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Diana Abu-Jaber

The Language of Baklava: A Memoir

"The Language of Baklava: A Memoir" by Diana Abu-Jaber is a captivating and richly detailed exploration of food, family, and identity. The memoir weaves together stories of the author's experiences growing up as a Palestinian-American, and her relationship with her large, extended family, who are spread across the United States and the Middle East. Abu-Jaber's writing is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the kitchens and dining tables where her family gathers to cook and share meals. She describes the process of making traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as baklava and maqluba, with a sense of reverence and nostalgia, using these culinary traditions as a way to connect with her cultural heritage. At its core, "The Language of Baklava" is a story about the power of food to bring people together and to preserve cultural traditions. Abu-Jaber uses her family's love of cooking and eating as a lens through which to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of growing up between two cultures. The memoir also touches on more serious themes, such as the challenges of navigating cultural differences and the impact of political events on families and communities. Abu-Jaber writes about her experiences visiting her family in Jordan during the Gulf War, and the fear and uncertainty that accompanied that time. Overall, "The Language of Baklava" is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that will appeal to readers who enjoy food writing, memoirs about family and cultural identity, and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Abu-Jaber's story is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the power of food to bring people together, even in the face of adversity...