A captivating and heart warming read and a magical and sensuous journey. Bisma Tirmizi's debut book, Feast is an absolutely endearing book, hitting you in all the right spots. A cozy read for when its raining outside, when you want to feel the familial love of food, when..... you want to learn how to cook!
yes, you read that right! Not only does this book educate one about the importance of food and family in the subcontinent and how its woven into our history and lives but for a desi cook newbie, this is the perfect novel/cookbook for getting your traditional food facts and recipes right. The book's main concept is based on emotions and senses, tackling subtly and beautifully the concept of love and that of taste and smell.
The storyline almost wholly revolves around Ayesha, who as a young girl realizes that her gluttony is the reason for her obesity, so she embarks on a journey where she learns how to love and appreciate her cuisine in a new way, by understanding its history and evolution. Soon Ayesha comes to learn interesting stories about the local cuisine, tying various emotions together-celebratory, jubilant, sorrowful and the ordinary. Somewhere in between she meets a debonair young man who makes her heart say kuch kuch hota hai! Presenting us with diversity and breaths of fresh air are also stories from the past.
I almost forgot to mention the soulful essence of Amir Khusro's poetry and ballads incorporated into the warmth of togetherness and hot pulao! Its what really ties the whole story together from when Ayesha and Faiz first lay eyes on each other to their Mehndi function, Amir Khusro is there adding opulence and ardour in the moments.
It explores the idea of food as a luxurious experience instead of gluttony. It portrays it as rich velvet instead of common linen, meaning no matter how similar, every dish has its own background and its own taste.
overall its definitely on my favorites list, and I assure you it will be on yours as well!💖💖
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