A review by chubby_little_butter_books
Slow Noodles: A Cambodian Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Recipes by Chantha Nguon

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

 “The murderers among us would have us believe that history is slippery and unknowable. Insisting otherwise is an act of defiance.” 

Slow Noodles tracks the story of its author, Chantha Nguon, from her childhood in Cambodia, to the streets of Saigon, the refugee camps of Thailand and back again. All these places are visited by sharing the food that was cooked, shared, stolen or smuggled in and out of Chantha’s life.  

This book is so powerful. What a gentle, loving and welcoming way to share culture and story. Gathering people to eat is universal and with Nguon offering both the recipes and stories of her food, I cannot imagine a better way to invite the world to learn. I must say I was quite ignorant of the story of Cambodia, knowing only that the country had been under the rule of Pol Pot and this had been devastating for the people of Cambodia. To be offered the opportunity to learn more has been a gift, and the perspective offered is wholly unique. I hope to take Chantha’s demonstration of strength, ingenuity, and kindness with me long into the future.  

I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author's daughter, which offers another layer. I would wholeheartedly recommend the audio experience.

I would like to recommend that this is a book to tackle when you’re up for it, as there are some sections which are difficult. It is a very worthwhile and beautiful read but, as with many stories of survival among the worst circumstances, at times difficult.