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To Lahore With Love
A novel to warm the heart, tickle the tastebuds and take you on the journey of a lifetime for fans of Nadiya Hussain, Ayisha Malik and Ruth Hogan
'Genuinely funny scenes' Cosmopolitan
A truly feel-good and heartwarming novel for readers of SOFIA KHAN IS NOT OBLIGED, the Amir Sisters novels and Ruth Hogan
Addy Mayford has always struggled with her identity. Brought up in a household of stories, food and faith by her Irish mother and Pakistani Nana, she feels constantly torn between the two sides of her upbringing. Since the death of her father, she's found contentment cooking delicious recipes from his home city of Lahore, despite the protestations of her mother that being a chef is no career for a young woman. It's only with the love of her gorgeous husband, Gabe, that she's truly found happiness.
When Addy stumbles across a secret that shatters her world, she desperately needs to escape and is drawn to the sights of Lahore and the family she's never known. Waiting for her there is Addy's final acceptance of who she is, and a long-buried family secret that will change her life for ever.
'Genuinely funny scenes' Cosmopolitan
A truly feel-good and heartwarming novel for readers of SOFIA KHAN IS NOT OBLIGED, the Amir Sisters novels and Ruth Hogan
Addy Mayford has always struggled with her identity. Brought up in a household of stories, food and faith by her Irish mother and Pakistani Nana, she feels constantly torn between the two sides of her upbringing. Since the death of her father, she's found contentment cooking delicious recipes from his home city of Lahore, despite the protestations of her mother that being a chef is no career for a young woman. It's only with the love of her gorgeous husband, Gabe, that she's truly found happiness.
When Addy stumbles across a secret that shatters her world, she desperately needs to escape and is drawn to the sights of Lahore and the family she's never known. Waiting for her there is Addy's final acceptance of who she is, and a long-buried family secret that will change her life for ever.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 21, 2020
Reading this book reminded me a lot of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's epic novel 'The Mistress of Spices'. Both share a central theme: food can work miracles, it can change a person's mood and even affect their decisions. The only thing to know is how to tap that power. Here is a piece of good news then; each chapter begins with a secret recipe which is helpful in tackling various life situations. They do have some cute names too, beginning with Commitment Cake to Amorous Chilli Chocolate and Calm-Making Cauliflower. So if you desire to enhance your culinary skills, this will surely appeal to the chef inside you and if you are a foodie like me . . . well, be prepared to appease your stomach some way.
The story deals with Addy's journey of self-realisation; brought up by her Irish mother and Pakistani nana, she is truly a product of east and west. With her cooking powers, she manages to get Gabe to propose to her but now that safely guarded marriage is crumbling. With Nana and best friend Jen, she undertakes a journey to Lahore in search of the answer to something everyone asks: Why did this happen to me? All our religions say that everything happens for a reason, but will we ever accept it without proof? Will Lahore change her life? That's all the story is about.
Apart from the rushed ending where so many things happened which are not completely relevant to the plot, this novel had me glued to the kindle. The pages just flew by and before I know it, ninety percent of the story is over. I loved the way Lahore came alive in the novel, thanks to the author's brilliant writing skills. Altogether an engaging and powerful read, that left me with a growling stomach.
The story deals with Addy's journey of self-realisation; brought up by her Irish mother and Pakistani nana, she is truly a product of east and west. With her cooking powers, she manages to get Gabe to propose to her but now that safely guarded marriage is crumbling. With Nana and best friend Jen, she undertakes a journey to Lahore in search of the answer to something everyone asks: Why did this happen to me? All our religions say that everything happens for a reason, but will we ever accept it without proof? Will Lahore change her life? That's all the story is about.
Apart from the rushed ending where so many things happened which are not completely relevant to the plot, this novel had me glued to the kindle. The pages just flew by and before I know it, ninety percent of the story is over. I loved the way Lahore came alive in the novel, thanks to the author's brilliant writing skills. Altogether an engaging and powerful read, that left me with a growling stomach.
December 16, 2020
Nana's recipes had power beyond the marvel of human sustenance. The recipes handed down to her through generation upon generation of mothers could cure any emotionally delicate state or ill mood.
That's the crux of this light, fun romance novel.
Addy Mayford is a young, mixed-race British woman who wants nothing more from life than to become a successful chef and to have a baby with her husband Gabe. The first part has a lot to do with her unconventional upbringing, living with her Irish mother and Pakistani (from her father's side) grandmother in a small London house. Addy learned to cook at her Nana's knee, and when she was old enough to realise her Nana is illiterate, and what this meant for the recipes she stored in her head, Addy began to compile a recipe book (with a ridiculously unwieldy name that I won't repeat). I suppose the second part of her life ambition branches from the same place. The reason Addy was brought up by the two women was because her dad left when she was 7, returning to Lahore and later dying in a motorbike/donkey accident. Gabe is her world and she wants to establish her own perfect family unit with him.
When Addy suffers the ultimate betrayal, she agrees to travel to Lahore to spend some time with her Pakistani relatives. Nana and best friend Jen accompany her. There, Addy slowly begins to heal and re-evaluate what she wants from life.
The Lahore that Belitz paints for her readers is very appealing, with all the sunshine, colour, noise and hospitality you'd like to imagine. I enjoyed the second half of the book more, for that reason. Even though there was a lot of Pakistani food throughout the London chapters, it just somehow seemed even more enticing against the backdrop of Lahore. And the food was the main thing that brought me to this book in the first place. We've seen this same idea before - food as a healer of the human condition - but perhaps not with the spicing of the subcontinent! (Well, not for me in any case.)
Each chapter begins with a recipe from Addy's recipe book, listing ingredients, the taste of the dish, the artistry and the purpose, or reason, for using it. Here's a shorter example -
Despair-Dissolving Mustard Spinach
For the banishment of despair, so that light can return to your soul, take:
1 onion, sliced finely
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp garam masala, the five spices of life
1 bowl mustard spinach, boiled and beaten
melted butter, a great wodge of it
The taste: green and savoury.
The artistry: the power of simplicity.
The purpose: to make your spirit soar.
These recipes are the signposts to what will happen in that chapter, and the dish itself usually appears somewhere, too. While I thought this was a lovely idea, I was disappointed that the recipes weren't real, or at least not complete (although 3 of them do make an appearance at the back of the book, in full.) It's also the reason my review is 6 months late! I originally read this book in audio format (brilliant narration by whoever that was), but I found I couldn't really grasp or focus on the recipes, so I waited for a text copy to become available at my library so I could study them in more detail.
The book's setting and main characters may set it apart from the hordes of other light, fun romance novels, but while I enjoyed it, ultimately it's probably just as forgettable.
That's the crux of this light, fun romance novel.
Addy Mayford is a young, mixed-race British woman who wants nothing more from life than to become a successful chef and to have a baby with her husband Gabe. The first part has a lot to do with her unconventional upbringing, living with her Irish mother and Pakistani (from her father's side) grandmother in a small London house. Addy learned to cook at her Nana's knee, and when she was old enough to realise her Nana is illiterate, and what this meant for the recipes she stored in her head, Addy began to compile a recipe book (with a ridiculously unwieldy name that I won't repeat). I suppose the second part of her life ambition branches from the same place. The reason Addy was brought up by the two women was because her dad left when she was 7, returning to Lahore and later dying in a motorbike/donkey accident. Gabe is her world and she wants to establish her own perfect family unit with him.
