Photo by Jordan Matter
CL: You tackle a number of serious issues: racism, immigration, spousal abuse. Do you think it's part of your role as a fiction writer to bring awareness to issues such as these that are important to you?
MM: My only concern as a fiction writer is to tell a compelling story. To believe wholeheartedly in my characters' journeys. Inevitably, my concerns and experiences will be reflected along the way, but it is not a conscious decision of mine to address them.
CL: Why include recipes in the book? Do you intend for readers to try them, or are they there for purely artistic reasons?
MM: The recipes, the dishes that inspire the Irish locals to open themselves to our sisters, act in many ways as characters as well. They propel the plot and initiate change. I thought it was important for readers to have a sensual experience of the food, of this very important ingredient to the story.
CL: How do you recommend someone new to Persian cuisine get acquainted with it? Are there any cookbooks you recommend?
MM: There is one very comprehensive book, New Food of Life, by Najmieh Batmangli. It is probably the best source for the curious cook. As far as trying out Persian cuisine, all it takes is a look through your local restaurant pages. I know Canada has a wonderfully healthy Persian community, one that is growing by the day, so I am sure readers will have no difficulty finding a fabulous restaurant to try out all the treats described in the novel. I've had quite a few book clubs tell me they met up for their discussion at a Persian restaurant, actually. Isn't that great?
CL: If you were organizing a book club discussion of your novel, what are some questions you would like to see discussed?
MM: The paperback edition of Pomegranate Soup has some incisive and fun questions that work really well in discussions. I would really love for readers to experience the story through all their senses, if possible. To take it in with a pinch of magic dust, for sure. Have fun.
CL: What are some authors and books you're inspired by?
MM: Tolstoy, Capote (divine short stories, not to mention that glorious Holly Golightly), poetry: Rumi, ee cummings, Forugh Farohkzad. A big book in my life has been an anthology of theatre: The Theater of the Absurd. It opened me up to the possibilities of storytelling.
CL: Can you give us a sneak peek into any future projects?
MM: Well, the sequel to Pomegranate Soup, in what I hope will be a continuing series (if readers are hungry for more!) will be out this time next year. The title: Rosewater and Soda Bread. It picks up a year and a half later, with all three of the Aminpour sisters experiencing milestones of their own. There will be more recipes and lots of romance of course!
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