Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory, and Family

Essayist, social-justice activist, and scientist Ghosh debuts with a complex work that is part memoir and part food and travel journal, centering on the power of food to define culture and identity. Ghosh explores these topics in essays that lay bare her soul, describing her refugee Bengali parents, her family’s move from Eastern India to Delhi, and her own move from India to the United States. She interweaves the narratives with her perspective of multiple cultures—how they change and adapt as the location and the people in her life change. The nonlinear essays are somewhat challenging to follow in audio, but Ghosh’s brilliant use of language makes each essay a gem. Award-winning narrator Deepti Gupta’s accent, pacing, and tone fit beautifully with Ghosh’s words. Despite Gupta’s skill, however, listeners may be disappointed to miss out on aspects of the print book, such as the rich illustrations and recipes that don’t come through well. Even so, for those who enjoy memoirs, Ghosh’s is a joy.