When Addy suffers the ultimate betrayal, she agrees to travel to Lahore to spend some time with her Pakistani relatives. Nana and best friend Jen accompany her. There, Addy slowly begins to heal and re-evaluate what she wants from life.
The Lahore that Belitz paints for her readers is very appealing, with all the sunshine, colour, noise and hospitality you'd like to imagine. I enjoyed the second half of the book more, for that reason. Even though there was a lot of Pakistani food throughout the London chapters, it just somehow seemed even more enticing against the backdrop of Lahore. And the food was the main thing that brought me to this book in the first place. We've seen this same idea before - food as a healer of the human condition - but perhaps not with the spicing of the subcontinent! (Well, not for me in any case.)
Each chapter begins with a recipe from Addy's recipe book, listing ingredients, the taste of the dish, the artistry and the purpose, or reason, for using it. Here's a shorter example -
Despair-Dissolving Mustard Spinach
For the banishment of despair, so that light can return to your soul, take:
1 onion, sliced finely
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp garam masala, the five spices of life
1 bowl mustard spinach, boiled and beaten
melted butter, a great wodge of it
The taste: green and savoury.
The artistry: the power of simplicity.
The purpose: to make your spirit soar.
These recipes are the signposts to what will happen in that chapter, and the dish itself usually appears somewhere, too. While I thought this was a lovely idea, I was disappointed that the recipes weren't real, or at least not complete (although 3 of them do make an appearance at the back of the book, in full.) It's also the reason my review is 6 months late! I originally read this book in audio format (brilliant narration by whoever that was), but I found I couldn't really grasp or focus on the recipes, so I waited for a text copy to become available at my library so I could study them in more detail.
The book's setting and main characters may set it apart from the hordes of other light, fun romance novels, but while I enjoyed it, ultimately it's probably just as forgettable.
April 11, 2020
A story of marriage gone wrong , lots of cookery thrown in, character building and travel to exotic Lahore .. all elements which I enjoyed .
Till the first half, it was just another ordinary story .. but later on it started jelling with me , and I fell into it, mind and soul.
Had a bird's eye view of Lahore . Pakistan seems almost similar to India , and I pondered upon how things would have been if the two countries were friends , not sworn enemies.
Would read it again.
Had listened to the Storytel version , but I feel like possessing a paperback version , so that I can go through the recipes at leisure .
Till the first half, it was just another ordinary story .. but later on it started jelling with me , and I fell into it, mind and soul.
Had a bird's eye view of Lahore . Pakistan seems almost similar to India , and I pondered upon how things would have been if the two countries were friends , not sworn enemies.
Would read it again.
Had listened to the Storytel version , but I feel like possessing a paperback version , so that I can go through the recipes at leisure .
March 19, 2020
Poignant coming-of-age novel set in LAHORE and LONDON
Addy is of mixed race and living in London with her Irish mother and her Pakistani grandmother. A household with three women is going to have its moments. Addy’s Dad is no longer part of the family but the women who look after her nurture her with faith and food. Food is a balm in this all-female household.
This novel is an immersive “foodie” novel ‘for fans of Nadiya Hussain and Ayisha Malik’. Addy inevitably struggles with her identity but soon finds herself in a relationship with Gabe. Things, at first seem to be working out fine but their relationship soon turns out to be tricky. Grandma decides to take Addy and her friend Jen to Lahore, where many of their family members are based and it is here that secrets start to unfurl.
Addy enjoys learning about her family and above all, as a chef, she delights in the ingredients and dishes that she discovers in hot, sweltering and noisy Lahore. She also has to face several secrets that integral in her own birth family, as well as questionable behaviour on the part of her friend.
This is a short and easy-to-read novel that is strong on the restorative power of food and good dishes on anguished souls. There are indications that the relationships in the all the female household could be complex and I think that more detail on the mother / grandmother relationship would have added a further realistic dimension… how do two women from such divergent backgrounds find a way of living together, especially when the husband/son/father has upped and gone away and abandoned every important female person in his life?
This is a thoughtful coming-of-age story. And a nice combination of colours/design on the book cover to boot!
Addy is of mixed race and living in London with her Irish mother and her Pakistani grandmother. A household with three women is going to have its moments. Addy’s Dad is no longer part of the family but the women who look after her nurture her with faith and food. Food is a balm in this all-female household.
This novel is an immersive “foodie” novel ‘for fans of Nadiya Hussain and Ayisha Malik’. Addy inevitably struggles with her identity but soon finds herself in a relationship with Gabe. Things, at first seem to be working out fine but their relationship soon turns out to be tricky. Grandma decides to take Addy and her friend Jen to Lahore, where many of their family members are based and it is here that secrets start to unfurl.
Addy enjoys learning about her family and above all, as a chef, she delights in the ingredients and dishes that she discovers in hot, sweltering and noisy Lahore. She also has to face several secrets that integral in her own birth family, as well as questionable behaviour on the part of her friend.
This is a short and easy-to-read novel that is strong on the restorative power of food and good dishes on anguished souls. There are indications that the relationships in the all the female household could be complex and I think that more detail on the mother / grandmother relationship would have added a further realistic dimension… how do two women from such divergent backgrounds find a way of living together, especially when the husband/son/father has upped and gone away and abandoned every important female person in his life?
This is a thoughtful coming-of-age story. And a nice combination of colours/design on the book cover to boot!
August 5, 2020
*3.75 rounding up to 4
To Lahore With Love is such a beautiful story about a girl coming from a mixed heritage and gets to explore one side of it because of some unforeseen events in her life. I am so glad to read a book that talks deeply about Indian-Pakistani aMuslim culture and its beliefs. I haven't found a book yet that has talked about it with such depth.
I particularly loved loved loved the relationship between the grandmother and the grand daughter and it seemed so pure and beautiful. To top it off, they shared a passion for food and I think, the best way to understand a person's culture is through their food. Every dish mentioned in this book had a deeper meaning and purpose, it was food for my soul.
It was a heartwarming story and I am glad I got to read it.
To Lahore With Love is such a beautiful story about a girl coming from a mixed heritage and gets to explore one side of it because of some unforeseen events in her life. I am so glad to read a book that talks deeply about Indian-Pakistani aMuslim culture and its beliefs. I haven't found a book yet that has talked about it with such depth.
I particularly loved loved loved the relationship between the grandmother and the grand daughter and it seemed so pure and beautiful. To top it off, they shared a passion for food and I think, the best way to understand a person's culture is through their food. Every dish mentioned in this book had a deeper meaning and purpose, it was food for my soul.
It was a heartwarming story and I am glad I got to read it.
April 19, 2020
Visit the locations in the novel
Before reading this novel, you really should eat something. You’ll be reaching for something tasty not long after you start reading anyway. That’s before you head for the cookbooks afterwards!
Think Nadiya Hussain when you read this book. It’s got that same friendly and homely vibe as she does. The way she talks about food, family and the relationship between culture and food are just what the characters do in this novel. Food here is all important for it not only bonds, but nurtures people and families. In this house, food is what holds the women together more than anything.
The characters are as richly created as the recipes themselves. Addy is a mixture of Irish and Pakistani living in London for example so she struggles with her identity. Ger grandmother takes her and her friend to Lahore but far from finding out about her family and heritage, she finds out a whole lot more along the way. As she learns about her Pakistani heritage, so too does she learn about food, the texture of it as well as the taste. This is the food that will heal not just her stomach but her heart and soul as well.
