Pomegranate Soup: A Novel by Marsha Mehran

Pomegranate Soup: A Novel by Marsha Mehran, 240 pages

This book lingered on my to-read shelf far too long. And I didn't grab it until both JoAnn and Tara recommended it - Tara put it on her best of 2008 list. Sometimes a sure thing is just what I need, and it was a perfect choice to jumpstart my 2009 year of reading.

The story of the three Aminpour sisters who come to a small Irish town and open a restaurant. Not just any restaurant - the Babylon Cafe enchants most of the town with it's fragrant offerings and the mysterious women behind the mouthwatering Persian cuisine. They are not welcomed by everyone, and this opposition combined with each sister's memories of their escape from Iran offer dramatic tension in an otherwise light story. Reminiscent of Chocolat and Like Water for Chocolate the descriptions of food are magical and passionate. For me, a simple story of a struggling restaurant would be enough, but the Iranian backstory gives it depth without being too heavy.

I highly recommend this, an extremely likeable book. And I guarantee you'll be hungry while reading it.

4 stars.

The End.

PS - I heard a peep say the sequel isn't so good, so read at your own risk.

Other reviews:

Books and Cooks

Comments

[Tara]

So glad you liked it!

[Staci]

I loved this book. I listed it as one of the best for me in 2008 too. JoAnn warned me against the sequel. And seeing how I don't want to spoil such a beautiful read, I'm taking her advice and am going to pretend that it doesn't exist.

[Melissa]

So glad you enjoyed this. I didn't know there was a sequel; the story felt complete for me, and I don't see the need for one. (Therefore am not going to read it!) I've never read Chocolat; perhaps I should.