Publisher's Synopsis
SPOON AND SHRAPNEL uniquely combines poetry and recipes to explore the experience of surviving the Iran-Iraq War through a child's eyes. As a survivor herself, Sheema Kalbasi brings forth raw memories of fear, loss, and resilience through verse, while accompanying these poignant moments with simple, nourishing recipes that sustained her family amidst scarcity and danger. Each poem is paired with a recipe, alternating between the emotional depth of poetry and the practical art of cooking traditions that offered hope during wartime. The poems deliver vivid, emotional insights into life during the conflict, while the recipes - crafted with scarce ingredients - represent moments of comfort and survival. Together, they form a narrative tapestry where food and poetry intertwine, reflecting how one family, and an entire culture, persevered. Kalbasi's work goes beyond her personal experience to present a universal story of resilience, illustrating how, even in the harshest conditions, humanity finds strength in the simple rituals of cooking, eating, and storytelling. SPOON AND SHRAPNEL is a tribute to both physical and emotional survival, offering readers a rare glimpse into everyday life during war.
