Chinese food and history

Niki Bruce

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Fortune Cookie: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food by Jennifer 8 Lee (Twelve)

This book, while fascinating if you’re interested in Chinese food and the Chinese Diaspora, is particularly American.

Jennifer 8 Lee (yes, that’s her real name; the ‘8’ comes from the Chinese character ‘ba’) is a Chinese American who has always been interested in her particular culture and the particular importance of Chinese food in the US.

The Fortune Cookie is part memoire and part academic tome as Lee traces the development of the fortune cookie and the history of the Chinese in the US.

There are some interesting bits and pieces about Chinese food and culture and lots of characters but essentially the book will be of interest to people with some connection to the topic.

Australia does get a mention when Lee goes on a world-journey to track down the ‘best Chinese restaurant in the world’ but it’s minor and only part of one chapter.

Despite the semi-academic subject matter, The Fortune Cookie is an easy read with lots of personality.

Verdict: If you’ve ever wondered about where the fortune cookie came from, are a lover of Chinese food and culture or an Australian-Chinese person you’ll love this book or if you like history you’ll like this too.

Review of The Fortune Cookie: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food by Jennifer 8 Lee (Twelve)

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