Fasting and Feasting: The Life of Visionary Food Writer Patience Gray

by Adam Federman

For more than thirty years, Patience Gray--author of the celebrated cookbook Honey from a Weed--lived in a remote area of Puglia in southernmost Italy. She lived without electricity, modern plumbing, or a telephone, grew much of her own food, and gathered and ate wild plants alongside her neighbors in this economically impoverished region. She was fond of saying that she wrote only for herself and her friends, yet her growing reputation brought a steady stream of international visitors to her door. This simple and isolated life she chose for herself may help explain her relative obscurity when compared to the other great food writers of her time: M. F. K. Fisher, Elizabeth David, and Julia Child.

So it is not surprising that when Gray died in 2005, the BBC described her as an -almost forgotten culinary star.- Yet her influence, particularly among chefs and other food writers, has had a lasting and profound effect on the way we view and celebrate good food and regional cuisines. Gray's prescience was unrivaled: She wrote about what today we would call the Slow Food movement--from foraging to eating locally--long before it became part of the cultural mainstream. Imagine if Michael Pollan or Barbara Kingsolver had spent several decades living among Italian, Greek, and Catalan peasants, recording their recipes and the significance of food and food gathering to their way of life.

In Fasting and Feasting, biographer Adam Federman tells the remarkable--and until now untold--life story of Patience Gray: from her privileged and intellectual upbringing in England, to her trials as a single mother during World War II, to her career working as a designer, editor, translator, and author, and describing her travels and culinary adventures in later years. A fascinating and spirited woman, Patience Gray was very much a part of her times but very clearly ahead of them.

Genres: Biography, Food, Nonfiction, Food Writing, Cookbooks, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

400 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2017

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely unprepared for what a wonderful read this would be. I had never heard of Patience Gray until I came across an article recently about her. It intrigued me enough to buy this book and I am so incredibly glad I did. In Patience Gray I found a kindred wild spirit, and her story an inspiration on how to live an authentic life. She was genuine to the core, and lived her life as such.
Her knowledge of food also far surpassed your typical recipe writing. Throughout her life she took the time to really pursue and meet its soul, and understand its greater meaning in this world. For those of you with a love of food and the wild characters in this world, I highly recommend reading this one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting life, and a piece of food writing history that I wasn't aware of. Gray sounds like a real piece of work, and to Federman's credit he lets you read between the lines when it comes to her persona and never pushes an opinion. In a way that light touch makes this a flatter biography than it could have been, but I like the room for ambiguity around what kind of person she was as reflected by the truly hardcore lifestyle she and her partner adopted in the name of art and authenticity. She writes of "doing so may things a liberated woman should never do," yet her pursuit of her life's work—cooking, gardening/farming, writing about food, jewelry-making—was totally fierce and not in the least feminized. She's a cool character.

The image of figs falling on the breakfast table from the overhead tree ("Those were the best figs I ever had," Harold McGee said) was wonderful. And I'm sorry, I do love the women's names here—Patience, Primrose, Amaryllis, and two copy editors (who worked for the same person at different times) named Candida Brazil and Indonea Muggeridge.

[grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book when I read the description for it... but as soon as I opened it I knew it was not going to be an easy read. I definitely am so interested in Patience Gray; she is a fascinating person and definitely deserving of acclaim and having a biography written about her. I don't think Federman did the best job in making it readable, though. He put in too much extraneous information--too many names... it seemed more like a thesis than a biography to read for pleasure. It's a great resource for people to read if they are interested in what Patience was passionate about and how she lived her life, but it's not a really enjoyable read because it was TOO thorough.

But I am very interested in seeing her cookbooks and her memoir, if that is even around and still in publication. She is, no doubt, a very intriguing person who didn't let others define her. There's a lot to be said about her life--I don't blame Federman for getting engrossed in all of the details.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most refreshing book I've read in a long time. Not being a a person who follows food writing, I was delighted by the life and values of Patience Gray. She started a movement that in my opinion continues today with organic gardening, slow food and a true connection to the land. I am looking forward to reading Honey from a Weed, which I hope will be more available, than it is now. A toast.

[Linda Zuckerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patience Gray is perhaps one of the most fastinating people I have never heard of. She lived the simple lifestyle even before hippies came to it. The book itself namedrops quite a bit and it wasn’t until the very end that I was familiar with some of the context. However, it makes me want to read Patience Gray’s original food books, Plat du Jour and Honey from a Weed.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although an interesting book, it was not what I expected. I was hoping for more connections to culinary arts.

[MaryJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biography of the elusive Patience Gray. She was born in England, raised two kids as a single mother (with a lot of help from her own mother) during and after WWII,. In the 1950s she was part of the arts and literature scene: she sold some designs for textiles and wall paper, taught at an art school, and even wrote for the Observer. In 1958 she met Norman Mommens, and the two of them began a life together. Norman was a sculptor and in the early 1960s they began to explore places to live near marble. They lived in Naxos in Greece, and Carrara in Italy, then the the spring of 1970 they moved to remote Puglia, at the bottom of the heel of the boot that is Italy, where Patience spent the last 35 years of her life. They bought 11 acres of deserted land, with stone buildings which had last been used to shelter animals. The place had no running water or electricity, although it did have olive trees. With the help of neighbors they learned how to produce their own food and wine. Patience was an avid forager, and she devoted herself to learning the names and uses of the edible weeds and fungi. Patience thought of herself as an anarchist, but both she and Norman dreamed of a community of artists. Norman had students who came to work with him, and he exhibited at the Venice Biennial some years, and occasionally showed his work, despite the difficulties of transport. Patience maintained an extensive correspondence with friends and writers in England. She had done some food writing, and published a successful cookbook with a co author in 1957 (She was compared with Elizabeth David, in part because she sought to bring Mediterranean food to the British Isles). She was recognized as having a distinctive voice. Early in her travels with Norman she bean to work on a second Mediterranean cookbook, which she called "Fasting and Feasting". This book included her research on wild plants. She had a nearly completed draft by the time they arrived in Puglia, and she circulated it among editors (including Judith Jones who had done so much to bring books on European food the the US). Many appreciated it, but no one could see a market for it. The book went through extensive rewriting after she moved to Puglia, and she kept in touch with the growing food scene in England and the US hoping to find a publisher. It was finally published in 1986, by Prospect Books. Her editor there, Alan Davidson was a serious food scholar and Patience respected his extensive editorial comments. It was he who found the title for the book in a poem by Cowper. Federman comments that it captures Patience's long love affair with wild plants and her reverence for them, her desire to capture something of deeper meaning from them. Patience became a kind of celebrity in certain parts of the food world, but she and Norman maintained their subsistence way of life. According to this book, she did not romanticize their existence, and she and Norman were very concerned about the costs of the out migration of labor, then later, the degradation of the land first through pollution, and then increasing tourism. Federman interviews many of the people who knew Patience and Norman, especially Patience's children. He also uses a lot of her correspondence in order to tell a story about her writing and attempts to get her work published. I have tremendous respect for his scholarship in writing this book, which I found, on the whole, compelling. The beginning third was a bit of a slog for me, especially the part about life in London which full of names of people I did not know. I kept reading, enticed to learn more about this unusual person who moves further and further away from her peers, family and friends fueled by a kind of passion for her art (even when sshe is not exactly sure what it is she wants to do) and unwillingness to compromise. One gets the impression of a tremendously stubborn, tenacious, and hard working woman. I cannot imagine the shear effort of subsistence agriculture (hauling water from the cistern to water the plants during the hot dry summers for decade after decade) while at the same time trying to maintain a writing career, and feed the increasing numbers of people who came to visit, anticipating an extraordinary meal. It is provocative to think about this woman who lives in a house heated by an open fireplace, with no electricity arguing with her publisher about the quality of the paper to be used in her book. I feel a certain amount of awe when I imagine that life. I am also very eager to read (and cook from) Honey from A Weed, as her book was titled when it was finally published.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, but complex read for me. I found myself not liking the persona of Patience Gray by the middle of the book. I put it aside for a time to process and deal with my sudden dislike and sometimes boredom of her audacious and off putting presentation of her ideas. Honestly, her lack of humility and shading she put on the hand that feed her(her mother) grinded on my own sense of moral and righteous humility. So, her life she lived her way. I can at least join her on a few musings about agricultural practices, treatment of the land and Earth's resources as well as a respectful honoring of simple pursuits.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patience Gray, whose work I have not read, comes across here as sometimes brilliant, but also difficult and distant. Despite careful research, the biographer cannot seem to bring her to life--perhaps because she did not, in the end, wish to be known except among her chosen intimates.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how this book ended up on my to-read list, but it seems likely it was from when I was adding recommended women's biographies, probably from A Mighty Girl. After a long slog through it (I think I renewed the book at least three times...maybe four?), I can definitely say that Patience Gray is a woman worth knowing, but I think I would recommend getting to know her directly through her work. I'm actually very interested in seeing either of her two major books - Plats du Jour or Honey from a Weed, and based on what I learned from the biography, it seems like there would also be a lot of information about her within those (particularly in the second). Throughout Fasting and Feasting, it almost felt as if there was a need-to-reveal element, a telling of the story that hadn't yet been told...and yet from the current time, there really isn't much that is shocking. I was a little surprised towards the end of the book to realize how long Patience actually lived as I started to see dates and events to which I could relate. Still, I think she was undersold in this book in terms of her visionary status - it's in the title, but not given enough credit or explication within the text. So much of the book felt more like tangents and name-dropping...and when they are people you don't know, it really would be much better to just learn more about her actual life.

