Literary Corner - Latest Book Reviews

I have been sent the following books to review:-

Mountain Berries & Desert Spice by Sumayya Usmani (published by Frances Lincoln - Quarto Group)

I met Sumayya a couple of times before she had produced her first book 'Summers Under the Tamarind Tree'.  She was also a member of a Facebook group that I belong to and it was evident from her postings how dedicated she was to her recipes from her Pakistani background and her family.

We all have our favourite savoury recipes from our local Indian/Pakistani restaurants but we hardly ever order dessert.  Sumayya's recipes are all about the sweet traditions of her beloved homeland. She recounts to waking to mouthwatering spices and unusual puddings such as 'Shakarkandi di kheer' or Sweet potato pudding with rice flour and spices.

The photos in the book are truly beautiful and evocative of an other world where spices and rose petals rule.

Mountain Berries & Desert Spice is Sumayya's second book and the RRP is £20.00.

Saffron Soul by Mira Manek (published by Jacqui Small - Quarto Group)

This book is about healthy vegetarian heritage recipes from India.  For me the word 'heritage' is so important as many of our traditional foods, cultures and skills are being lost due to the busy lives of everyone and with time so precious shortcuts are becoming so popular.

Mira Manek has been inspired by recipes her mother and grandmother cooked for her as she was growing up.  The photos are captivating and this one with the older woman patting out her bread really brings that sense of heritage to life.  You can sense the love, skill this woman is putting into her food.

The recipes inside are wonderful sounding dishes like Beetroot & Coconut Curry, Chilli Kick Grain Bowl and the simple but traditional Gujarati dal served simply over rice and with a spicy poppadom.

This book will be one of those you keep in the kitchen and constantly refer to for main meals and quick suppers.

The Excursionist - A Novel by J.D.Sumner (published by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc)

This book is a satirical novel about a newly single guy who wants to become a member of the Traveler's Century Club before his upcoming landmark birthday.  I thought as it was a novel about travel that I would take it with me on holiday.

I must admit that I found it hard to get into and being lured into the Caribbean Sea I have put this book aside to read later.

I was sent these books to review and was not paid to write a positive review.  All opinions and photos are my own and may not be reproduced in any form without my written permission.