A woman with a good education was compared to a madman with a sword: she would be a danger to herself and to others.

The Cook follows the intense life of Mauro, an economics student turned chef who flits between jobs and school, never settling down for long. His social life and health deteriorates as he works 70 hour weeks. If this novel taught me anything, it‘s that I myself never want to enter the restaurant business. The fast-paced work, the long shifts, the intense competition between colleagues… I think I‘ll just stick to enjoying food.

Out of all the Tudors, Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, is the one I know the least about. Although Margaret was the oldest daughter of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, she was often overshadowed by her charismatic younger sister and charming brother. This biography provides readers with an interesting overview of Margaret's life. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to attain a deeper understanding of Tudor history.

In the wrong hands, your past is a weapon.