Review
The title of Crowther's first novel might lead
prospective readers to believe that
The Saffron Kitchen
is the latest addition to that comforting sub-genre of "foodie-novels"
that feed the mind and whet the appetite in equal measure, often
by interspersing tasty recipes into the plot. This is not the
case; in fact food takes a definite back seat to themes of
culture, family and identity as we follow one woman's struggle
to find happiness as she is pulled between two very different
worlds.
Maryam Mazar was born and grew up in
Mashhad in the
Khorassan province of Eastern Iran. A strong willed and
determined girl growing up in 1950s Iran, she is determined not
to follow in the traditional path ordained for her, instead she
has ambitions to become a nurse. Her happiest days are...
Beyond the Book
A Short History of Iran
If your recollection of the recent
history of Iran is a little rusty, this
brief background should refresh your
memory of the events that form the
backdrop to Maryam's childhood:
Iran's 4,000 year history is summed up
by Dr Saeed in
The Saffron Kitchen.
Referring to Iran before and after the
1979 revolution he says, "We were
welcomed around the world for our oil,
yes, but also for our culture, our
civilization ..... Now a quarter century
later, if you have an Iranian passport,
people here, the authorities, think
you're a terrorist, someone who may...
