Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love

Our Review

LOVE & SAFFRON: A NOVEL OF FRIENDSHIP, FOOD, AND LOVE is a quick read. Told almost exclusively in epistolary format, it’s an interesting way to to relate the story. It’s the 1960s, and Joan, who lives in LA and is in her twenties, sends a fan letter to Imogen, who writes a column that Joan and her mother enjoy reading. Imogen is almost sixty, but they spark a friendship through their letter writing, which spans a few years. (Note, this short novel is more women’s fiction than romance.)

There are many descriptive details provided in the letters, along with information on various foods and shared recipes. The women form a very strong friendship across the miles. There are a multitude of characters they introduce in their letters which make the story fun. Both Joan and Imogen share some of their hopes and dreams along with mundane things from their lives, past and present, as their friendship grows.

LOVE & SAFFRON has a good flow and a richness to the story. There are multiple plots woven together nicely. The story’s closure brought about both happiness and sadness, and I even shed a few tears. I love the cover!

Ms. Kay is new to me. This is her second work of fiction, and I look forward to reading more of her books.