The Jackfruit Chronicles - by Shahnaz Ahsan (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Jackfruit Chronicles is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the stunning flavours and captivating history of Bengali food while giving a voice to those individuals who introduced this cuisine to the United Kingdom.

Book Synopsis

The Jackfruit Chronicles is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the stunning flavours and captivating history of Bengali food while giving a voice to those individuals who introduced this cuisine to the United Kingdom.

Beginning with the arrival of Shahnaz's grandfather, Habib, in Manchester in the 1950s, this memoir not only focuses on the author's family story but also the broader narrative of the Bangladeshi diaspora, their struggles and their quest for a better life in Britain.

Among the cultural divides and misunderstandings that affected the generations before her, Shahnaz beautifully weaves together her family's recipes and cherished memories, including dishes like sour tomato broth, jackfruit kofta curry, lentil fritters, fish with clementine peels, and much more.

Interspersed with stories and exciting recipes, The Jackfruit Chronicles is a heartfelt love letter to family, food and Bangladesh.

Review Quotes

'Despite coming from different backgrounds, growing up, and living in completely different environments, I resonated with Shahnaz's story greatly. The family ties, the immigrant experience, the meaning of home and how food plays such a central part in it all. The Jackfruit Chronicles is full of heart and wit that's deliciously enriching' Angela Hui

'An important and overdue story of a community served with a side helping of delicious and precious family memories. I devoured it.' Mallika Basu

'So much more than a cookbook, The Jackfruit Chronicles is balm for the soul: a heartwarming story told with love, compassion - and a host of gorgeous recipes.' Orlando Murrin

'Shahnaz writes beautifully about food' Dina Begum

'A thoroughly enjoyable, inspiring and uplifting read. It made me deeply nostalgic about significant dishes in my own life' Sejal Sukhadwala

'It's an intimate, touching and fascinating story of a family's resilience and adaptability ... Threaded through the family history - the sorrows, joys, upheavals - is food, the great connector to place and people ... An evocative, thought-provoking and deeply appetising read.' Jenny Linford

'A vital read to not only understand a South Asian diaspora identity, but also what it means to be British ... wonderful storytelling that keeps you engaged and glued to the page, dotted with recipes that entice you further into the story - full of humour, fun and love.' Anna Sulan Masing

'My favourite type of cookbook is the culinary memoir, where each recipe is given life and colour and love. Shahnaz's may be the best I have ever read.' MiMi Aye

'A mesmerizing blend of memoir and migration stories, woven together with recipes that share the larger narrative of Bangladeshi belonging. The writing draws you in from the first page, accompanied with dishes that linger on both the tongue and in the heart. This culinary journey captures the essence of diasporic identity, heritage, and home.' Sumayya Usmani

About the Author

Shahnaz Ahsan is an award-winning author, columnist and food writer. Her debut novel Hashim & Family was an Observer Best Book. Her articles and recipes have appeared in various newspapers and magazines including the Guardian, Observer Food Monthly, Vittles, and Waitrose Magazine. Born and raised in West Yorkshire, Shahnaz is of British-Bangladeshi heritage, and has also lived in the USA, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. She writes a monthly newsletter, Scribbles and Dribbles, about life as a writer while raising two small children.