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The spice of strife
Perspective Media
July 30, 2024
This week, Khaled Bazzi looks at the impact of war on his Lebanese family, through the prism of his grandmothers' spice recipe, Rowan Pelling says no one should catcall the childless, while Peter Phelps fears Labour may be ushering in a new age of austerity, plus our book of the week
The spice of strife
BY KHALED BAZZI
Left: Nimreh, my maternal grandmother. Centre: “kammouneh”. Right: Suknah, my paternal grandmother
A cherished Lebanese spice, rich in history, culture and human connection, is the emblem of a family broken by war, fearing they'll never again share stories around the table
For me, kammouneh is more than just a spice blend – it's a tangible link to my Lebanese roots, connecting me to two generations of grandmothers
Stop catcalling the childless
BY ROWAN PELLING, EDITOR
Why are childless women vilified, when childless men are far more numerous? It’s time to stop judging people on their reproductive decisions
Some wealthy and self-indulgent blokes are fathering more than their share – Boris Johnson and Elon Musk, for starters
In praise of Edna O’Brien
BY ROWAN PELLING
Edna O’Brien, the novelist who taught girls how to transform into womanhood
O’Brien suggested that, instead of being virtuous and self-effacing, you might reap more delight and experience – and only equal sorrow – as a Jezebel
Plus ça change
BY PETER PHELPS, PUBLISHER
Labour have made a solid start in their quest to be seen as fiscally responsible as well as politically competent. But are they backing themselves into the corner recently vacated by Tories, and ushering in a new age of austerity?
When Rachel Reeves slashed winter fuel payments, most of us yawned and went back to watching Tom Daley fish another Olympic medal out of the water during a knitting break
Book of the Week
REVIEWED BY BELINDA BAMBER
A rediscovered classic about a partying divorcee set in Twenties Manhattan is still funny and relevant today
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