[Nicola Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of her at all but after I ordered Artemis Cooper's biography Elizabeth David online, the Patrience Gray biography popped up as a prompt that I duly responded to. The blurb excited me and I couldn't wait to start it. However, shortly after I did, I became impatient to finish it. I'm trying to diagnose the problem. Well, alright, so Patience Gray isn't very likeable but then seems to mellow out in her twilight years, hosting impromptu dinner parties with husband Norma. And she wouldn't have won any awards for being best mother or grandmother either. Yet, I think it was the writing that kept her at a distance from me. It lacked flair and warmth, resulting in Patience never really coming alive on the page. Then, once Norman died, I felt I was being rushed headlong towards a cold, unfeeling end. I can appreciate, however, that it has been well-researched and is very good on the culinary aspects of her life including her and Norman's philosophy about work and living the simple life. And, oh, how I would have LOVED a couple of photographs of the interior of their home in Spigolizzi especially after a guest is quoted referring to the 'gorgeously decorated dining room'. I almost screamed out of nosiness! I'd still recommend it just because of her interesting life.

[Diane C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Few have heard of Patience Gray, and I am grateful to stumble across this book and read of her amazing life. An outlier all her days, way ahead of her time. Raised her children on her own as a single mom during and post WWII, never married, publishing art and cookery books via her distinguished education and prodigious art and social contacts in London, etc. Later in life, moved to a village in Puglia after spearheading a forager movement, publishing more books and living life her way.

My only caveat is the detailed listings of her many friends, acquaintances and contacts over the years, and how they all know each other. Necessary because it was a fundamental part of Patience Gray's life, but a bit of slog to read sometimes. But please read this book, find out about the formidable and pioneering life of Patience!

[Jill Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some biographies are written as novels, some are written as a PhD thesis; this one is more in the latter category. Although I'm interested in women's history and how pioneers in their fields proceed along their ground-breaking journeys, sometimes it's not the facts and the names and the dates, but the ideas and the mistakes and the thoughts that you really crave. This was so informative, perhaps too informative for my interest, as I kind of got bored reading about so many people and so many people's children, and who went where and with whom and where they lived and what they thought of mushrooms.

Perfect if you like a ton of research on a fascinating maverick, but too dry for my random interest in historical figures I've never before heard of.

[Liz V. · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book to read in electronic format, as names are dropped with little more than one word tags, although Wikipedia and obituaries don't get the reader very far in some instances.

As well, Gray comes across as a singularly unattractive person. Self described as an anarchist, Gray may have been so politically. Her security file has gone missing. There can be no doubt, though, that Gray lobbed emotional bombs throughout her life. Indeed, when reference was made to friends, I took this to mean Norman's friends who tolerated Gray. It became clear, however, that Gray had friends in her own right. I can't imagine why.

Despite all, I did finish the book, somewhat more conversant with cosmopolitan London of yore.

[Crazy Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a slog through the countless details of Patience Gray’s personal history and background while giving an understanding of the reactionary British intellectual who left society in search of a simpler life in postwar rural Italy & Greece.

Other reviews criticize the book for its ‘name dropping’ but Federman gives an understanding of the people who influenced Patience Gray as well as the social & cultural context from which ‘Honey from a Weed’ arose. Federman expands upon Gray’s social and environmental concerns that were left out of her book (the focus being cookery) and gives insight into the rise of the contemporary ‘locavoire’ and field to table movements.

Academic in nature, fanatic in detail, a challenging but worthwhile read. There are no recipes but tons of history.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more. The early part of the book is slightly interesting however there is so much name dropping of British historical figures that are completely unknown to me that it becomes a bit of a slog. Patience isn't exactly an endearing personality. She's clearly Meandering through life not with a clear destination in mind. The second half of the book was beginning to focus in on her move to southern Italy which was the peace I was most interested in. Then, because it's a library book and it was due back I didn't get to finish. I think I'm probably just going to spend a little time on Wikipedia and not pick the book back up again.

[Cardie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit miraculous since Patience Gray lived in such a remote area of Italy most of her life. She succeeded in a connection with making a remarkable life based on her connections to people, plants, the earth and art. I don’t know if someone like her can exist today but if they do I want them to be my friend. So hopefully ahead of her time her spirit/impact could alter the current trajectory of consumerism, waste and pillage. She is an inspiration. Amazing writing and research. All these people! The author documented them much as Patience documented the mushrooms and weeds.

