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A review by stephanieridiculous
Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More by Fatima Ali
5.0
What an incredible memoir, easily one of the best I've ever read. Mom and daughter's narratives are expertly woven together, making each story richer for the other's perspective. Highly recommend!
It's been a long time since I was a cog in a kitchen-machine, and while food based memoirs have given me a generic since of nostalgia, Fatima's words about her time in kitchens rekindled that spark in me, at least a smidge. Her descriptions of her long days and sense of comradery highlighted the best of the industry and make me long to return, just a little. I'm far too old for that level of daily grind now, but I thoroughly appreciated being transported back to that passionate fervor. Her love of food and everything it entails is a profound loss for the rest of us, now that it is gone.
This is also a memoir of family and culture, and the hardships that come with both. Note there are TW's for sexual assault/child sexual assault, and obviously death, cancer, hospitals, and medical adjacent things. Walking through Fatima's end of life was also handled expertly, and was deeply touching - absolutely heart wrenching. No dry eyes here!
It's been a long time since I was a cog in a kitchen-machine, and while food based memoirs have given me a generic since of nostalgia, Fatima's words about her time in kitchens rekindled that spark in me, at least a smidge. Her descriptions of her long days and sense of comradery highlighted the best of the industry and make me long to return, just a little. I'm far too old for that level of daily grind now, but I thoroughly appreciated being transported back to that passionate fervor. Her love of food and everything it entails is a profound loss for the rest of us, now that it is gone.
This is also a memoir of family and culture, and the hardships that come with both. Note there are TW's for sexual assault/child sexual assault, and obviously death, cancer, hospitals, and medical adjacent things. Walking through Fatima's end of life was also handled expertly, and was deeply touching - absolutely heart wrenching. No dry eyes here!