Food in books: Soup and rye bread from The Book Thief

Soup is regularly served in Markus Zusak’s novel of life in Nazi Germany. Below is a full-bodied broth inspired by the book, capable of spreading happiness in hard times

By Kate Young for The Little Library Café, part of the Guardian Books Network

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Strangely, one of Liesel’s favourite distractions was Frau Holtzapfel. The reading sessions included Wednesday now as well, and they’d finished the water-abridged version of The Whistler and were on to The Dream Carrier. The old woman sometimes made tea or gave Liesel some soup that was infinitely better than Mama’s. Less watery.
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

I have recently left the flat that has been my home for the past five years. It was tiny, the roof leaked for more than two years, and I lived in the living room. But it was home. The kitchen space (including a full-size fridge/freezer) made up for the absence of a door between my hob and my bed. And although they would essentially have to sit in my bedroom, I loved having people around for a meal. This will all happen again soon, of course, in my new Liverpudlian abode. In the meantime, however, I am jumping between people’s houses, dragging a suitcase full of my clothes, cake tins and as many books as I can carry. And reminiscing about the meals I made in my kitchen over the years.

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