The Saffron Kitchen

By Yasmin Crowther

Book Overview

In a powerful debut novel that moves between the crowded streets of London and the desolate mountains of Iran, Yasmin Crowther paints a stirring portrait of a family shaken by events from decades ago and worlds away. On a rainy day in London the dark secrets and troubled past of Maryam Mazar surface violently, with tragic consequences for her daughter, Sara, and her newly orphaned nephew. Maryam leaves her English husband and family and returns to the remote Iranian village where her story began. In a quest to piece their life back together, Sara follows her mother and finally learns the terrible price Maryam once had to pay for her freedom, and of the love she left behind. Set against the breathtaking beauty of two very different places, this stunning family drama transcends culture and is, at its core, a rich and haunting narrative about mothers and daughters.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143112740
• ISBN13: 9780143112747
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Saffron Kitchen review

I loved this book. I found the characters very interesting. You found yourself caring about them. After reading about the mother's past I could understand her decisions, but felt sadness for her and her family. The relationship between the mother and daughter (which is central to the story) was filled with love, anger and sadness, but was strong enough to withstand the decision the mother made at the end. This book gives you insight into the culture of the Iranian people, a culture that did not give it's women a voice or freedom to be their own person and was not very tolerant of those that fought against the rules. This is also a story that illustrates that you cannot run away from your past and for some individuals, it is necessary to face the past to understand who you are or have become presently.

A Masterful Story Teller

I adored this story. Clearly, Crowther is a masterful story teller. I enjoyed the development of her vivid characters and her love of language. As I was reading this book I had a deep appreciation of how well sentances were crafted, so deliberately and selectively. In many ways I was enraptured with this story as I was with Kite Runner. This is a multilayered story infused with heart, sadness and hope. I would highly recommend it. My thanks to the author for a touching, lasting read that I will gladly recommend to others.

Romantic and realistic

I found this immigrant story very satisfying. Being the grandson of immigrants I had marvelled at my grandparent's dual lives. This novel tells the story of an immigrant who never can fully assimulate into London's society. Maryam (the heroine of the story) has fought for the right to make choices her whole life. This fight has not been without consequences, some dire. Now Maryam must chose between East and West, her living family and her dying heritage. A very difficult choice, one that will cause heartache no matter what. The story is a beautiful reminder that East and West, while different culturally, are both peopled by real human beings, with similar hopes and fears.

Great Book

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a great Love story and also shows human tragedy. It is an interesting insight in another culture. The characters seem alive. It is too bad her mother did not get back sooner to Ali. He seems very loveable. Thank you Yasmin! from Christine

Great Read

One of the best books I've read in ages. Kudos to Yasmin Crowther!!