The Book of Difficult Fruit

Arguments for the Tart, Tender, and Unruly (with Recipes)

By: Kate Lebo

Narrated by: Tanya Eby

A is for Aronia, berry member of the apple family, clothes-stainer, super-fruit with reputed healing power. D is for Durian, endowed with a dramatic rind and a shifting odor - peaches, old garlic. M is for Medlar, name-checked by Shakespeare for its crude shape, beloved by gardeners for its flowers. Q is for Quince, which, fresh, gives off the scent of "roses and citrus and rich women's perfume" but if eaten raw is so astringent it wicks the juice from one's mouth.

In this work of unique invention, these and other difficult fruits serve as the central ingredients of 26 lyrical essays that range from deeply personal to botanical, from culinary to medical, from humorous to philosophical. The entries are associative, often poetic, taking unexpected turns and giving sideways insights into life, relationships, self-care, modern medicine, and more. What if the primary way you show love is to bake, but your partner suffers from celiac disease? Why leave in the pits for Willa Cather's Plum Jam? How can we rely on bodies as fragile as the fruits that nourish them?

Lebo's unquenchable curiosity leads us to intimate, sensuous, enlightening contemplations. The Book of Difficult Fruit is the very best of food writing: graceful, surprising, and ecstatic.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Kate Lebo (P)2021 Tantor

Delightfully fruity journey

Kate Lebo took me on a delightful journey through her garden and life experiences. It made me think about what I would say about the interesting and at time difficult fruits in my own garden.

A marvelous blend of fruit knowledge and memoir!

I was completely charmed by this informative, entertaining work of nonfiction. I learned so much, and I love the writing style. Kate Lebo has a introspective and poetic way about her, and she exposed her vulnerability related to very personal parts of her life. She is a little flawed, and I like her. I highly recommend this to gardeners, foodies, history buffs, and memoir fans.