Chicken Wars by Adam Leigh

Adam Leigh’s debut novel, The Curious Rise of Alex Lazarus, is a witty tale about a digital startup which launches brilliantly but soon hits real-world problems. His second novel, Chicken Wars, is a very funny and relatable story about a third generation family business. It is challenging to take responsibility for other people’s livelihoods, even when you are chasing your own dream, but Jack Fogle is forced to run an enterprise he actively dislikes. To make things worse, he has to cope with a business rivalry created by his devious grandfather. This is what Adam Leigh said about male business partnerships when I interviewed him in June 2021. ‘When they work best, it is because both individuals recognise and celebrate their differences. But when there is competitiveness and jealousy, they tend to be at their most fragile.’

For as long as he can remember, Jack has known that eventually he will have to take over the family business - a factory supplying kosher chickens. He reluctantly accepts his fate, assuming he will have plenty of time for a career in television before the hammer falls. Sadly, his father’s early death puts an end to Jack’s freedom. He is a good businessman so the business thrives, but he is left in an emotional desert, despised by his ex-wife, exploited by his mother, bullied by his sisters and disliked by his daughters. When Jack and Sonia fall for each other all his troubles seem to be over. Sonia is vegan, so Jack makes the disastrous decision to conceal the fact that he basically runs a slaughterhouse. When his nasty business competitor Lionel launches a social media campaign against Fogel’s Chickens, the feathers inevitably hit the fan.

Chicken Wars is a funny and relatable account of one man’s struggle to take care of his family, find love and fulfil his dreams. I strongly recommend both of Adam Leigh’s novels for humour, emotional warmth and fascinating glimpses of the commercial world. I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.