With the buzzing backdrop of Lahore, this is a novel to taste and savour slowly. It’s bright and lively, the culture, food and heritage richly evoked. A nice, short novel packed with flavour and punch. It’s filling and you’ll need to sit a while afterward to digest all that you read.
A novel where women’s strength and resilience is key. A journey where it’s not the food but the people whose flavour which lingers afterwards.
January 17, 2025
“Being torn between two worlds means carrying the weight of both and belonging to neither”
Wait is this play about us?
Wait is this play about us?
October 10, 2020
2.5 stars**
Usually, a book like this takes me three days to finish but this took me over a week - ten days to be exact. For me, it started off as a solid four star book but lost its steam and a couple of stars along the way.
I really liked the relationship between the grandmother and the granddaughter, and those brief moments where spirituality is mentioned. In parts it was funny too but overall, the book is not as strong as it could have been.
The book hastily rushed towards an underdeveloped and unsatisfying conclusion, with a lot of loose ends. The author's use of "nan bread" and "dupatta scarf" was especially jarring for me, because that's makes me think she had a different audience in mind than the local reader. I was also confused by her referring to her paternal grandmother as "Nana" which in Urdu would refer to maternal grandfather. Then, I realised she probably means Nan or Nanna.
So overall, it was fine. I skim read the last 15 pages just to get it done with and was bored with the recipes by the end.
Usually, a book like this takes me three days to finish but this took me over a week - ten days to be exact. For me, it started off as a solid four star book but lost its steam and a couple of stars along the way.
I really liked the relationship between the grandmother and the granddaughter, and those brief moments where spirituality is mentioned. In parts it was funny too but overall, the book is not as strong as it could have been.
The book hastily rushed towards an underdeveloped and unsatisfying conclusion, with a lot of loose ends. The author's use of "nan bread" and "dupatta scarf" was especially jarring for me, because that's makes me think she had a different audience in mind than the local reader. I was also confused by her referring to her paternal grandmother as "Nana" which in Urdu would refer to maternal grandfather. Then, I realised she probably means Nan or Nanna.
So overall, it was fine. I skim read the last 15 pages just to get it done with and was bored with the recipes by the end.
December 12, 2020
Sigh. Got this book because the premise was promising, but it is another one of those books that exoticize desi culture for the Western eye. I live in Lahore, and the glamorized life this novel shows just ain't it. Maybe this is where the reader gap comes in, because it is painfully obvious that this book was written for a Western audience or an audience that does not live in Lahore. Exoticized culture, exoticized way of life. Did not like it at all. Secondly, I had a lot of problems with the representation here--the main character was mixed race, which is perfectly fine, but did she have to be fair-skinned? Just my opinion, but I think that the book could have been made much more interesting if it could have discussed, or just hinted at, the colorism problem in desi culture. A cliche, overtold story of a privileged, fair woman obsessed with marriage and the 'perfect' guy, who finds her spiritual awakening in the very Other region of Pakistan and its outer space traditions and religion. Does not show what life is actually like here.
Read
April 6, 2021No date, no rating - DNF @ p34
One day I’ll understand why culturally Asian books are marketed as Muslim books. Today is not that day. Maybe when the author can describe her main character without contradicting herself numerous times within the span of 25 pages, I’ll read more of her work.
One day I’ll understand why culturally Asian books are marketed as Muslim books. Today is not that day. Maybe when the author can describe her main character without contradicting herself numerous times within the span of 25 pages, I’ll read more of her work.
May 29, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from Headline via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Did you have a beloved grandmother figure in your life, who was there providing you comfort, wise words, and the greatest meals to help you through life? Then To Lahore, With Love will be right up your alley.
This is not just a story about a woman's journey to self-acceptance of her roots - it is also a love letter to the strength of mother figures and the healing power of great food.
In To Lahore, With Love, we follow Audrey "Addy" Mayford as she recounts how her Pakistani grandmother had instilled the love and magic of a good meal as she grows up. When her life starts to fall apart, her grandmother and best friend Jen decide to whisk her away to Pakistan to rest and recover.
Initially, I wasn't too sure if I would like Addy. When she lists out in detail how she worked to get Gabriel to fall in love with her using food - not in a "food is the way to a man's heart way", but with the fervour of someone conconcting love potions - it felt a lot like manipulation to me, rather than passion. But as the book progressed, it seemed more that maybe she was not wholly self-confident, but she was confident in her cooking and the magic of it, so she drew from that confidence instead.
And of course, it is difficult to not warm up to someone who talks so passionately about food, their family, and is also honest about their flaws and insecurities. Belitz has written Addy so well that reading the book feels like reading a friend's letter, and it keeps you reading because you care about them and you want to know what happens next.
To Lahore, With Love also touches on something that I would say is new for me as a reader - the exploration of multi-faith upbringing. Addy's mother is Catholic, while her Pakistani grandmother is Muslim. While Addy does not conform herself to one religion or the other, the harmonious upbringing of both was refreshing to read - especially in a world that's so hellbent on making enemies out of the other religion.
The plot is weaved with such good flow that when Belitz drops little bits of foreshadowing, it does not dawn on you until you reach the plot's unfolding. Or maybe I'm just blur, but I blame it wholly on how engrossing the book is.
Did you have a beloved grandmother figure in your life, who was there providing you comfort, wise words, and the greatest meals to help you through life? Then To Lahore, With Love will be right up your alley.
This is not just a story about a woman's journey to self-acceptance of her roots - it is also a love letter to the strength of mother figures and the healing power of great food.
In To Lahore, With Love, we follow Audrey "Addy" Mayford as she recounts how her Pakistani grandmother had instilled the love and magic of a good meal as she grows up. When her life starts to fall apart, her grandmother and best friend Jen decide to whisk her away to Pakistan to rest and recover.
Initially, I wasn't too sure if I would like Addy. When she lists out in detail how she worked to get Gabriel to fall in love with her using food - not in a "food is the way to a man's heart way", but with the fervour of someone conconcting love potions - it felt a lot like manipulation to me, rather than passion. But as the book progressed, it seemed more that maybe she was not wholly self-confident, but she was confident in her cooking and the magic of it, so she drew from that confidence instead.
And of course, it is difficult to not warm up to someone who talks so passionately about food, their family, and is also honest about their flaws and insecurities. Belitz has written Addy so well that reading the book feels like reading a friend's letter, and it keeps you reading because you care about them and you want to know what happens next.
To Lahore, With Love also touches on something that I would say is new for me as a reader - the exploration of multi-faith upbringing. Addy's mother is Catholic, while her Pakistani grandmother is Muslim. While Addy does not conform herself to one religion or the other, the harmonious upbringing of both was refreshing to read - especially in a world that's so hellbent on making enemies out of the other religion.
The plot is weaved with such good flow that when Belitz drops little bits of foreshadowing, it does not dawn on you until you reach the plot's unfolding. Or maybe I'm just blur, but I blame it wholly on how engrossing the book is.
April 12, 2020
I bought this book because the concept seemed interesting...and it is; but that is the only redeeming thing in this festival of cliches, predictable twists and mundane writing full of plot holes. Disappointing.
