This is one review that was long
overdue. "Monsoon Diary" was in my to-read list from the time Sabs mentioned it
revolved around Kerala and its food. So it was an absolute delight when
I received it from Leo as a part of secret Santa.The book is autobiographical - author's story from the time she is a toddler to well into her 20s intertwined with food associated at each age. Starting with choru-unnal(A Malyalee hindu custom of initiating an infant into solid food) to injipulli(A sweet and sour ginger pickle) to fusion food, end of each chapter has the recipe for the delicacy.
The first few chapters can as well be the story of any other child growing up in parts of Kerala and that's where I began losing the interest - I could have as well penned those chapters! But the latter part of the book when she flies off to USA for higher education is where the book gets interesting - the coming of age of an young Indian girl !
What though makes this book extra special for me is the unexpected meeting with the author herself as I was reading the book. She bowled me over with her simplicity and is somebody who has absolutely no-airs about her .... Was a pleasure meeting you Shobha Narayan!
I would recommend this book especially for non Kerala readers -it gives a simplistic glimpse into our food and lives.....
This review is a part of WT fest - Day 4.
Have read so much about this book! Looks like an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a yummy book Meenamms :)
ReplyDeleteTrust Leo to come up with such books :D
I was bowled over by the cover itself da, Ishi :D
DeleteI was bowled over by the cover itself da, Ishi :)
DeleteSounds like a very different book. Will mark it to read.
ReplyDeleteOh.... a gastronomic delight, is it ? Sounds nice, and its filling me with nostalgia :)
ReplyDeletesounds like an awesome book....adding it to my TBR right now! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you met the writer too! Wow that is sooo lucky Meena. Will surely pick this one up :D
ReplyDeleteRicha
I love books that mix in food stories:) And meeting the author - what a treat!
ReplyDeleteA book on food ??? interesting !!!
ReplyDeletean opportunity to know about other culture is what I'm always looking for. :) Going to pick "Monsoon Diary" soon.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read it before gifting you of course, Mins :D delayed delivery from the merchant meant I had to send it as soon as I got it. will read a little when I visit thy palace :P ;)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds interesting - would like to know some more about Kerala! Will find this one:-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a book to explore!
ReplyDeleteYou told me about this book na? will send it to mom and ask her to get it :)
ReplyDeleteok. this is new to me. Did not know of this book at all.. and it looks like something I would like to read. I need to get back in touch with my own roots at some level...
ReplyDeleteI love learning about different customs and food...will read this one! Is a kindle version available?
ReplyDeleteHow luck of you to have had a chance to meet the author! As for the book, marking it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Meena! This non-Keralite must read this book no? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the share and such books touching the soul of a place or country always attracts me:)
ReplyDelete