Weird and Wild Books About Food

Wacky and wonderful (and often very dark) at the same time.

Image by Crystal and Midjourney. Also, I want that sweater.

I’m currently working on a novel that has barely any food in it, which is a swerve for me. All of my previous stories have had some form of culinary theme to them. I gravitated toward food for a few reasons—because I had discovered interesting culinary figures in history, but also because food is such a central part of our lives, which makes it a rich way to create all sorts of narratives around the way we nourish (or don’t nourish) our bodies and souls.

I’ve been thinking a lot about a certain book I read earlier this year, The Thick and the Lean by Chana Porter, and how she turns the society of her novel upside down from what we know. Food is everything to her characters, but not exactly in the way one might expect. I have been ruminating about the way she subverted culture to create drama. Her world-building is exquisite, and I find myself extra inspired.

So that brings me to another installment of my recommended books about food. This time I’m focusing on the weird, the unusual, and the ways that food can be used to nourish, demonstrate power, impress, and to manipulate.

The Thick and the Lean, Chana Porter

A stunning, original dystopian fantasy that dives deep into the world of haves and have-nots where food, sex (and there is a lot of it, so if you are prudish, steer clear), and religion are as much a character as Beatrice and Reiko. The premise is utterly unique, but even in a world where morals are flipped on their head, humans still want the same things--love, friendship, respect, and freedom. The book doesn't wrap up nicely, just like life rarely wraps up in ways we would prefer. The characters are always, like we are in life, grappling with their choices, making difficult decisions, and forging forward. Sometimes those decisions have harsh consequences, but sometimes, just like in life, those harsh consequences might leave us better off than where we started. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book in all its discomfort, loving the strong female leads, and oh! all the food! The only thing missing, in my mind, is the companion cookbook that expands upon the myriad of flavors on the page.

The Debt To Pleasure – John Lanchester

The Debt to Pleasure is a captivating blend of gastronomy, mystery, and dark humor. Tarquin Winot is a snobby, condescending (but extraordinarily entertaining) gourmand with a taste for the macabre. As he journeys from Portsmouth to his house in Provence, Tarquin serves up tales of his life, each one more tantalizing and chilling than the last. Lanchester's debut novel is a testament to his writing prowess, with a narrative style that is both rich and engaging. This book is a masterful demonstration of superior writing craft, and for me, I found profound joy in diving into the prose, as well as all the good food. Each word is a flavor, creating a rich casserole of storytelling that leaves you satiated yet craving for more. The Debt to Pleasure is a must-read journey through the seasons of Tarquin's life and a step into the labyrinth of his mind.

Cooking With Fernet Branca, James Hamilton-Paterson

A deliciously absurd parody of the Italian food/holiday/romance novels that saturated the market in the 90s and 00s, Cooking With Fernet Branca feels as wine-soaked as its cover. It revolves around Gerald Samper, a finicky British ghostwriter, and Marta, a bohemian composer from a chaotic Eastern European nation. Striving for tranquility on a Tuscan mountaintop, both become unlikely neighbors and end up as unreliable narrators of this high-spirited story. Their peculiar dynamic is beautifully captured with sharp wit and farcical misunderstandings.

Gerald, a pompous gourmet, concocts the most outrageous recipes, including Garlic and Fernet Branca Ice Cream, and Alien Pie, which features smoked cat, flavored with Fernet Branca and a single drop of kerosene and garnished with a buzzard feather. These bizarre dishes punctuate the novel, mirroring the eccentricity of the plot, which is a whirlwind of comic misadventures, complete with unexpected visits from gangster siblings, helicopters, and pop stars believing in UFOs.

Marta, running from her complicated past, brings her distinctive tone and perspective to the narrative, offering a delightful contrast to Gerald's pretentiousness. The real humor springs from their mutual misperceptions, amplified by copious amounts of Fernet Branca. This cocktail of misunderstandings and eccentricities makes Cooking with Fernet Branca a unique literary experience - an opera buffa of modern manners. The book is a joyous reminder that our human foibles can sometimes be the most appetizing recipe for comedy.

Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet, Charlie Holmberg

I devoured this book by Charlie Holmberg. The narrative follows Maire, a magical baker with the extraordinary ability to infuse her delicacies with emotional qualities. Despite her enchanting skills, Maire is plagued by a forgotten past and an uncertain future. Her peaceful existence is shattered when marauders capture her, selling her into the abusive service of a man named Allemas, who decides to make use of her abilities. At the same time, Maire is frequently visited by Fyel, a spectral entity linked mysteriously to her past. As her journey unfolds, Maire uncovers the fabric of her identity, wading through layers of cosmic repercussions resulting from long-forgotten choices.

Throughout the narrative, Holmberg masterfully entwines elements of Greek mythology, biblical narratives, and beloved fairy tales, crafting a story that echoes the weight of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein juxtaposed against the frivolity of Alice in Wonderland. Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet is a novel full of delicious and sometimes dangerous food, and if you are like me, you won’t be able to put it down.

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What’s Bringing Me Joy This Week:

• My friend, Cathy Elcik, who writes (and inspires other writers) over at the excellent substack Hibou, suggested author Jeff Vandermeer’s Wonderbook, which is a truly gorgeous and inspiring manual for developing imaginative fiction. It really is a joy to sit down and peruse. Bonus—it has fantastic advice for any writer, whether you are at the beginning of your project or trying to find your way through it.

  

• Forgotify, which helps you discover songs on Spotify that have never been played before. I mean, where else would you be able to hear gems like Raining Guitars? Alas, I’ve now listened to it (and rather wish I hadn’t), so it won’t be served up to you.

• If you like cozy, casual games, then this is the site for you, Wholesome Games.

• Also, I recently learned that people who consume more ice cream have a lower incidence of diabetes. 🤔🎉🍨

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Thanks for Joining Me

If you love food and love Italy, and haven’t read THE CHEF’S SECRET or FEAST OF SORROW, click the links to learn where to buy your copy! 🍒🍗🍷

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