At times horrific, sometimes sad and occasionally even funny, Anya's memoir is historically significant, though I was left somewhat confused, due to the held fantasy of an ideal socialism which never panned out. Russia's successive dictators led their country in a vast experiment, attempting to manipulate society, without regard for human nature, leaving former moral codes and God behind; those controlling powers having deemed religion "the opiate of the people." Von Bremzen seems in the end, to have a surprisingly retained, lingering nostalgia for this failed socialist dream, looking down on Putin and Capitalism. She at least has an excuse, having spent years of indoctrinated schooling in her home country. Here in America it's astonishing how many seem to believe we should travel down that same path. That it might work? A scary thought. This book should be required reading for Social Studies, Political Science or maybe Cultural Anthropology. Definitely lots of food for thought here.
Anya held a secret fixation with Lenin, despite her mother's anti-Soviet hatred of all he stood for. However as a child she considered herself a "Mature Socialist." That whole story is the funniest bit in her memoir. At the age of 9-10 years old, a "proper black marketeer" she is bartering bits of Juicy Fruit gum and M&M's for money, services and favors, and eating at a nice restaurant from her proceeds, instead of attending a "silly ballet" class. She wasn't actually in favor of emigrating, but did agree to it out of love for her mother.
There was so much I would like to try as far as food, especially the Kulebiaka and the Georgian Walnut-sauced Chicken, but will save those special occasion dishes for when we have more people at our table. What I did settle on was the Soviet style Potato Salad, Salat Olivier. Though just substituting our own breadfruit - very potato-like, for the potatoes, celery instead of cucumber, and added some radish. Also left out the apple, as that was not traditional anyway, but an addition by Anya's mother.
The events she recounts are indeed horrific and on a scale that are hard to grasp. As you say, complete disregard for the value of human life, which is a hallmark of all dictatorships, here magnified by the sheer size of the country and its people. I'd love to taste your Salat Olivier made with breadfruit! Thank you so much for your contribution to this edition of Cook the Books :)
ReplyDeleteI had similar feelings about the book--not just the Russian words but all of the names and then the different nicknames on top of that made especially the first half drier and harder to get through for me.
ReplyDeleteI love that you made the Salat Oliver with breadfruit. I definitely need to try it. ;-)
I thought seriously about tracking down that walnut chicken, too. As you say, "For another time." I was a bit perplexed about her deep nostalgia for such a horrific dictatorship. I'm sure her idolization of Lenin was meant ironically, but still...
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a difficult book from start to finish but it did offer some great food inspiration and the recipe I used for the Borshch was amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting read! I love books like this and traditional recipes, particularly with additions made by family members- sounds fun but sobering.
ReplyDeleteI so love you post, I am glad I was not alone in dwelving more into the political aspects of it in writing! For sure the book could use some tweaks too but it was great. I also adored the bit about the bartering bits of Juicy Fruit gum and M&M :-) Yeah that walnut chicken sounds amazing, I have had similar in Persian restaurants I wonder if it is the dame. And I came so close to making this salat olivier...looks so awesome.
ReplyDeleteYes, we forget that old axiom: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'
ReplyDeleteHere in DE we eat potato salad with boiled dressing -- my mom in law made all the time
ReplyDeleteI tried to read this but just couldn't get into it. Interesting premise but something was off for me. Cheers
ReplyDeleteI love your photo of the potato salad. We live in a Russian community and I see that exact looking salad in the restaurants and deli's .. The book sounds interesting, It is always fascinating to me to read about life in other parts of the world-
ReplyDeleteHOw frustrating that not all the terms were translated. Still, I'd be curious about the recipes. My grandfather was born in Russia; but because he escaped during the revolution, I'm sure the dishes I ate as a child were not the same as those in this book.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this book, I enjoyed your review.
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