March 9, 2020
I’m feeling like the book absolutely banged. Point, blank period, I really loved this book. It takes you on a journey of identity searching, mixed heritage exploration and food galore. Yes, yes and yes. Major excitement as I report that the story was engaging right from the beginning to the end.
At first, the lack of patience in me didn’t want to hear about England, I wanted to skip right to Pakistan. But once all the saucy details and flavours started emerging, it was crystal clear why it was important to dedicate time to the before section in England.
I particularly like that Addy, the main character is of mixed heritage and how that is explored throughout. It’s one thing being from a different heritage from the country you live in and trying to find the perfect balance there, but there are extra layers in Addy’s case. It’s interesting to read about the difference in culture, language, and even religion and how Addy navigates them.
Full review on website.
www.frizzandgo.com/blog/tolahorewithl...
At first, the lack of patience in me didn’t want to hear about England, I wanted to skip right to Pakistan. But once all the saucy details and flavours started emerging, it was crystal clear why it was important to dedicate time to the before section in England.
I particularly like that Addy, the main character is of mixed heritage and how that is explored throughout. It’s one thing being from a different heritage from the country you live in and trying to find the perfect balance there, but there are extra layers in Addy’s case. It’s interesting to read about the difference in culture, language, and even religion and how Addy navigates them.
Full review on website.
www.frizzandgo.com/blog/tolahorewithl...
March 20, 2024
It was a cute book. Being of Pakistani background myself but growing up in UK, I could relate to it. I am a foodie myself and it shows how food is more than just fuel to survive.
November 30, 2022
Chick lit. Meh! Was hoping for a vivid descriptions of life in Lahore. I wanted to relive those days there. Smell the smells, feel the feels. A few sentences to make it seem more real e.g. a riot and a shot politician just didnt work. Nah! Pure young 20s romance.
January 19, 2022
2.5*
what i liked about this book was the atmosphere and the descriptions of food - so good it made me hungry! what i didnt like was literally everything else
what i liked about this book was the atmosphere and the descriptions of food - so good it made me hungry! what i didnt like was literally everything else
June 17, 2025
This was fine, I do wish the last third was a bit more flushed out, especially the reveal with Addy’s husband. I loved the Lahore setting it helped elevate the story, and I do love the Irish too.
The dynamics between her parents needed way more flushing out bc what do u mean ur father abandoned you and your mom said he was dead and he was just alive in Lahore like pls. Also what do u mean ur husband cheated on u with ur bff.
I did like the chemistry between Addy and Faazil. Lahore is for Lovers <33
The dynamics between her parents needed way more flushing out bc what do u mean ur father abandoned you and your mom said he was dead and he was just alive in Lahore like pls. Also what do u mean ur husband cheated on u with ur bff.
I did like the chemistry between Addy and Faazil. Lahore is for Lovers <33
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
I find it baffling how stories about people of colour feeling alienated from their community, manage to alienate readers of colour by writing a book so clearly made for the white gaze. I would have loved to enjoy this book more, but the incessant over explanation of every cultural reference constantly jolted me out of the story and back to the reality that this book was not written by a brown woman for a brown woman. Instead it was written by a brown woman for white consumption.
I don’t even entirely blame Hina Belitz herself for the way it’s written. I imagine her editors had something to do with this too, probably citing ‘engage wider audiences’ as a reason to write the novel in the form of a Wikipedia article. I’m just very tired of picking up books by South Asian authors thinking I’ll find some comfort, but instead being reminded that not even these stories are for me.
The story itself seemed fine until the end where it felt like plot twists and a grand reveal were thrown in for simple shock factor but didn’t really make sense.
The one thing I did enjoy that got me to the end is Addy’s description of her stay in Lahore (which stoked nostalgia for my own recent trip) as well as the description of various South Asian dishes.
I don’t even entirely blame Hina Belitz herself for the way it’s written. I imagine her editors had something to do with this too, probably citing ‘engage wider audiences’ as a reason to write the novel in the form of a Wikipedia article. I’m just very tired of picking up books by South Asian authors thinking I’ll find some comfort, but instead being reminded that not even these stories are for me.
The story itself seemed fine until the end where it felt like plot twists and a grand reveal were thrown in for simple shock factor but didn’t really make sense.
The one thing I did enjoy that got me to the end is Addy’s description of her stay in Lahore (which stoked nostalgia for my own recent trip) as well as the description of various South Asian dishes.
June 19, 2020
The cover of this book gave me "Crazy Rich Asians" vibes, I love it and I think it's initially what attracted me to the book. I thought the premise for the book sounded really interesting and had a lot of potential but for this book just fell a bit flat. I was expecting a really light-hearted and easy summer read but was disappointed. What I like most about this book were the recipe sections, they had the light-hearted aspect I was hoping for throughout the book and I think the story may have been a lot more enjoyable and entertaining if there had been more of a focus on the cooking. I usually love books the focus on female family relationships but Addy and her Nana just didn't tick the boxes for me, I felt they were only partially developed. The writing failed to completely engage me, with exception of the recipes, I just did not feel the urge to pick this book up.
Really wanted to love this book but was left disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy.
Really wanted to love this book but was left disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy.
April 6, 2020
Not badly written and I enjoyed the idea of food well-made with love as a form of therapy but found the main character annoying. She marries at 18, by 20 she is so worried about not falling pregnant she seeks medical advice, discovers her husband cheating and goes to Lahore with her grandmother to get over the shock. That's not the problem. The problem is that her voice is so overly mature - I'm meant to consider her wisdom, in cookery form, as good advice. While I don't doubt there are 20 year olds with this level of wisdom I'm just not convinced this girl is one of them.
Perhaps I am about 30 years too old for the book....
Perhaps I am about 30 years too old for the book....
July 3, 2020
Newly-wed Irish Pakistani Addy is a gifted cook and aspiring chef. She hopes to open her own restaurant one day or work for a Michelin-starred restaurant, and is married to the man of her dreams, Gabe. When her marriage comes under strain, Addy, her devoted Nana and her best friend Jen take a trip to Lahore to reconnect with Addy’s Pakistani family. There, she learns about how to accept the bad with the good in life, and to let go of what she can’t change, as well as discovering some truths about her own extended family.
This is a readable, simply-written novella that on the surface follows all the familiar conventions of chick-lit: hopeful young woman, dastardly handsome man, breakdown of relationship and the subsequent journey of self-discovery as the heroine searches for the strength to move on. However what stops it from being just another chick-lit novel for me was its focus on two things: the alchemy of food to transform our emotions, and the influence of faith and spirituality. This infusion of mysticism and magic realism is, I think, unusual in this genre and possibly not for everyone, but it worked for me.
My favourite thing about this book (and this may or may not have something to do with the fact that I read it while fasting) are the sumptuous descriptions of food. Each chapter opens with a recipe for a dish that is also supposed to be a stimulant for positive emotions like love or happiness, or a cure for various emotional ailments such as sadness, anger, or guilt. The recipes have names like “Unpleasant-Cancelling Lentils” or “Love Me Forever Lamb”, and they also detail the flavours and textures of the dish, its “artistry” – the powers that make it work, and its purpose. The descriptions are sensuous and tantalising and for me were the most enjoyable part of the book, along with gems such as “garlic bread is the infant child of the muscular Adonis that is chilli chutney.” I quite agree!