[Meg K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I picked up this book, but I'm glad I did. Though extremely detailed and including so many people I couldn't keep track of them all, the story of Patience Gray was sad, serious, joyous, dark, light.....what a life she lived. The focus on her devotion to food, wine and the simple things in life was refreshing. I'm looking forward to reading "Honey From A Weed" and hope that is just as intriguing.

[Kelly L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn about Patience Gray. She led such an eccentric life, impacting the world of food even though she lived remotely. I think this book could have been a page-turner, but it was more of a chronological account of her life than a story which would have appealed to my taste a bit more.

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've tried reading this book many times but am having trouble getting through it. It feels as if the author's focus is more name dropping than a true focus of who Patience actually was. As far as I can tell Patience was a solitary type person and liked living in the shadows even if she had many influential friends.

[Naomi Toftness · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up- I just could NOT get into it. I think you already need to know about Patience Gray to appreciate this book. I just wish there had been a chapter in the beginning that just demonstrated why I should care about this person's life before there was listing of her grandparents.

[Steph Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lives contained in this book seemed fascinating, but I struggled to read the account. It seemed lacking in life. The only thing that stood out to me was how fasting and hunger led to inspiration and enjoyment of the feast.

[Amy-Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patience Gray is an eccentric woman who led a fascinating life. I read only a third before I had to return this to the library. (Ugh!) Will definitely finish.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating woman and life.

[Bill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get past chapter 4. Read like a gossip column.

[Connie Kronlokken]

A thorough look at a pioneer who moved backward toward authenticity and sustainability. Just the setting for her book “ Honey from a Weed,” however.

[Rebecca Stilson]

Couldn’t get into it. Trying to read on flight back from London

actually kept scanning and fairly interesting

[Naomi]

I was drawn deeply into the life of this extraordinary woman. This is an exhaustively researched account of her life and I explored quite a few side alleys because she was connected with so many other artists, cooks and writers. There is a whole world here that was heretofore unfamiliar to me. Patience lived life on her own terms and insisted on living simply, eschewing materialism in many respects. She and her partner Norman Mommens felt that the point of life was to work, and to find one's own work, no compromises. They lived in wild places without modern conveniences and, even into her old age, Patience was consumed with the rhythms of the yearly harvests and their demanding physical work. She is the author of a groundbreaking cookbook called Honey from a Weed that was revolutionary in including such topics as fungi and nettles.

[Melina Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Honey from a Weed," by Patience Gray is a long time favorite, so I was so happy to hear that Federman had written a bio. I'm only half way through, but am at "the good part" in terms of learning who she was when she birthed that book: she's met The Sculptor and now I will find out how they made the daring decision to bail on England and move to the Mediterranean, I hope to learn who the local people were who inspired her archaic wild recipes, and see into the day to day life of this dreamy art dominated era. It means so much to me to find out that that she chose to embrace this adventursome path in her early 50s. Forget planning a retirement for the next decade, she burst into full bloom.

I had no idea she had her children out of wedlock in the WWII era in England that's stunningly brave or impulsive or iconoclastic, really. Learning how she put together a life as an artist, writer, cook, parent, lover, friend...I'm fascinated. She want from excruciating loneliness living in isolation in the countryside to the heart of London culture...but kept her affection for mushrooms and gathering herbs and wild foods and that drive to conneyouct cooking to nature is what makes her such a stand out writer. I cannot wait until i have a moment for the next chapter...

10/23
i just finished the book. Nothing does beginning, middle and end like a great biography.
The research, the writing, the deft reveal of character and events make this a fine book.

Many complicated feelings about Ms. Gray's life, complete adoration of her most famous book. I guess that kind of kaleidoscope of response is what a fine biography elicits.


10/31
As someone who has tried to prioritize raising my own children over writing, but still tried to put writing first, and yet to make a living, address environmental concerns and thrive, and sometimes failed to be enough for my own kids, some of Patience Gray's life choices make for a rough read, and yet as a fan of her work, I must be grateful. That's a tough cocktail to sip.

I think the end photo, last page of the book, sums up the author's response to all of Patience Gray's life perfectly. No comments, no judgements, just this one image.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful character study and, as a young creative married to a young creative, it was fun for me to witness Patience and Norman's harrowing journey all those years ago. There was so much depth to the portrayal of their story. It also helpful for me, a very imperfect human, to read about Patience's own imperfect path, and to see all that she contributed in spite of her quirks. It inspires me to forge ahead despite my own foibles. This is a good old-fashioned book, not all gloss, short chapters and bullet points. It is dense to be sure but I found that satisfying. Federman's work is impressive. I highly recommend this amusing, poignant, inspiring biography to anyone who is into cooking, design and leading a creative life.