Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by vickiemstone
What's Cooking in the Kremlin: From Rasputin to Putin, How Russia Built an Empire with a Knife and Fork by Witold Szabłowski
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Highly enjoyable read exploring Russian history through food from the last Tsar to Putin with the cosmonauts, Chernobyl, the Tartars, and everything else in between.
The most moving (and sad) part of the book for me was listening to the women’s experiences of famine in 1921 and during the Siege of Leningrad. Oof.
The author’s use of interview transcripts, personal antidotes, and recipes, alongside narratives for historical context made it feel like you were traveling and meeting these chefs along with him. There is something about a shared meal or recipe that helps one to embrace commonalities, sow empathy, and celebrate cultural differences.
The most moving (and sad) part of the book for me was listening to the women’s experiences of famine in 1921 and during the Siege of Leningrad. Oof.
The author’s use of interview transcripts, personal antidotes, and recipes, alongside narratives for historical context made it feel like you were traveling and meeting these chefs along with him. There is something about a shared meal or recipe that helps one to embrace commonalities, sow empathy, and celebrate cultural differences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Cannibalism, Deportation