Following a personal tragedy, Val began to take note of his grief in culinary form, documenting meals that made him feel good. This is a cookbook for the modern world that recognises the affirmative powers of cooking; to hearten us in times of need and to cheer us in days of uncertainty or sadness, to soothe the soul, to lift our spirits and to celebrate the pure life- changing and life-affirming joy of good food. Featuring 75 recipes including illustrations and photography alongside personal stories, this is an incredibly insightful book, wonderfully idiosyncratic and beautifully written. It is a uniquely modern classic.