There are some wonderful recipes in the book, but some of them-repetitious, and many-do not belong here, (to my personal view): from Iran, Syria and other non-Jewish areas. I didn't feel, that the book had included all the wonderful traditional recipes of Eastern and Western Jewish recipes.
Your so very typical repetition to many accounts like this. Nothing new, and no reliable facts offered. One-sided opinion by Mr. Whipple.
The book offers some authentic Russian recipes, which I have tried (with some editing) and enjoyed ! Some-only belonged to exclusively Siberian region, where I have never been. But what's most important in this book of Mrs. Darra, is her understanding and due tribute, admiration of the Russian sole-their ultimate Gostepriemstvo- constant readiness to open their house to anyone with Bread and Salt- the core of friendship and open heart that is so very exclusive to any person from Russia, wherever they live in this big wide world ! When I read the author's story about mushrooms' hunting, I felt nostalgia so strong...I lived in St. Petersburg (then-Leningrad) all my life and mushroom-hunting was my most sacred and desirable time of year-mostly in late July-September, when we could travel to nearby forests in outskirts of Leningrad and savor the precious times...And we did rented parts of dacha to do so. I highly recommend this story book to anyone who wants to learn about true Russian sole and some pleasers of life past.
Proverbs 29:2 ERV When the rulers are good, the people are happy. When the rulers are evil, the people complain. ERV: Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version Every person will tell the narrative his/her own way, but the true account of affairs will prevail, anyway. That will remain forever, as this old Bible says. Also, some very wise ancient man said: " Every Nation is worthy of its own Kings" Just as the old Bible proves... That's why seek your own truth, by keeping your eyes open and your guts alive. The opinions of others are just that-the opinions ! I do not recommend this account to you, my intelligent and educated friend.
I wouldn't call this material truthful. Rather one-sided, and not supported by factual evidence. I do not recommend it for reading. To anyone.