The author takes you on a journey to another place and culture, which I enjoyed reading about, although I felt it was sometimes in danger of slipping into clichés painting the streets of Lahore as a rural backwater. For instance, “A man in dirtcoloured clothing stood behind a single wooden cart, piled impossibly high with fruit and vegetables. Behind him, a glass-eyed ox stood lazily eating scraps of mangled green and brown herbiage...” Sigh.
Where I felt a little more let down by the writing was in the unevenness of the characterisation. While Nana shines through as an eccentric, devoted tour de force with the added complexity of life experience and mistakes, everybody else is a little flat. Addy’s mother comes across as bitter and cold, Addy herself was a bit too self-absorbed and at times histrionic for my liking, and Jen feels like a spare part for much of the book. Without giving away spoilers, I felt that the characters’ motivations were not always convincingly or thoroughly explored enough.
I also had trouble with the “accept everything” mantra. The book opens with a quote by Nietzsche referring to amor fati; this philosophy clearly underpins the narrative, but I think Addy could have had more of a struggle to get to that point, as she appears to be quite passive and lets go of her grievances pretty much immediately. Part of the problem here is that Belitz appears to resort to telling instead of showing. For instance, “It was amazing to me how quickly a new environment, new people, a new country could change my outlook...” Her entire transformation is summed up in a sentence or two and I would have liked to have seen her encounters with the environment and the people a little more fleshed out before this statement.
Overall, this is an enjoyably light read with some deliciously descriptive food-writing. The romance isn’t for me but it would make the perfect beach read (if any of us were going on holiday!).
This is a readable, simply-written novella that on the surface follows all the familiar conventions of chick-lit: hopeful young woman, dastardly handsome man, breakdown of relationship and the subsequent journey of self-discovery as the heroine searches for the strength to move on. However what stops it from being just another chick-lit novel for me was its focus on two things: the alchemy of food to transform our emotions, and the influence of faith and spirituality. This infusion of mysticism and magic realism is, I think, unusual in this genre and possibly not for everyone, but it worked for me.
My favourite thing about this book (and this may or may not have something to do with the fact that I read it while fasting) are the sumptuous descriptions of food. Each chapter opens with a recipe for a dish that is also supposed to be a stimulant for positive emotions like love or happiness, or a cure for various emotional ailments such as sadness, anger, or guilt. The recipes have names like “Unpleasant-Cancelling Lentils” or “Love Me Forever Lamb”, and they also detail the flavours and textures of the dish, its “artistry” – the powers that make it work, and its purpose. The descriptions are sensuous and tantalising and for me were the most enjoyable part of the book, along with gems such as “garlic bread is the infant child of the muscular Adonis that is chilli chutney.” I quite agree!
The author takes you on a journey to another place and culture, which I enjoyed reading about, although I felt it was sometimes in danger of slipping into clichés painting the streets of Lahore as a rural backwater. For instance, “A man in dirtcoloured clothing stood behind a single wooden cart, piled impossibly high with fruit and vegetables. Behind him, a glass-eyed ox stood lazily eating scraps of mangled green and brown herbiage...” Sigh.
Where I felt a little more let down by the writing was in the unevenness of the characterisation. While Nana shines through as an eccentric, devoted tour de force with the added complexity of life experience and mistakes, everybody else is a little flat. Addy’s mother comes across as bitter and cold, Addy herself was a bit too self-absorbed and at times histrionic for my liking, and Jen feels like a spare part for much of the book. Without giving away spoilers, I felt that the characters’ motivations were not always convincingly or thoroughly explored enough.
I also had trouble with the “accept everything” mantra. The book opens with a quote by Nietzsche referring to amor fati; this philosophy clearly underpins the narrative, but I think Addy could have had more of a struggle to get to that point, as she appears to be quite passive and lets go of her grievances pretty much immediately. Part of the problem here is that Belitz appears to resort to telling instead of showing. For instance, “It was amazing to me how quickly a new environment, new people, a new country could change my outlook...” Her entire transformation is summed up in a sentence or two and I would have liked to have seen her encounters with the environment and the people a little more fleshed out before this statement.
Overall, this is an enjoyably light read with some deliciously descriptive food-writing. The romance isn’t for me but it would make the perfect beach read (if any of us were going on holiday!).
March 24, 2020
Cooking, for some, is a passion. For Addy, the young woman at the centre of this novel, who narrates it, cooking is what shapes a life, improves it, changes it for the better. It is not the food itself, although that is lovingly described, but the actual process of cooking, creating a meal that can have significance for all who share it. Throughout the book there are recipes for “Commitment Cake”, “Amorous Chilli Chocolate” and “Despair - Dissolving Mustard Spinach”, all written in a notebook kept by Addy from her earliest years. She has grown up with her Irish Catholic mother and her Pakinstani Muslim Nana, mixing her heritage and faith. Her father has left the family and returned to Lahore, where he has died. Addy has always had many mixed emotions about her background, but has always found that the process of cooking with her Nana has made things feel better. One day she makes a discovery that completely shakes her world and which cannot be made better by cooking a memorable meal. This is a book which combines cookery, choices and crisis to superb effect to create characters which really live, even when in a very different setting. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this novel which combines traditional ideas with modern choices to great effect.
Addy wants to cook, and much to everyone’s surprise is content to work in a small restaurant. Her friend Jen introduces her to Gabe, a Phd student who soon asks her to marry him, with all suitable ceremonies. Addy is blissfully happy and describes herself as such at a cookery course, so much that she admits “What a smug bitch I must have seemed”. There is a problem of fertility, but she and Gabe seem happy together. Then one day she makes a discovery that rocks her world, and she collapses into a state that is beyond even her Nana’s cookery. One day Jen volunteers to take her to Lahore, and with Nana in tow, they meet a whole new family in many degrees. As she explores a whole new world of food, colour and experiences, she is forced to readjust so many expectations and take in so much information. The stories and sites that she visits makes her question everything. The wonderful character of Nana dominates the Lahore experience that even when she makes outrageous suggestions and truths are revealed, she is still much loved.
This is a book which effortlessly combines the ancient and the contemporary, the old practices and beliefs, with the sort of choices that contemporary women must make. It talks knowledgeably about dual identity and its effects on a life, how it means that Addy only has one real friend in the form of Jen, and how Gabe is a dream man from the beginning. It is absolutely lyrical about cooking, and each section is headed with a list of ingredients and the taste, the artistry and the purpose of the meal proposed. The link is made with the effect it has on those who eat it in an almost magical way, and in some ways this is a most magical novel. I recommend it for those interested in traditional cookery and what it can mean in a life, as well as romance and the reality of other lifestyles.
Addy wants to cook, and much to everyone’s surprise is content to work in a small restaurant. Her friend Jen introduces her to Gabe, a Phd student who soon asks her to marry him, with all suitable ceremonies. Addy is blissfully happy and describes herself as such at a cookery course, so much that she admits “What a smug bitch I must have seemed”. There is a problem of fertility, but she and Gabe seem happy together. Then one day she makes a discovery that rocks her world, and she collapses into a state that is beyond even her Nana’s cookery. One day Jen volunteers to take her to Lahore, and with Nana in tow, they meet a whole new family in many degrees. As she explores a whole new world of food, colour and experiences, she is forced to readjust so many expectations and take in so much information. The stories and sites that she visits makes her question everything. The wonderful character of Nana dominates the Lahore experience that even when she makes outrageous suggestions and truths are revealed, she is still much loved.
