Lovely story. Life in Iran under the Shah was so much fun for this family, doctor, nurse and 3 children. Children educated in England, France and U.S.They are on vacation in 1978 when the Shah is deposed. If they go back to Iran, they will be killed. They lose their country and money and start over in the U.S., with success from the mother and distress from the father.Author, Donia, writes a book of their story and how she becomes a chef. It is interspersed with family recipes.Nicely done. Many years ago I overheard a friendly conversation between a Starbucks barista and a customer. What are you, he asked her. Persian, she replied. And it struck me right then that she wasn't comfortable telling an American that she was from Iran. This story came back to me as I read the delightful Maman's Homesick Pie, Donia Bijan's memoir about growing up in Iran, the daughter of a medical doctor and his wife, a nurse. The family eventually ended up in the US after the revolution, where Bijan eventually became an accomplished chef. The descriptions of the food (and the accompanying recipes) are wonderful! The author's father did not make a good adjustment to life in America. Think of all the immigrants who come to this country who are educated and had relatively high status positions in their own country, only to be relegated to driving taxis or some other position that wastes their skills once they get to America. Yet, the author and her mother did adjust well. Indeed, although the book is ostensibly the author's memoir, it is really a tribute to her indomitable mother, an accomplished home cook and women's rights activist, whose shining personality comes through with every page.A completely engaging book well worth reading.
What do You think about Mama's Homesick Pie (2000)?
Won this as a first reads and can't wait to see it on my doorstep!!
—Sarahp213
One of the best books I have ever read. I just loved it!
—meager1122
Delightful, poignant, interesting and "delicious."
—feew
Good, but not as good as I'd hoped.
—jackandsally440
