Created 007.11.16; Updated 2007.11.16

This article originally appeared in British Weekly.

The Saffron Kitchen…A Mother Can't Go Back by Gabrielle Pantera 3 stars *** SANTA MONICA, CA (British Weekly) 11/28/07 - Yasmin Crowther's The Saffron Kitchen is a love story and a tragedy that spans two generations and two cultures. The Saffron Kitchen begins in London. Maryam's daughter Sara suffers a miscarriage due to Maryam's selfishness. Unhappy with her life in London, Maryam runs away to the village in Iran where as a child she spent some of her happiest moments. She leaves her husband and her daughter in London.

The title The Saffron Kitchen refers to Sara and her willingness to accept change and wanting to start a new. She and her young nephew Saeed, who's come to live with her after Maryam departs for Iran, paint the walls of her kitchen saffron red. The book switches points of view between Maryam and Sara, between present and past, and between London and Iran. As we go back and forth between Maryam and Sara's lives, it becomes clear how Maryam's past effects both their futures.

Maryam is the daughter of the wealthy and ruthless Iranian general Mazar. Ali, both her friend and her fathers servant, saves Maryam from rioters by taking her to his home. The next morning Maryam is seen returning to her home with Ali. Aunt Soraya informs her brother of the shame Maryam has brought on the family name. Maryam's father accuses her of loose behavior and embarrassing the family. Maryam swears nothing happened. Maryam is humiliated by her examination by a doctor. Although she's still a virgin, she's banished by her father.

Yasmin Crowther was born to an Iranian mother and British father. Crowther writes well, but what's missing is an emotional stake for the reader, a connection to any of the characters. Maryam is a product of her heritage and the customs of her homeland. Even though she escaped, she is trapped by her past.

Crowther shows that the past can't be escaped, but also can't be relived.

The Saffron Kitchen. Trade Paper 257 pages. Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (August 28, 2007). Language: English ISBN 978-0143112747. $14.00