This is a book which effortlessly combines the ancient and the contemporary, the old practices and beliefs, with the sort of choices that contemporary women must make. It talks knowledgeably about dual identity and its effects on a life, how it means that Addy only has one real friend in the form of Jen, and how Gabe is a dream man from the beginning. It is absolutely lyrical about cooking, and each section is headed with a list of ingredients and the taste, the artistry and the purpose of the meal proposed. The link is made with the effect it has on those who eat it in an almost magical way, and in some ways this is a most magical novel. I recommend it for those interested in traditional cookery and what it can mean in a life, as well as romance and the reality of other lifestyles.
March 24, 2020
For Addy Mayford, cooking is more than just a passion. It is a guide to life and a way to commemorate any occasion, good or bad.
Addy is happily married to PhD student, Gabe, until one day she makes a discovery that threatens to tear her whole world apart. As a distraction, her best friend Jen decides to take Addy on a trip to Lahore to meet her extended family in Pakistan. Waiting for her there is Addy's final acceptance of who she is, and a long-buried family secret that will change her life forever.
There is very little to dislike about Addy: she is relatable, unpretentious and grounded. Growing up with an Irish-Catholic mother and a Pakistani-Muslim Nana, Addy uses crossovers in faith and religious practices to navigate her dual heritage. I loved how Belitz included various cultural references in this book, such as in the historical sites Addy visits in Lahore and through allusions to Nana’s upbringing and the djinn. I also enjoyed how language was presented and the way Addy navigates this with her Western upbringing.
Above all, I loved how the mixed-race experience was not presented as a struggle or a matter of choosing sides, which is often the case in books featuring a mixed-race protagonist. At one point I was concerned that there wouldn’t be much space left to talk about Lahore but as the story developed, it became evident why it was so important to dedicate time to the narrative in England first. While England is Addy’s home and where she grew up, Lahore is where she gains an appreciation for life and seeks a new way of being. This book offers stunning descriptions of bustling city life in Lahore, which opens Addy up to a whole new world of food, colour and experiences.
Despite her complicated relationship with her mother, who disapproves of her ambition to become a chef, in many ways, cooking helps her Addy build relationships with other people. For instance, it is through cooking that she is able to bond with her Nana. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a new recipe for a dish that reflects the mood or events of the chapter and the majority of which have been inspired by dishes Nana has cooked for her. For Addy and Nana, food is for any occasion and we can see this through their recipe names: the ‘Commitment Cake’, ‘Unpleasantness-Cancelling Lentils’ and, my personal favourite, ‘Despair-Dissolving Mustard Spinach’.
There are too many features of this novel to comment on them all but I do think another major theme running through it is the power of female bonds. After all, a large focus in the book is on Addy’s relationship with her Nana. It also focuses on her friendship with Jen who is her main support network outside of her family. Yes, it is a romance novel, but trust me it’s a lot more than just ‘boy meets girl’.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of cooking or romance novels. The book was engaging, comforting and heartwarming - it was exactly what I needed to read during these uncertain times.
Addy is happily married to PhD student, Gabe, until one day she makes a discovery that threatens to tear her whole world apart. As a distraction, her best friend Jen decides to take Addy on a trip to Lahore to meet her extended family in Pakistan. Waiting for her there is Addy's final acceptance of who she is, and a long-buried family secret that will change her life forever.
There is very little to dislike about Addy: she is relatable, unpretentious and grounded. Growing up with an Irish-Catholic mother and a Pakistani-Muslim Nana, Addy uses crossovers in faith and religious practices to navigate her dual heritage. I loved how Belitz included various cultural references in this book, such as in the historical sites Addy visits in Lahore and through allusions to Nana’s upbringing and the djinn. I also enjoyed how language was presented and the way Addy navigates this with her Western upbringing.
Above all, I loved how the mixed-race experience was not presented as a struggle or a matter of choosing sides, which is often the case in books featuring a mixed-race protagonist. At one point I was concerned that there wouldn’t be much space left to talk about Lahore but as the story developed, it became evident why it was so important to dedicate time to the narrative in England first. While England is Addy’s home and where she grew up, Lahore is where she gains an appreciation for life and seeks a new way of being. This book offers stunning descriptions of bustling city life in Lahore, which opens Addy up to a whole new world of food, colour and experiences.
Despite her complicated relationship with her mother, who disapproves of her ambition to become a chef, in many ways, cooking helps her Addy build relationships with other people. For instance, it is through cooking that she is able to bond with her Nana. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a new recipe for a dish that reflects the mood or events of the chapter and the majority of which have been inspired by dishes Nana has cooked for her. For Addy and Nana, food is for any occasion and we can see this through their recipe names: the ‘Commitment Cake’, ‘Unpleasantness-Cancelling Lentils’ and, my personal favourite, ‘Despair-Dissolving Mustard Spinach’.
There are too many features of this novel to comment on them all but I do think another major theme running through it is the power of female bonds. After all, a large focus in the book is on Addy’s relationship with her Nana. It also focuses on her friendship with Jen who is her main support network outside of her family. Yes, it is a romance novel, but trust me it’s a lot more than just ‘boy meets girl’.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of cooking or romance novels. The book was engaging, comforting and heartwarming - it was exactly what I needed to read during these uncertain times.
April 13, 2020
It's during times like these that I am reminded of just how important reading is. When life is diffciult it can prove the perfect escape. There are times though when even the most ardent of readers find it difficult. I myself have struggled of late. The world is currently a scary place and our lives and routines have been quite simply turned upside down. For me this all came to a head when we lost our cat at the end of last week. He was a very splendid cat and it's only when you lose somethign that you realise how much colour and light they bring to the world. I was heartbroken and emotional and the last thing I felt like doing was reading. Now, I imagine you are wondering why I have started this way. Well I just want you to know how low I felt, so low that I didn't even want to escape into a book. But I had this blog tour coming and so I decided to try a few pages to see if I could rouse myself from my sadness and enjoy the story. And the wonder of Hina's beautiful storytelling reminded me that the best medicine for a broken heart is to pick up a book and disappear into it's world.
To Lahore, With Love is a beautifully written, richly layered, atmospheric and tantalising story that I found incredibly uplifting. The subjects of love, heartbreak, dual heritage and family secrets were combined into the most stunning recipe. Hina's writing working like an expert chef to bring the ingredients together creating a dish that is as memorable as it is enchanting. I adored Addy. She was funny, courageous and so full of heart that I couldn't help but fall in love with her and her unique family. She also has a love affair with food and there is so much in this story that reminds us of the importance of food. The memories it can conjure, the sense of home and comfort and where we come from. I've always had a bit of a weakness for any author who can write food well ever since I first fell in love with Chocolat by Joanne Harris. Hina ticks this box perfectly, the food coming alive so I could almost taste it. I can't wait to try some of the recipes too!
Addy is mixed race and brought up by a catholic mother and a muslim grandmother. Her father left when she was very young, something that she has never recovered from and like many young children blamed herself for. Now years later her husband has left too. The two men in life who she should have been able to rely on. So when her Nana suggest she returns to her families homeland of Lahore she decides to go. And so do we. Hina whisks us away to sights, sounds and smells of this rich vibrant place. In Lahore, Addy finds there are more secrets waiting for her but most importantly she finally finds her own acceptance of who she is.
