Food of Love

Sylvia Vetta was one of the few girls from her primary school to pass the eleven plus and was the first in her family to go to university. She met Atam Vetta, an Indian-born man, and they married despite the racism they faced in Smethwick, West Midlands. Their marriage was illegal in South Africa and some parts of the USA until Loving v Virginia. Sylvia's story reflects a revolutionary change in attitudes towards mixed relationships in the UK, and it is predicted that by 2075, the majority of the population will be of mixed ancestry. Atam's research in quantitative genetics challenged institutional and individual racism and helped expose the lies of scientific racism. Sylvia transitioned from teaching to business and faced gender discrimination. She created a successful business career and is now on her third career as a writer. Food of Love is a poignant account of changes to society from the perspective of a white woman married to a man of color, featuring recipes that reflect the diversity in our diet.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 14 September 2022
Publisher: Claret Press

Sylvia Vetta, a remarkable individual among the 160 children in her primary school, achieved a remarkable feat by passing the eleven plus exam. What made her story even more exceptional was that she was the first in her family to pursue higher education and experience the post-World War II phenomenon of upward mobility. However, her journey was not without its challenges. Sylvia grew up in Smethwick, a town in the West Midlands, during a particularly racist period in British history. The election of 1964 was marked by the slogan, "If you want a n***er for a neighbour, vote Labour," which stirred up deep-seated prejudices within the community.

Despite the odds, Sylvia's life took an unexpected turn when she met Atam Vetta, an Indian-born man. At the time, mixed relationships were rare and often met with hostility, not just in the UK but also in South Africa and many southern states of the USA. In fact, in 1966, interracial marriage was illegal in South Africa and in most of the southern states of the USA until the landmark Loving v Virginia case.

In India, while interracial marriage is not explicitly illegal, it is still frowned upon by many upper-caste Indians who adhere to traditional caste systems. Sylvia's story represents a significant shift in attitudes within the UK. Marriages and partnerships like hers are no longer uncommon, and it is predicted that by 2075, the majority of the population will have mixed ancestry.

Sylvia's encounter with Atam introduced her to the concept of glass ceilings for ethnic minority Brits. Atam, a researcher in quantitative genetics, delved into the field with a unique perspective. He recognized that discrimination had been justified by scientific racism, a belief that certain races were inherently superior or inferior to others. Atam set out to challenge these lies and expose the truth.

Sylvia's journey took her to the United States for nine months, where she gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women of color. She realized that being a woman often compounded her disadvantages, particularly in the workplace. This realization prompted her to make a significant career change and enter the business world.

Sylvia's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, she overcame these obstacles and achieved success. Her journey has not only impacted her personal life but also contributed to a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and diversity. As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, Sylvia's story serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and embracing diversity.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910461587