If I’m honest, I was pretty underwhelmed by this and was expecting more. The chapter seemed repetitive and more of generalizations, rather than the depth that I was hoping for. I recommend that readers look for the title Bottom of the Pot instead, that is a lovely cookbook that blends, Iranian stories and culture.

An interesting book about about persian cuisine and spices, giving a nice insight into the history and culture. However, whilst each paragraph is written well, the way the book comes together makes it feel very much like it was built on bullet points as it does not flow very well into a consistent story. Additionally, it would be much nicer having the recipes intertwined in the book, rather than presented at the end.

I must admit I was under the impression that this book would contain a steady mix of poems and recipes, so I was a bit disappointed to find mostly information and history and then some recipes. The recipes all sound delicious and I’m eager to try them, but overall I expected the book to be different.

I started this book but expected more food and recipes to be interspersed. Sadly it was not for me but beautifully written

Saffron & Stories is a delectable blend of culinary exploration and poetic enchantment that left me craving more. P.T. Rautanen's passion for Persian culture shines through every page as he expertly weaves together mouthwatering recipes with poignant poetry. From the savory kebabs to the fragrant saffron-infused rice, each dish is a celebration of tradition and heritage. What is really great about this book is its ability to transport readers beyond the kitchen and into the heart of Iran, where flavors and verses intertwine to create a sensory experience like no other.

A beautiful book narrating the history and culture of Persian food. The history and illustrations are fascinating and beautiful. There are also achievable recipes to try at the back of the book. A lovely lyrical cultural exploration.

Thank you @NetGalley and the publisher for approving my request for this ARC of Saffron & Stories.

The book’s cover is an absolute treat and the pictures inside the book were extremely tempting and colourful.

The premise of the books is gripping, especially the way it draws a connection between food and poetry. One feels like personally visiting Iran and cherishing their culture, history, profound poetry and traditional dishes in quite an elegant manner.

The descriptions of festive dishes, feasts, ingredients, and especially Saffron was such a treat to read. The beauty and essence of Saffron is unmatchable, indeed.

The categories in which this book is divided and how it alternatively talks about food and poetry and then connects them both is interesting.

However, even though it has mentioned and explained various verses and how they use food as a metaphor; I would have loved it more if there were proper/ whole poems in the book too. Similarly, the anecdotes about food and verses are nicely done but there is so much repetition of the same things over and over.

The additional chapter of actual recipes in the end was surely a perfect end to the book, though.

I really wanted to love it to bits but the repetition was a turn-off for me. Nonetheless, this book is a beautiful way to tell more people about the Persian Cuisine, the rich history, culture, traditions, and poetry of Iran. More people should be aware of these cuisines and literature.

Get ready to join a culinary adventure like no other with Saffron & Stories! From the moment you crack open this book, you're transported to the vibrant streets of Iran, where the aroma of saffron and spices fills the air and poetry flows like honey. The author's fusion of Persian cuisine and verse is nothing short of genius, inviting readers to savor every bite and savor every word. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a poetry enthusiast, this book has something for everyone. So why wait? Get your copy of Saffron & Stories today and let your taste buds and imagination run wild!

Foodies tend to be interested in all types of food and how it came about. Saffron & Stories: A Culinary and Poetic Fusion, by P.T. Rautanen, is an excellent tome with fascinating historical stories along with Persian poetry that goes well with the mouthwatering dishes that are also included. Persian food is a mystery to most of us, and reading about it makes it very enticing.

While there are few recipes, the ones included are appetizing and ones that foodies will want to prepare at home. The recipes are written in the traditional manner with the list of ingredients first, followed by step-by-step instructions. There are also beautiful photographs throughout. The photographs are small, and don’t cover full pages, but they are nice nonetheless. There is a section cataloging the main ingredients used in Persian cuisine, and there is interesting historical information to absorb. The writing style of the author is good, and once readers start reading, they will be wanting to curl up into a corner and read more.

All told, this is a nice change from a plain cookbook, and will appeal to anyone who is interested in food.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.