Mumsnet Book Club : Pomegranate Soup

[USAUKMum]

I thought that I would start this one, since I choose the book. I must say that it was given to me at Christmas.

I enjoyed the book, I must admit that I did seem to pick it up when I had the odd five minutes or so just because I wanted to see what would happen. That saying it was a lot lighter in tone than the other books we have read.

For me it felt like an allegory of sorts. With each of the three sisters representing a main characteristic. But I thought that the way each that layers of of people were peeled back through the book very interesting. As the story starts I though Marjan was the strongest. But in the end, I think probably Bahar was the strongest -- certainly came the farthest.

It also reminded me of Joanne Harris's Chocolat.

What did other people think?

Apologies ( I was sophiewd) I haven't read. Been busy with B&B, new job supplying puds to pub and I have husge backlog of books a friend lent me IN January. Will try and read soon.

bump for the evening crowd

no one else?

I'm afraid I failed miserably to read this one. In my defence, I have a 3mo with a dodgy tum at the moment, but promise to do better next time...

I did read the description though and it sounded very like Chocolat, so interesting you say that USAUKMum.

Guess no one else read it

I have had it on order at the library and only received notification of it being in today so I'm a bit late sorry. Will collect it tomorrow and read it especially now I've heard it is a bit like Chocolat (which I thought was fab).

Hopefully it won't take me longer than a week to read it so I'll be back then to write something.
USAUKmum, put the wine on hold, I'll be back soon to join you.
Anyone else going to join me?

That is good.

(feeling of failure slips a bit, cork back in bottle......)

Am I allowed to join in? I love reading books but just need a little push to read ones I wouldn't normally pick up.

Pretty please with sugar on top?

Of course you can. We are to be talking about Pomegrante Soup by Marsha Mehran

OK, thanks very much! Will get it from the library this afternoon.

Right, finished it at last, crack open the wine again please USAUKmum.

I enjoyed reading it but was rather disappointed as I thought it could have been so much more.
The ideas were great (I agree, very similar to Chocolate and another Joanne Harris short story which I can't remember the name) but Bahars back story about her husband seemed to be brushed aside in order to wrap everything up neatly.
I think she could have made it a much more satisfying story if she had focussed more on the Iranian story rather than some of the larger than life characters.

I really liked the descriptions of the food and colours though, brought their cafe to life beautifully. I would go there.

[thank goodness -- I so do need the wine now, planning a large event for Sat, and things going pearshaped]

It did feel like it could've been a much longer book. Nothing was developed as much as the other two books we have read. But think that may because this is her first book.

It would be good to see how she develops as a writer

Am making a very late appearance with head held low , ashamed to admit have not read this book as have been spellbound by The Inheritance of loss.
So sorry USAUKmum,
What are we reading next?

I do have the book now but don't know if I'll read it in time. Perhaps I should just join in on the next one and I can be a little more organised?

Oh go on, read it it, the thread will still be here for you to add your comments.

Hadn't realised that it was Marsha Meyhans first book. I'd be interested to read her next one and see which direction she goes in, whether she gets a bit more stuck in to the story.

We are on to Ben Elton - Dead Famous next. Hopefully my copy will come a bit quicker this month!

Right read it now, a 2 dayer, got drwan in by the cooking and the recipes, disappointed by the Iranian story didn't feel it was padded out enough, like others really reminded me of Choclat and aslo another great book called Sophies Bakery for the Brokenhearted. Feeling quite keen to try out the recipes especially the Baclava, yum. My choice is next although I have changed my name and seemed to have been deleted from the list completely.

Good choice, dorry it took me so long to read.