This is a wonderful book about love, war and food that will have you craving the dishes mentioned. Of course, the author is kind enough to provide some recipes along with her witty take on life. I found myself laughing (inappropriately) at her descriptions of how marriages are arranged in the Middle East. There are a lot of little insights into this little understood place with first person accounts make the area a lot more real than what you see on the news.

It is a blessing that Ciezadlo is a journalist since she brings a natural balanced view to the war torn areas of Beirut and Baghdad. She really made the people accessible though their customs and food. I don't recommend reading this book if you are hungry, since the description will have you craving the food. I received this book at no cost from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.