The Jackfruit Chronicles: Memories and Recipes from a British-Bangladeshi Kitchen

(Hardback)

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The Jackfruit Chronicles is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the stunning flavours and captivating history of Bengali food while giving a voice to those individuals who introduced this cuisine to the United Kingdom.

Beginning with the arrival of Shahnazs grandfather, Habib, in Manchester in the 1950s, this memoir not only focuses on the author's family story but also the broader narrative of the Bangladeshi diaspora, their struggles and their quest for a better life in Britain.

Among the cultural divides and misunderstandings that affected the generations before her, Shahnaz beautifully weaves together her family's recipes and cherished memories, including dishes like sour tomato broth, jackfruit kofta curry, lentil fritters, fish with clementine peels, and much more.

Interspersed with stories and exciting recipes, The Jackfruit Chronicles is a heartfelt love letter to family, food and Bangladesh.

Reviews

'An important and overdue story of a community served with a side helping of delicious and precious family memories. I devoured it.' Mallika Basu

'So much more than a cookbook, The Jackfruit Chronicles is balm for the soul: a heartwarming story told with love, compassion and a host of gorgeous recipes.' Orlando Murrin

Shahnaz writes beautifully about food Dina Begum

A thoroughly enjoyable, inspiring and uplifting read. It made me deeply nostalgic about significant dishes in my own life Sejal Sukhadwala

'It's an intimate, touching and fascinating story of a family's resilience and adaptability Threaded through the family history the sorrows, joys, upheavals is food, the great connector to place and people An evocative, thought-provoking and deeply appetising read.' Jenny Linford

'A vital read to not only understand a South Asian diaspora identity, but also what it means to be British wonderful storytelling that keeps you engaged and glued to the page, dotted with recipes that entice you further into the story full of humour, fun and love.' Anna Sulan Masing

'My favourite type of cookbook is the culinary memoir, where each recipe is given life and colour and love. Shahnazs may be the best I have ever read.' MiMi Aye

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PRAISE FOR SHAHNAZ AHSANS PREVIOUS WORK

A wonderful, enriching read: epic, engaging, insightful and honest Observer New Review

A story of quiet striving and determination, of love and friendship Guardian

A personal migrant experience told with beauty and insight Stylist

Author Bio

Shahnaz Ahsan is an author, columnist and award-winning food writer. Her debut novel Hashim & Family was an Observer Best Book and was shortlisted for the Guardian Not the Booker Prize. Her articles and recipes have appeared in national daily newspapers and magazines, and have won grants from the Society of Authors and the Guild of Food Writers. Born and raised in West Yorkshire, Shahnaz is of British-Bangladeshi heritage, and has also lived in the USA, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.