The role of food in the novel, “Crescent,” is important
because food brings people together. Sirine is the head chef at Naida’s café and
spends a lot of her time in the kitchen. The novel mentions certain Arab dishes
such as baklava and kanafeh, and there are even recipes at the end of the
novel. The kitchen is important in the Arab world because that is where
memories are made. Any time there is a meal, everyone gathers in the kitchen to
visit and sit down to eat. Also, in the novel, Sirine mentions her family recipes
and how much they mean to her. Food is a human connector because at the dinner
table, everyone can share a laugh and visit and reminisce about the past.
Nostalgia is an important theme in Arab-American literature. Food is intimate because it draws people
closer, especially when everyone is together.
Food is a metaphor for Sirine’s experience because it symbolizes her
roots, her passion, and how she is able to connect with others. For example,
she is able to get to know a lot of the students and professors at the
University because they visit frequently, love her food, and they can chat. Sirine
has also met Han at the café, and ended up having love for Han. Food is a
common topic in the novel. It seems like every chapter practically relates the
story to food. Sirine rarely misses work after nine years, and is always cooking.
Food itself can have meaning because it is where memories are made. Food can connect people through laughter, and
it is an excuse to enjoy a nice meal, while everyone is together. Sirine feels
it is important to bring what she knows from generations before to cook family recipes
for other’s to enjoy, and to meet new people.
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