The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
From childhood favorites to special meals with friends or family, few things bring us back to the past as immediately as the smell or taste of a particular dish. But sometimes foods become lost to time and circumstance, and that’s where Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa come in. From their unassuming restaurant in the backstreets of Kyoto, the father-daughter team run a side business recreating significant culinary experiences in order to help clients relive treasured memories, resolve past issues, and move forward into their future. Working from scant details, Nagare and Koishi deliver healing and hope in the form of beloved dishes, earning them a host of grateful customers in the process. This charming novel was a smash hit in Japan before making its way to the US. It’s the perfect light read for those who love stories of food, family and connection – just be sure to have your own comfort foods at the ready!
Reviewed by Mary Kinser, collection development librarian, Whatcom County Library System
(Originally published in Bellingham Alive May 2024 issue.)