Eating Mud Crabs in Kandahar: Stories of Food during Wartime by the World's Leading Correspondents

Food and eating under extreme conditions are explored in this collection of stories by journalists, including tales of deprivation, repression, generosity, pleasure, and humanity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 21 September 2021
\n Publisher: University of California Press
\n

These captivating tales, which range from harrowing to humorous and always compelling, delve into the world of food and eating in extreme conditions. Journalists from diverse backgrounds have traveled to dangerous conflict zones worldwide to bring us these stories. One such story features a profile of the former chef to Kim Jong Il, the former leader of North Korea. The chef reveals Kim's strict standards for gourmet cuisine, which he indulges in while his country suffers from widespread hunger. Another tale involves a journalist who gains entry into an IRA cell through his drinking companions. The journalist witnesses firsthand the inner workings of the cell and the struggles of its members.

A young and inexperienced female journalist shares a mud crab in a foxhole with Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan. The encounter offers a unique perspective on the lives of these two individuals, both young and ambitious, as they navigate the complexities of war and politics.

In addition to tales of deprivation and repression, the collection also showcases stories of generosity and pleasure. These stories often overlap, highlighting the complex and nuanced nature of human experiences in extreme circumstances.

Matt McAllester, the editor of the collection, has introduced and curated these stories with a blend of tragedy, violence, humor, and goodwill. He seeks to bring a little more humanity to the narratives that we typically encounter in newspapers and magazine stories.

Overall, this memorable collection offers a unique and insightful perspective on the world of food and eating in extreme conditions. It reminds us of the resilience and humanity of individuals who face adversity and challenges on a daily basis.

\n Weight: 278g\n
Dimension: 152 x 201 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780520385757\n \n