As the title forewarns, Cuisines of the Axis of Evil is a cookbook with much more than a gastronomic mission on its mind. So in the event that you'd like to learn how to cook a traditional Persian meal, but have no interest in the geopolitical past and present of Iran, move quickly along. If, on the other hand, you're a Liberal American (the capital L is no mistake) who likes to explore food and the reasons behind why our world is in such a damnable bad state these days, your only problem may be deciding whether to buy this book for your cookbook shelf or as an addition to your 'world polemics' series. Just buy two copies - you won't be sorry.Chris Fair, the author of this catalogue of cuisine and perfidy, is an academic - a think tanker who has broken the mold to use her at times loquacious but often effective voice to talk freely about subjects she knows and cares lots about. There's no shortage of geopolitical and historical roughage here and while bald finger pointing exercises cover the
pages, Fair backs up each one with impeccably well researched references, all listed in the notes section at the back of the book. Chris also has a conscience about the food; each dish is explained in loving detail; flexibility with ingredients trumps hard and fast rules, and we're even offered a 'where to shop' section for each Axis delicacy.
I liked this book so much I was thinking of including it on my gift lis
t for the holidays this year but realized that I'd better know my friends very, very well before sending them a copy. My Indian friends might be offended by the characterization of their country; center-to-right leaning Israeli or Jewish buddies would certainly stop taking my calls; and my European friends might wonder if I've lived in the US too long to appreciate that what's written for a US audience might not be as compelling for citizens of non-superpowers. "There is life beyond the pale!" I already hear them yell in frustration.As for Americans who are not liberal minded, forget this book if you want to remain on speaking terms with them. Fair doles out harsh criticism of US foreign policy throughout the book but builds to a climax in the US 'Great Satan BBQ' chapter. She paraphrases Bin Laden in the chapter title and acknowledges more than once that he makes some good points in his video missals. For the liberals among us Chris Fair is a voice of truth and of reason but you can guarantee the religious right would thrill to see her and her fans burn in the foodless ovens of hell forever.
Order this book in Imagine Atrium's online store or from your local bookstore at Indiebound.org
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