This is a wonderful read. It has been an absolute tonic to read though and reminds me of just how precious authors such as Hina Belitz are, they help us find the rainbows when it rains.
To Lahore, With Love is a beautifully written, richly layered, atmospheric and tantalising story that I found incredibly uplifting. The subjects of love, heartbreak, dual heritage and family secrets were combined into the most stunning recipe. Hina's writing working like an expert chef to bring the ingredients together creating a dish that is as memorable as it is enchanting. I adored Addy. She was funny, courageous and so full of heart that I couldn't help but fall in love with her and her unique family. She also has a love affair with food and there is so much in this story that reminds us of the importance of food. The memories it can conjure, the sense of home and comfort and where we come from. I've always had a bit of a weakness for any author who can write food well ever since I first fell in love with Chocolat by Joanne Harris. Hina ticks this box perfectly, the food coming alive so I could almost taste it. I can't wait to try some of the recipes too!
Addy is mixed race and brought up by a catholic mother and a muslim grandmother. Her father left when she was very young, something that she has never recovered from and like many young children blamed herself for. Now years later her husband has left too. The two men in life who she should have been able to rely on. So when her Nana suggest she returns to her families homeland of Lahore she decides to go. And so do we. Hina whisks us away to sights, sounds and smells of this rich vibrant place. In Lahore, Addy finds there are more secrets waiting for her but most importantly she finally finds her own acceptance of who she is.
This is a wonderful read. It has been an absolute tonic to read though and reminds me of just how precious authors such as Hina Belitz are, they help us find the rainbows when it rains.
October 9, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐
This is a heartwarming story of three generations of women dealing with life as it is. The youngest of them Addy is of mixed lineage Irish (Catholic) from her mother's side and Pakistani (Muslim) from her father's side. Although these women have been unlucky in love and marriage yet they know how to make the most of their situations.
Addy being born in London having mixed roots has always been frowned upon, she didn't belong anywhere, so kept trying to find herself instead because she is neither Asian, Black, White nor English.
After catching her husband red-handed in their bed Addy breaks down, to uplift her mood and to take a break her Nana (paternal grandmother) plans a trip taking Addy with her to Lahore, her hometown in Pakistan. Addy reminisces about the one time she came to Pakistan when she was young, how her dad used to take her places and play with her.
Addy's Nana is a firm believer of higher powers as she is a woman of faith and teaches Addy everything about their Faith. She also tells her about the place where all the wishes are fulfilled. When Addy visits Lahore, some secrets belonging to her past and her family come to light, initially she shatters but eventually she begins to heal and somehow her perspective of life changes.
The best part of the book is that Food is the major driving force. Addy loves to cook, she wants to be a chef, she got her love for cooking from her Nana who has a recipe for every situation in life. Food is the one thing which can fix everything and even mends the broken heart. The storytelling is unique as there are lots of recipes for life and situations to deal with as it is that too with a pinch of magical realism.
PS: It's a cute and cosy read for this season. For the foodies you should check out the recipes and since the characters have south asian roots, it is always a treat to read about our culture.
QOTD: ‘Nothing that hits you was ever going to miss you. Nothing that misses you was ever going to hit you.’
This is a heartwarming story of three generations of women dealing with life as it is. The youngest of them Addy is of mixed lineage Irish (Catholic) from her mother's side and Pakistani (Muslim) from her father's side. Although these women have been unlucky in love and marriage yet they know how to make the most of their situations.
Addy being born in London having mixed roots has always been frowned upon, she didn't belong anywhere, so kept trying to find herself instead because she is neither Asian, Black, White nor English.
After catching her husband red-handed in their bed Addy breaks down, to uplift her mood and to take a break her Nana (paternal grandmother) plans a trip taking Addy with her to Lahore, her hometown in Pakistan. Addy reminisces about the one time she came to Pakistan when she was young, how her dad used to take her places and play with her.
Addy's Nana is a firm believer of higher powers as she is a woman of faith and teaches Addy everything about their Faith. She also tells her about the place where all the wishes are fulfilled. When Addy visits Lahore, some secrets belonging to her past and her family come to light, initially she shatters but eventually she begins to heal and somehow her perspective of life changes.
The best part of the book is that Food is the major driving force. Addy loves to cook, she wants to be a chef, she got her love for cooking from her Nana who has a recipe for every situation in life. Food is the one thing which can fix everything and even mends the broken heart. The storytelling is unique as there are lots of recipes for life and situations to deal with as it is that too with a pinch of magical realism.
PS: It's a cute and cosy read for this season. For the foodies you should check out the recipes and since the characters have south asian roots, it is always a treat to read about our culture.
QOTD: ‘Nothing that hits you was ever going to miss you. Nothing that misses you was ever going to hit you.’
March 21, 2020
I loved the emotion that emanated from this story. You can feel it in every word and especially in every recipe. Addy is a young woman who has her feet in two worlds at the same time. She balances the boundaries between the two, and often has to deal with the racism that comes with one part of her identity and heritage.
The concept of food or recipes dropped intermittently into a story isn't a new one per se, however the way this author does it makes it an integral part of the dialogue and tale. The food is the way Addy communicates with her internal and external worlds. Each problem or situation has a culinary explosion of the senses as a solution.
Each interaction with her Nana is embedded with the richness of prayer, faith and the magic of food. Something she falls back on when her marriage falls apart. Lost in depression and desperate for her old life she travels to the homeland of her father to gain some perspective.
It's a contemporary cultural read - a story about identity and family. It has an Eat, Love, Pray vibe but without the sanctimony of white privilege. Instead it's a culturally rich story about a woman who lives in two worlds with a part of her soul in each. When she steps from her everyday life into her Nana's world of Lahore everything she knows to be true is suddenly thrown into disarray.
Belitz infuses this story with such an incredibly strong feeling of love, not just a love of food, but with love in general. It truly is one of those reads you walk away from with something tucked away forever in the back of your mind. Belitz is an amazingly insightful writer, who has filled this book with a part of her own soul. It's a beautifully crafted cultural read about magic, food and family.
*I received a courtesy copy*
The concept of food or recipes dropped intermittently into a story isn't a new one per se, however the way this author does it makes it an integral part of the dialogue and tale. The food is the way Addy communicates with her internal and external worlds. Each problem or situation has a culinary explosion of the senses as a solution.
Each interaction with her Nana is embedded with the richness of prayer, faith and the magic of food. Something she falls back on when her marriage falls apart. Lost in depression and desperate for her old life she travels to the homeland of her father to gain some perspective.
It's a contemporary cultural read - a story about identity and family. It has an Eat, Love, Pray vibe but without the sanctimony of white privilege. Instead it's a culturally rich story about a woman who lives in two worlds with a part of her soul in each. When she steps from her everyday life into her Nana's world of Lahore everything she knows to be true is suddenly thrown into disarray.
