowns, shoes and jewellery! It seems that her fan's avid interest in what she is wearing has made her far more aware of her appearance and so she is trying to feed their curiosity. I thought it struck a somewhat false note in her otherwise straightforward approach to life. Also, while it is a nice idea to include a recipe with each chapter, they are difficult for American readers to understand because all the measurements and cooking temperatures are given in British weights and scales with no American equivalents provided. That was a disappointment.
Currently reading
September 23, 2016Note: I'm reading this as my bedtime book, for which it is absolutely perfect: charming, absorbing and low-tension. It's also SO distinctively written in her voice - I can practically hear her reading it out loud as I read my paperback copy.
And people who've read my own Renegade Magic/A Tangle of Magicks will completely understand why this is my favorite anecdote so far:
"Later we had a miniature dachshund that had back problems and lost the use of its hind legs, so Dad bandaged its legs in old socks to protect the skin as they dragged along the floor. He then came up with the bright idea of taking the dog swimming to try and develop its muscles. As he was Bath's Chairman of Planning at the time, Dad was very involved with the city and had free access to the Roman Baths. He gave Mum the keys to the Great Bath, the magnificent central pool that was the jewel of the ancient complex - now too precious for public use - and every day she smuggled in the dachshund when no one else was around, to give it swimming lessons. Under the gaze of the statues of Roman Emperors and Governors that lined the historic hot pool, our little dog would furiously paddle away in the warm water until gradually it regained use of its legs and started to walk again."
!!!
And people who've read my own Renegade Magic/A Tangle of Magicks will completely understand why this is my favorite anecdote so far:
"Later we had a miniature dachshund that had back problems and lost the use of its hind legs, so Dad bandaged its legs in old socks to protect the skin as they dragged along the floor. He then came up with the bright idea of taking the dog swimming to try and develop its muscles. As he was Bath's Chairman of Planning at the time, Dad was very involved with the city and had free access to the Roman Baths. He gave Mum the keys to the Great Bath, the magnificent central pool that was the jewel of the ancient complex - now too precious for public use - and every day she smuggled in the dachshund when no one else was around, to give it swimming lessons. Under the gaze of the statues of Roman Emperors and Governors that lined the historic hot pool, our little dog would furiously paddle away in the warm water until gradually it regained use of its legs and started to walk again."
!!!
November 26, 2021
I loved Mary Berry before this and it totally changed my opinion on her. The book is written from such a position of privilege and self-importance. But worse than that is the judgements of other people. Time after time she is just nasty. The one that really hurt me was “Your figure is generally a reflection of your diet and lifestyle. Staying slim is largely down to education and self control.” And how she aims to be a size 10-12 but once she was a size 14 and she never wants to be that way again. Why do we need to know her clothes size? But there were also comments about how pregnant women shouldn’t wear tight fitting clothes and how she looks in peoples shopping baskets and is disappointed because they have convenience food and ready meals. I could go on. But none of these comments were necessary. This was a book of her life. That was all it needed to be.
May 19, 2015
I am glad I read this book and enjoyed learning more about Mary and her life. Being afan of hers and bake off I expected to enjoy it. I was surprized at some of her attutides but it's important to remember she is a product of her generation and I appreciate her honesty! This one stand out as an example of her attitude "I find it incredible that people will go to their GP's surgery for the most minor things; they seem to think it is part of their rights, but it's a waste of everyone's time" (Oh Mary!)
I really liked the inclusion of recipies too. I would say it they could have done a better job of proof reading as there were quite a few errors.
I really liked the inclusion of recipies too. I would say it they could have done a better job of proof reading as there were quite a few errors.
January 9, 2014
Great book. I thought it would be similar to the tv programme about her life, but it was much more, very enjoyable, at times I laughed and at times I could have cried. An amazing woman!
October 3, 2014
I think I love Mary Berry just a little bit more now. She's wonderful :)
February 28, 2019
I first discovered Mary back in 2014 when I watched ‘The Great British Bake Off’ for the very first time. She came across as the kindest and sweetest individual and I admire that she always holds herself with charm and grace. Ever since the Bake Off I have been captivated by Mary's baking skills and have consequently immersed myself in her cookery books and watched her programmes religiously. Over the past few years Mary has become one of my main inspirations. However, before reading her autobiography I knew little about her earlier life and you probably won’t be surprised to hear that there is a lot more to Mary's story!
