Mango, Mambo, and Murder
A Culinary Cozy Book Review
When we decide to pick up a book and read it, we are creating a relationship. I believe we should take the time to delve into the who, what, when, and why to show how that book ended up helping us tell a story. It also allows us to see how we change and develop over time based on the books and ideas we are drawn to reading.
The first book I’m reviewing is Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes. This book will be released in October of 2021. It is important in the culinary cozy world as we are finally seeing more Black, Brown, and other people of color sharing stories that resonate with people who look like us. Let’s dive in!
Story Overview: Miriam Quinones-Smith, a food anthropologist, just returned to Florida with her white husband, Robert, and their 4-year-old son, Manny. Robert’s family lives in a suburb outside of Miami, Coral Shores, (also a Sundown town). Robert’s overbearing mother likes to make life uncomfortable and borderline racist when it comes to understanding the Cuban/Latin/Hispanic culture, which makes life more difficult for Miriam. Miriam reconnects with her best friend from high school, Alma, a fellow Cuban, who is the town’s real estate agent. While getting to know people in Coral Shores, a murder takes place, with Miriam’s best friend being accused of the murder! Miriam uses her knowledge of food and history to help her friend in need while also navigating life where her husband is reconnecting with an old flame, being a stay-at-home mom, and getting a short-term job as a Caribbean cooking expert for a Spanish speaking tv show. It includes 4 recipes of some of the dishes at the end of the book.
Why this book: I’m a huge fan of fiction and food. I love the marriage of the two. I feel like not enough people talk about how fiction food writing is important to the overall food landscape. It may be fiction, but it is also rooted in real life. Not to mention, my boo, Chad, is half Cuban. Her being Cuban and talking about the food and history drew me in. Chad loves cooking and is always trying new recipes in the kitchen so I knew we would get a recipe or two that we could try out. It was also nice to see that the use of Royal Violets perfume for the kiddos was a universal Cuban thing.
When the book was purchased: Since it hasn’t been released yet, I have not purchased but plan on preordering. Preorders are important as they let publishers know that people are interested and will give more publishing deals to more stories that celebrate diverse cultures in fiction. Also, it helps get on those bestselling lists. Preorder here
What I learned from the book: I’m not sure if it is surprising or not, but, I always learn something from a book I’m reading, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. The history in this book is a fact. The talk of food from the diaspora and the seriousness of Voodoo rituals. Not to mention, the discussion of sundown towns (not really a discussion but a passing moment in the book). What are sundown towns? “Sundown Towns are all-white communities, neighborhoods, or counties that exclude Blacks and other minorities through the use of discriminatory laws, harassment, and threats or use of violence. The name derives from the posted and verbal warnings issued to Blacks that although they might be allowed to work or travel in a community during the daytime, they must leave by sundown” from blackpast.org. Along with those important things, I learned about Cuban culture and cooking.
How can it help you tell more stories: This book not only introduces you to a different culture, it also has a good bit of Spanish. I hope this book helps you enjoy another language, share it with others, and grow to want to learn more about not only yourself but that of where you live. I hope it helps you tell the food stories of your family and ancestors. I want it to remind you that having a friend(s) that pushes you is invaluable. I hope it inspires you to live your truth and believe in your ability to create your own story.
This culinary cozy is something that I would read again and continuously share with others. Hopefully, this review gets you to go out and read a book that may not have been on your radar.
Until next time,
Christilisa