Coming-of-age books are centered around transition: going from one stage of life to another, from childhood to adulthood. It’s a common trope, in all types of media, but less common is the trope in Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford, which is described as a ‘coming-of-old-age’ tale.
77 years of Jennifer Quinn’s life quickly passes before she realizes where all that time went. Without children and a frightening realization that both her and her husband Bernard (Bernie)’s health is declining, Jenny feels a certain pressure to leave a mark on the world and express her passion in a way she’s never been able to do. The answer to how she could possibly do that comes one night while the baking show, Britain Bakes, plays.
Jenny has always been incredible at baking. More than that, in her family, it’s a way to remember her loved ones, to immortalize a small part of her, and to escape from life’s harsh realities. At first, it seemed like the show couldn’t be more perfect, but then she gets in her own head, and she abandons the idea. However, the fuse has been lit, and for the next few weeks, she can think of little else. When she finally decides to do it, it’s without saying a word to anyone. She tells herself it’s just for fun. That it’s silly, and she has no chance of getting in the show. Until she does.
Her husband Bernie is possibly the sweetest and most supportive character in the entire book. Unfortunately, that was one of the biggest reasons some readers put this book down. Jenny, afraid of failing in front of others, goes to extreme lengths to hide the truth from Bernie, inevitably leaving him to assume the worst. It’s all miscommunication, and a clear indicator that Jenny isn’t perfect, but she doesn’t have to be. In fact, Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame isn’t the wholesome novel it seems to be at first glance. It’s undeniably heartwarming, but as the baking show goes on, it becomes harder for Jenny to continue to suppress the memories she has from 60 years ago, when her life changed forever.
This is yet another secret she’s been keeping from Bernie for the 59 years of their marriage, and while the author at first keeps it from the readers, it isn’t too difficult to figure out. This secret is explained in the book’s flashback sections, which are written in italics and come between chapters in the present time. Jenny’s search for closure and the value of family is really at the heart of this book, which readers should be prepared for. Additionally, the writing is descriptive, easily transporting readers into the kitchen where a young Jenny first discovered baking or the Quinn house where Jenny and Bernie struggle to act naturally in front of a camera crew.
Readers wanting a light-hearted book should take caution; Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame might seem to be a story of just an older woman trying to rediscover herself through baking, but it does feature heavier topics. On the other hand, bakers and fans of the Great British Bake-Off can rejoice at this book. Not only is baking a huge part of the book, but after the book, the author includes two recipes which were referenced in the book—it’s another way for readers to be completely immersed in the story and not let go of Jenny Quinn and her story.
