FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1998 All Rights Reserved.
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| BOOKS Aphrodite "I repent of my diets, the delicious dishes rejected out of vanity, as much as I lament the opportunities for making love that I let go by because of pressing tasks or puritanical virtue." These opening lines of Isabel Allende's latest work, Aphrodite, set the stage for a book based on the two primal urges that drive men and women the most: food and sex - and, often times, the intermingling of the two. Aphrodite is a different path for Allende. Unlike her previous works of fiction, this novel is based more on research into the nature of foods, the common sensual bond between eating and loving, with interesting, humorous and fun anecdotes sprinkled throughout. The stories, recipes and facts which constitute Aphrodite are woven together with an ease and fluidity that make it difficult to put the book down once started. Allende's narrative not only educates, but generates reflection as to one's own sense of sensuality, and awareness of how food plays a major part for not only sustenance, but pleasure as well. With chapters entitled "The Orgy," "About Eroticism" and "The Spell of Aromas," Allende covers all aspects of the art of eating and of making love: from the initial pleasure in the sight, to the scent, feel and taste of a food or person, Allende skillfully describes and details the direct relationship between eating and sex, listing off various herbs and foods, and methodically relating the history, nutritional information and various aphrodisiacal qualities of each one (after reading about the fruit and vegetables which resemble human genitalia, it is guaranteed that you will never look at asparagus, plums or raspberries the same way). The book concludes with a great assortment of recipes which, according to Allende, are tried and true, as well as delicious. What better way to spend your time than to read tantalizing and informative stories about love and food? Go forth and experiment! |
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