Humble Pie

By Gordon Ramsay

Published by HarperCollins Entertainment
Paperback. 304 pages
ISBN: 0007236077

I read this fascinating and well-written book from cover to cover in just two days. It portrays the life of master chef, restaurateur and host of TV's Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsey, from his early days in the rough part of Glasgow. Gordon's tale includes his family life with an abusive father, his failed football career, and, later on, his brother's heroin addiction. He emerges as a likeable and decent man who is not afraid of admitting his mistakes, and will give honest (he will not tolerate liars), and serious-minded workers a chance to better themselves through cooking. He does not make much mention of his wife and children, but makes clear that, although a multimillionaire, he will not spoil his offspring and tries to keep them out of the limelight. The book has touches of humour as well as sadness, is honestly written and with only the occasional four-letter word that usually permeates his vocabulary.