Delicious evocations of Indian dishes literally spice the book; food is a way of life for Nalini and the means by which she survives and achieves happiness when transplanted from Kerala to England. Food also has a language and meaning of its own.
Extract
Just the right amount of cumin to stimulate appetite for life, a cinnamon quill to bring spice or action into stagnant phases of life, lemon juice to diffuse an argument, chilli to relieve pain and turmeric to heal the heart. Freshly picked coriander leaves tempered bad humour and gave a sense of clarity, fiery peppered rasam warmed the soul, and grated coconut added to many dishes soothed and comforted.
