On The Noodle Road From Beijing to Rome With Love and Pasta

Immersed in the flavors of her Italian honeymoon, Jen Lin-Liu couldn't help but notice the culinary resemblances to the dishes she had cooked and savored during her time in China, where she had resided for over a decade. The question of who truly invented the noodle lingered in her mind, echoing the curiosity of countless others before her. Encouraged by her supportive husband, she embarked on an extraordinary expedition along the ancient Silk Road, unearthing the historical and personal connections that intertwined through the act of eating. From western China to Central Asia, Iran, Turkey, and across the Mediterranean, she embarked on a gastronomic adventure that would forever alter her perspective.

Throughout her captivating journey, Lin-Liu delves into the intimate kitchens where women not only cook and knead but also reveal their deepest secrets and desires. The dumplings of Beijing transform into Turkish manti, their small size representing a bride's value, and ultimately find their form as tortellini in Italy. As she stirs pots and samples flavors, attentively listening to the stories of these women and their lives, Lin-Liu discovers a renewed appreciation for her own marriage, savoring the profound sweetness of love freely chosen.

Barbara Demick, author of "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea," aptly remarks, "'Some writers follow the money; Jen Lin-Liu follows the noodle." In this remarkable narrative, Lin-Liu leads us on a delectable exploration of culture, history, and the irresistible allure of culinary connections.