Review: In Pursuit of Garlic

One wouldn't imagine that the humble garlic bulb would receive the honour of having an entire book dedicated to it, but author Liz Primeau has penned a truly delightful tribute of her pungent love affair with this botanical marvel.

In a concise 209 pages, the book traces the history and presence of garlic (of which there are, surprisingly, dozens of cultivars) not only in the kitchen, but also in literature, art, poetry, architecture, medicine and the author's own life.

Peppered throughout the narrative are fascinating quotes and facts about garlic (did you know, for instance, that it was used more than any other herb in the pharmaceuticals of Greek and Roman times?), as well as luscious recipes such as "Lentil, Bacon, and Tomato Stew with Forty Cloves of Garlic" and "Roasted Garlic, Blueberry, and Pear Cobbler with Garlic-Pecan Brickle Cream" to satiate the most ardent of garlic lovers.

The book also traces the author's encounters with garlic in an almost insanely amorous fervor: "I moaned, pointing to the dozens of pristine white cloves. They were fat little crescents like the sections of a mandarin orange, fairly bursting with energy, and I could feel them calling to me. What I really wanted to do was eat them."

Primeau -- the author of numerous books on gardening and a sought-after speaker at horticultural society meetings across Canada and the United States -- writes elegantly, vacillating effortlessly between recounting amusing jaunts to international garlic festivals and dispensing more scientific advice on how to "plant, feed, harvest and store your amazing bulbs".

This delectable piece of non-fiction is certain to entertain and educate not only the green-fingered horticulturalist, but also health enthusiasts, adventurous gourmands and all who adore garlic.

The e-book In Pursuit of Garlic is now available at www.ilovebooks.com.