First published 2015
Kate Christensen leaves behind a cherished New Hampshire farmhouse to start fresh in Portland, Maine with her partner Brendan. The acclaimed novelist finds herself in a quietly sophisticated city where excellent restaurants rival those in New York. She meets actual Mainers and grows to respect their unpretentious nature and strong work ethic. The state's fierce individualism appeals to her, along with the locals' commitment to keeping food seasonal and local despite harsh winters and brief growing seasons. Christensen dives into Maine's culinary traditions and learns the stories of chefs, fishermen, hunters, and farmers who coax abundance from rocky soil and turbulent seas. She includes recipes from meals she and Brendan prepare together in their new kitchen. This memoir radiates the contentment of someone who has found her place, celebrating a culture built on authenticity and integrity.
Genres: memoir, biography-memoir, cooking, food-and-drink, food-writing
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Maine, New Hampshire, Portland
298 pages · Hardcover · Islandport Press