Fair Food (ed by Nick Rose, UQP)

Fair Food is a collection of autobiographical essays about the development of Australia’s nascent ‘fair food’ movement. It is important and compelling, if occasionally frustrating, reading for anyone interested in the future of Australia’s relationship with its food. Each of the 10 essays broadly traces the author’s development as a ‘fair food’ activist and practitioner, exploring how they have committed their professional and personal lives to addressing the challenges facing our food industry. The diversity and passion of the essays make for fascinating reading. However, some of the stories rely too heavily on the autobiographical structure and are less engaging than others. The authors’ common message risks being eclipsed by the personal details. Fair Food is an important collection of stories about hope, change and personal journeys in Australia’s food landscape. It is a book to inspire rather than prescribe. Readers looking for a step-by-step plan or how-to guide for action or change will be left wanting more, but thinkers looking for the motivation to change or engage will be rewarded.

Tim White is co-owner at Books for Cooks

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Reviews