Belitz infuses this story with such an incredibly strong feeling of love, not just a love of food, but with love in general. It truly is one of those reads you walk away from with something tucked away forever in the back of your mind. Belitz is an amazingly insightful writer, who has filled this book with a part of her own soul. It's a beautifully crafted cultural read about magic, food and family.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 28, 2020
Addy Mayford is from two worlds; raised by an Irish mother and Pakistani Nana in London, she has always struggled with her identity. Her upbringing has been filled with love, food, and stories, but there has always been the shadow of her father’s death when Addy was a child. At twenty-five, everything in Addy’s life seems to be going fine; with the support of her loving husband Gabe, she dreams of becoming a chef. No matter what problems Addy faces, there’s always a recipe from her book that will make everything ok, as if my magic. But when Addy discovers a secret that turns her life upside down, she agrees to go with Nana to her father’s home city. Amid the colours and flavours of Lahore, Addy discovers what she really wants in life and accepts all that she is.
I really enjoyed this wonderful coming-of-age story. It’s a light, easy, uplifting read. Addy, while a little naïve, is a likeable character and I enjoyed her journey. My favourite character is Nana, who is quirky and full of spirit. The first part of the story is about Addy’s life in London and it was interesting to read about Addy’s mixed heritage and the importance of food and storytelling in her upbringing. The story really comes alive when Addy travels to Lahore. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the bustling, sweltering, colourful city. Some of my favourite parts were Addy and Nana’s mouth-watering recipes with a hint of magic.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys uplifting stories full of food and love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Review for the opportunity to read and review this title.
I really enjoyed this wonderful coming-of-age story. It’s a light, easy, uplifting read. Addy, while a little naïve, is a likeable character and I enjoyed her journey. My favourite character is Nana, who is quirky and full of spirit. The first part of the story is about Addy’s life in London and it was interesting to read about Addy’s mixed heritage and the importance of food and storytelling in her upbringing. The story really comes alive when Addy travels to Lahore. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the bustling, sweltering, colourful city. Some of my favourite parts were Addy and Nana’s mouth-watering recipes with a hint of magic.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys uplifting stories full of food and love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Review for the opportunity to read and review this title.
November 7, 2022
Addy Mayford has always struggled with her identity - brought up in a household of stories, food and faith by her Irish mother and Pakistani nani. Addy finds out that her husband Gabe is cheating on her and her world is crumbling down. Her loved one's suggest her to visit her yet unknown family in Lahore.
I really enjoyed this book because it is a easy and comfortable read. Also, I particularly loved the relationship between the grandmother and the grand daughter and it seemed so honest and beautiful. They both had a passion for cooking and every dish mentioned in this book had a deeper meaning and purpose, it was food for my soul.
"He assumed I was just a Londoner, darker than most and a bit mysterious, but a Londoner nevertheless. I blame the objectifiers. When some people come to know of my heritage, I become, as if by magic, an amalgamation of the few distinct parts representing their idea of a 'Muslim'. [..] Red: arranged marriage (Really, I don't know how you do that!); blue: honour killing and oppression (I saw the Malala documentary, y'know. So sad all the men from your culture want to kill you.); green: chastity (So you don't do it before marriage, eh! Really?); yellow: headscarves (Shouldn't you be wearing one? /How come you've got to cover your head? [..] I wasn't going to let myself be boxed and categorisrf because all the labels were wrong and no amount of displaying my subtle, varied self would convince them I was so much more than this combination they wanted to thrust upon me."
I really enjoyed this book because it is a easy and comfortable read. Also, I particularly loved the relationship between the grandmother and the grand daughter and it seemed so honest and beautiful. They both had a passion for cooking and every dish mentioned in this book had a deeper meaning and purpose, it was food for my soul.
"He assumed I was just a Londoner, darker than most and a bit mysterious, but a Londoner nevertheless. I blame the objectifiers. When some people come to know of my heritage, I become, as if by magic, an amalgamation of the few distinct parts representing their idea of a 'Muslim'. [..] Red: arranged marriage (Really, I don't know how you do that!); blue: honour killing and oppression (I saw the Malala documentary, y'know. So sad all the men from your culture want to kill you.); green: chastity (So you don't do it before marriage, eh! Really?); yellow: headscarves (Shouldn't you be wearing one? /How come you've got to cover your head? [..] I wasn't going to let myself be boxed and categorisrf because all the labels were wrong and no amount of displaying my subtle, varied self would convince them I was so much more than this combination they wanted to thrust upon me."
August 8, 2020
Addy Mayford , living in London along with her Muslim Nana and Irish mom is always confused between her identity . After her father left Audrey is taken into care of her Nana whole time. She tells her tales of Lahore Pakistan where she lived , along with giving her the magic of taste. Addy developed the art of cooking , every dish was named after emotions moods . This was an interesting part of the book.
So then Addy grew up with her bestfriend Jen , after getting married she went through infertility issues which lead to the cheating of her husband Gabe. So now Addy sensed being cheated her husband suddenly leaves her . Undergoing depression, one day Addy is forced to visit Lahore with her grandmother and her bestfriend .
But as Addy enters Lahore , slowly and gradually two of the secrets open up to her which may shatter her heart even worse . Well these secrets are on her cheater husband and her father who abandoned her when she slowly meets the Lahore life .
This book opened up Lahore really beautifully, and since I love reading more about Lahore , I adore this book more . It also gives the outline of Muslim culture and religion, the life in Pakistan , the beliefs in evil spirits , and much more . Every chapter is title by a food dish which makes you laugh .
Its not funny but it’s realistic, its something we need to know that every pain showers happiness too , that what ever happens is what God wills .
So then Addy grew up with her bestfriend Jen , after getting married she went through infertility issues which lead to the cheating of her husband Gabe. So now Addy sensed being cheated her husband suddenly leaves her . Undergoing depression, one day Addy is forced to visit Lahore with her grandmother and her bestfriend .
But as Addy enters Lahore , slowly and gradually two of the secrets open up to her which may shatter her heart even worse . Well these secrets are on her cheater husband and her father who abandoned her when she slowly meets the Lahore life .
This book opened up Lahore really beautifully, and since I love reading more about Lahore , I adore this book more . It also gives the outline of Muslim culture and religion, the life in Pakistan , the beliefs in evil spirits , and much more . Every chapter is title by a food dish which makes you laugh .
Its not funny but it’s realistic, its something we need to know that every pain showers happiness too , that what ever happens is what God wills .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
I picked up this book because I wanted a pallette cleanse after reading a few heavier historical fictions. It is short and full of lush descriptions of food. This is the story of Addy, a young mixed race woman, as she navigates her complex identity. Raised by her Irish mother and Pakistani grandmother. It deals with grief on a couple of levels - loss of a loved one and mourning the break down of an important relationship. I wasn't entirely sure how old she is meant to be but I believe at one point they say 20.
I have some mixed feelings about this novel. The women kinda sucked? Like sure her Grandma isn't horrible but she doesn't always listen to Addy (. There wasn't very much support between them. .
The love story wasn't offensive. The line between infidelity is walked a bit. I would say, however, that this is predominantly a coming of age story.
It was a very quick read (the audiobook was less than 6 hours) but I can't say the details have stuck with me well. It was interesting and worth a listen if you love food, descriptions of food and the idea of food's magical, influential, qualities.
I have some mixed feelings about this novel. The women kinda sucked? Like sure her Grandma isn't horrible but she doesn't always listen to Addy (. There wasn't very much support between them. .
The love story wasn't offensive. The line between infidelity is walked a bit. I would say, however, that this is predominantly a coming of age story.
It was a very quick read (the audiobook was less than 6 hours) but I can't say the details have stuck with me well. It was interesting and worth a listen if you love food, descriptions of food and the idea of food's magical, influential, qualities.
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