Temporary Bride

I was contacted on Twitter by Jennifer Klinec who asked if I would like to review her memoir, The Temporary Bride. As the book combines two of my favourite things - travel and food - I was delighted to accept, downloading my copy via NetGalley. Despite its seemingly romance novel title, The Temporary Bride is actually the interesting memoir of a fiercely independent woman. An inspired and insatiable cook, Jennifer Klinec travelled the world in search of fabulous recipes and one of her journeys led her to Iran where she spent several weeks practically living with a family in order to learn the woman of the house's culinary secrets. She also met the woman's son, Vahid, initially disliked him, but gradually built up understanding, friendship and then love.

As a fairly short memoir, I read The Temporary Bride in a day and wished I had known ahead of time to provide myself with snacks! Klinec's overwhelming love of food and cookery had me wanting to try the dishes she describes, several of which sounded divine. I had hopes of a couple of recipes being included at the end but was disappointed in this. Perhaps Klinec also has a recipe book out? I must check for one! Her descriptions of day to day life in Iran are nicely balanced with the positives of the culture getting mentions alongside the negatives. As a British reader, I found the restrictive laws and constant threat of arrest a frightening prospect, but appreciated learning how there is more than this to living in the country. The budding relationship itself is discreetly portrayed and I did empathise with the hoops Jennifer and Vahid needed to jump through simply to be together.

I would definitely recommend Klinec's memoir to foodies and I think that travellers will identify with her drive to see everywhere. The book is nicely observed and well-written. Just do remember that reading it will make you feel very hungry so be prepared!