I stumbled upon ‘Recipe for Life’ on a routine trip to my local library and I was captivated after reading just a few pages. Mary’s writing style is so personable and comforting that it feels as though she’s speaking directly to you. Whilst reading her autobiography you will uncover many wonderful tales from her childhood, how she started her journey into baking (including her time at ‘Le Cordon Bleu’ in Paris) and much more! Mary’s life is so fascinating that there’s almost too much to share so I thought I would pick my favourite and most memorable parts of the book, leaving you with a taste of what is to come…
🌸I loved hearing about Mary's upbringing in the first few chapters. She was quite a mischievous child and struggled quite a bit in school. Nevertheless, horse-riding was something that she loved and brought her a lot of joy 🎀🐴
🌸At the end of each chapter, Mary shares a recipe from a particular point in her life. Recipes from her younger years are for a ~ 'Ginger and Treacle Spiced Traybake', 'Bread and Butter Pudding' and 'Canterbury Tart.' Later, she introduces 'Apple Cake', 'Easter Simnel Cake' and 'Shortbread.' I couldn't resist jotting down these recipes and placing them in my recipe file 🎂💗
🌸Whilst reading about Mary's progression into baking I learnt that it wasn't always smooth sailing. This almost reassured me as she highlighted that not everything is perfect. I feel very inspired to continue with my own baking endeavours and hopefully enrol on a cookery course in the summer 🍥
🌸Mary has so many wondrous, unique stories to tell like the time she met the famous Hollywood Actor David Niven, on a skiing trip in Switzerland! 🌸⛸
🌸 Alongside this there are sweet anecdotes like the time Mary’s husband surprised her with a duck egg he had found and Mary decided to look after it and monitor it until hatched into a baby duckling 🐣💕🌸
🌸 It was heartbreaking to read about the tragic loss of Mary’s son William but her strength is so inspiring 🌸🕊🌷
🌸After the success of her Aga workshops and before Bake Off came fruition, Mary found comfort in gardening as a distraction from her grief. I particularly love this passage ~ “We now have 350 different types of rose bush in the garden and my favourite variety is Chandos Beauty which has a pinky-White bloom and wonderful scent... there was a wild meadow with all different sorts of cow-slips and daisies” ~ I loved this chapter on gardening ☁️🌸🌷💗💐"
I stumbled upon ‘Recipe for Life’ on a routine trip to my local library and I was captivated after reading just a few pages. Mary’s writing style is so personable and comforting that it feels as though she’s speaking directly to you. Whilst reading her autobiography you will uncover many wonderful tales from her childhood, how she started her journey into baking (including her time at ‘Le Cordon Bleu’ in Paris) and much more! Mary’s life is so fascinating that there’s almost too much to share so I thought I would pick my favourite and most memorable parts of the book, leaving you with a taste of what is to come…
🌸I loved hearing about Mary's upbringing in the first few chapters. She was quite a mischievous child and struggled quite a bit in school. Nevertheless, horse-riding was something that she loved and brought her a lot of joy 🎀🐴
🌸At the end of each chapter, Mary shares a recipe from a particular point in her life. Recipes from her younger years are for a ~ 'Ginger and Treacle Spiced Traybake', 'Bread and Butter Pudding' and 'Canterbury Tart.' Later, she introduces 'Apple Cake', 'Easter Simnel Cake' and 'Shortbread.' I couldn't resist jotting down these recipes and placing them in my recipe file 🎂💗
🌸Whilst reading about Mary's progression into baking I learnt that it wasn't always smooth sailing. This almost reassured me as she highlighted that not everything is perfect. I feel very inspired to continue with my own baking endeavours and hopefully enrol on a cookery course in the summer 🍥
🌸Mary has so many wondrous, unique stories to tell like the time she met the famous Hollywood Actor David Niven, on a skiing trip in Switzerland! 🌸⛸
🌸 Alongside this there are sweet anecdotes like the time Mary’s husband surprised her with a duck egg he had found and Mary decided to look after it and monitor it until hatched into a baby duckling 🐣💕🌸
🌸 It was heartbreaking to read about the tragic loss of Mary’s son William but her strength is so inspiring 🌸🕊🌷
🌸After the success of her Aga workshops and before Bake Off came fruition, Mary found comfort in gardening as a distraction from her grief. I particularly love this passage ~ “We now have 350 different types of rose bush in the garden and my favourite variety is Chandos Beauty which has a pinky-White bloom and wonderful scent... there was a wild meadow with all different sorts of cow-slips and daisies” ~ I loved this chapter on gardening ☁️🌸🌷💗💐"
March 27, 2021
My sister-in-law gifted me Mary Berry's autobiography, Recipe for Life, and it was just a joy to read! I've been a big fan of The Great British Baking Show (that's the American title for The Great British Bake Off), so it was such fun to read about Mary's life. I knew absolutely nothing about her other than that she was a sweet but firm judger of cakes, so it was all great fun to learn.
I was really impressed by her hard-working attitude (despite describing herself and not being good at school). Once she got into cooking, she really dove in and love to work. In fact, in a somewhat counter-cultural way (especially for her generation), she was a single working woman all through her twenties and didn't get married until her thirties. I really loved reading that getting married was not such a priority for her. :)
I was also impressed to read about how she dealt with grief in her life. She suffered a terrible loss, but because she surrounded herself with loving and supportive family and friends, she grieved and was able to continue on with her life's work. I can't imagine her pain, but was encouraged by her perseverance.
Also, after each chapter, she includes a recipe, so I'll be looking forward to trying out some authentic Mary Berry cooking! This is a great read for anyone who loves Bake Off, loves the strong women in their life, and is looking for an interesting and light read.
I was really impressed by her hard-working attitude (despite describing herself and not being good at school). Once she got into cooking, she really dove in and love to work. In fact, in a somewhat counter-cultural way (especially for her generation), she was a single working woman all through her twenties and didn't get married until her thirties. I really loved reading that getting married was not such a priority for her. :)
I was also impressed to read about how she dealt with grief in her life. She suffered a terrible loss, but because she surrounded herself with loving and supportive family and friends, she grieved and was able to continue on with her life's work. I can't imagine her pain, but was encouraged by her perseverance.
Also, after each chapter, she includes a recipe, so I'll be looking forward to trying out some authentic Mary Berry cooking! This is a great read for anyone who loves Bake Off, loves the strong women in their life, and is looking for an interesting and light read.
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