Motherland

by Melissa Thompson
Motherland cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Technical:
  • ID: 1047
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £26.00
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-24
brilliant 4.50

Motherland is praised for its rich exploration of Jamaican cuisine, blending history and personal stories with delicious recipes. The book is noted for its educational value, tracing the influences of various cultures on Jamaican food and offering a deep dive into the island's culinary heritage.

Motherland stands out as a cookbook that goes beyond just recipes, offering a comprehensive look at the history and cultural influences that have shaped Jamaican cuisine. Reviewers appreciate the blend of personal family stories, historical context, and mouthwatering recipes. The book is particularly noted for its educational value, providing insights into the contributions of different cultures to Jamaican food. The recipes are described as delicious and authentic, with a focus on both classic dishes and innovative twists. The photographs are also highlighted for their enticing visuals, making the book a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Quick quotes

    One of most interesting cook books of last 5ys full of unusual ingredients and photos of Darlington and facts about Jamaica hot and spicy and delicious food. If you buy one new book this year buy this one in hard back.if love books about both food and family about the area and sadness of Jamaica and it's people along with their dishes. Not just recipes for the best food, but historic facts too.

    Such a brilliant book! I haven't cooked many things from it yet, but the Guinness Punch Pie is absolutely delicious, the rice & peas is the best I have tried and the chicken brown stew is really lovely.

    There is a lack of good Jamaican cookbooks out there. This one thankfully raises the bar.

shanepinnegarwriter.com · Unknown · 2024-01-03
delightful 4.50

Motherland is a Jamaican cookbook that combines history with delicious recipes, highlighting the island's rich culinary heritage. The book features traditional dishes like Stewed Oxtail and Curry Goat, as well as healthier plant-based options, showcasing the unique flavors of Jamaica.

Motherland by Melissa Thompson is a captivating Jamaican cookbook that weaves together the history of the island with its vibrant culinary traditions. The author, daughter of a Jamaican father and Maltese mother, shares recipes that evoke a sense of ancestral connection and cultural richness. The book includes traditional dishes such as Stewed Oxtail and Curry Goat, which reflect the creative culinary skills of early African Jamaican cooks. Additionally, it offers healthier plant-based options like Red Peas Soup and Apple Coleslaw, showcasing the diversity of Jamaican cuisine. The recipes are rich and varied, featuring mainstays like thyme, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers, as well as sweet potatoes, plantains, and coconut milk. Desserts like Tamarind and Bay Caramel Brownies and beverages like Peanut Punch add to the book's appeal, making it a delightful exploration of Jamaica's enduring spirit.

Quick quotes

    Spicy, sweet, rich and varied, the recipes of Motherland evoke the unique wonders of Jamaica’s enduring spirit.

    The book’s traditional dishes, like slow-simmered Stewed Oxtail and Cow Foot, are testaments to the creative culinary skills of early African Jamaican cooks.

    For desserts, pears poached in sorrel, or hibiscus, offer a lighter alternative to the often-used red wine sauce; and the distinctive and delightful Tamarind and Bay Caramel Brownies are made with tamarind paste, chocolate, and espresso.

forewordreviews.com · Unknown · 2023-02-15
excellent 4.25

Motherland by Melissa Thompson is a comprehensive cookbook that delves into the history and cultural significance of Jamaican cuisine. The book not only offers a variety of delicious recipes but also explores the complex history of Jamaica, including its colonial past and the influence of Rastafari culture. The author's personal connection to the cuisine adds a heartfelt touch, making it a must-read for food enthusiasts.

Motherland by Melissa Thompson is more than just a cookbook; it's a journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of Jamaican cuisine. Thompson, with her Jamaican mother and Maltese father, brings a personal perspective to the book, making it both informative and heartfelt. The recipes are diverse and enticing, ranging from traditional dishes like Saltfish Fritters and Callalloo to more modern creations like Sticky Rum & Tamarind Wings. What sets this book apart is its exploration of Jamaica's complex history, including the impact of British colonization and the influence of Rastafari culture. Thompson doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of this history but celebrates the resilience and vibrancy of Jamaican food. The essays and personal anecdotes make this book a compelling read for anyone interested in food, history, and culture. It's a book that will inspire you to experiment in the kitchen and appreciate the deeper stories behind the dishes.

Quick quotes

    Thompson doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of the story, whilst still resolutely celebrating the place and its deep connection with food.

    Essays cover Columbus, English rule, Rastafari influences, and a chapter dedicated to that most wonderful of Jamaican spice mixes — Jerk.

    Saltfish fritters, Callalloo and Rundown are explained and explored; Guinness Punch Tart, Sticky Rum & Tamarind Wings, Ginger Beer Battered Prawns, Cassava Cake, Rum Punch and much more all sound delightful and, like the best cuisine-specific cookbooks, make this chef want to experiment.

londonreviewbookshop.co.uk · Unknown · 2022-09-29
celebratory 4.50

Motherland by Melissa Thompson is a celebration of Jamaican food and culture, told through its history and recipes. The book combines honesty and warmth, offering a rich exploration of Jamaica's culinary heritage.

Motherland by Melissa Thompson is a remarkable cookbook that tells the story of Jamaica through its food, intertwining history and culture. Thompson's direct and unsparing approach to Jamaica's past, particularly the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, is balanced with a deep joy and celebration of the island's cuisine. The book is filled with delicious recipes, from savory dishes like Stamp and Go and Curry Lamb Patties to sweet treats like Bun & Cheese and Coco Drop Cheesecake. Each recipe is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Jamaica, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of food, history, and culture. The warmth and joy Thompson brings to the subject matter make it an engaging and enlightening read.

Quick quotes

    Every dish and ingredient tells a story

    And that context matters. From the Redware and Taíno peoples — the island’s earliest known settlers — to the Spanish and British colonialists, to the enslaved African men and women brought to toil on the land, to the Indians, Chinese and other peoples who called the island home, everyone left their mark.

    My copy is a-flutter with post-it notes!

Appears in Lists