Review of book American Cookery by Laura Kalpakian
I just finished reading this book tonight and I absolutely had to come and tell you about it. When I first picked it up in the new book section of the library, I almost didn’t check it out. I thought it might be boring. Boy howdy was I wrong, and I am glad I changed my mind about taking it home.
It is hard to explain the power Laura Kalpakian has over her reader. I became instantly engrossed in this book, and for me that is saying a lot. It is the story of an American family, their trials and tribulations starting back in the early 1900s and moving forward through the mid 70s. You can do nothing but smile as you reach the end of each chapter and find marvelous recipes that were mentioned in the previous chapter and a snapshot of things to come.
The main character I related to so strongly. Eden Douglass is an independent but sensitive woman who was raised Mormon, but who’s father and mother were starry eyed dreamers. Life is hard for Eden, but you won’t hear her complain. She becomes a WAC in WWII and meets the love of her life, American soldier Logan Smith. Though married, Logan swears his undying devotion for Eden and promises that as soon the war is over he is divorcing his wife and marrying her. But when Eden gets home, there is never a word from her lover.
For years, Eden is devastated as her strict Mormon aunt Afton parades suitor after suitor in front of her, suitable Latter Day Saint bachelors that Eden has no interest in. But just when Eden has given up on love, along comes Matt Marsh, a good looking cowboy, but a dreamer much like her parents. The two marry and have three children, who are raised on a movie set where Matt makes Westerns. I won’t divulge the ending, but let’s just say that Karma is real. This book is a must read.
