Bread and War: A Ukrainian Story of Food, Bravery and Hope by Felicity Spector

“Bread and War” offers a vivid, deeply human chronicle of wartime Ukraine – focusing on the bakers, chefs, army cooks, volunteers, farmers, small producers and cafe owners who have been fighting to keep people fed and hopeful in the midst of the loss, fear and violence of the Russian invasion. Spector shows how food can become resistance and identity.

How do you source, cook and take joy in food in the midst of war and loss?

Food is a weapon, a lifeline, a means of survival. Ukrainian food is also a powerful symbol of national identity and independence. This is a journey through mine-ridden, wrecked villages, repeatedly bombed cities, family kitchens and precarious small bakeries and cafes. Along the way news journalist and food writer Felicity Spector shares meals with soldiers, travels supply lines with volunteers and is fed incredible food by army cooks, fine bakers and home-cooking heroes.

The extraordinary stories of just some of those people – refugees and restaurateurs – trying to rebuild lives and kitchens after years of bombing, shows a very Ukrainian determination to provide good food for a besieged people.

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