Was verbindet die große Hungerkatastrophe im Irland des 19. Jahrhunderts mit einem Schnellimbiss, die langen Kerle Friedrichs des Großen mit einem modernen Food-Processor, die Anden mit Europa? Ganz einfach: die Kartoffel. Larry Zuckerman legt eine ebenso vergnügliche wie bereichernde Kulturgeschichte über ein oft verkanntes Nahrungsmittel vor.
Following the potato from its early cultivation in 16th century South America to its 20th century marriage to battered fish, Larry Zuckerman has written an entertaining and accessible social history which covers developments in agriculture, class, diet, politics, economics, and technology.
Exploring the transformative role of the potato, the book reveals how this once-overlooked vegetable significantly influenced Western history from the 1770s to World War I. Through examples from Ireland, England, France, and the United States, it illustrates the potato's multifaceted contributions as a staple food, a safeguard against famine, and a source of economic stability. Utilizing personal diaries and contemporary accounts, the narrative offers a vibrant and insightful look at the social impact of this humble crop.
The story follows Rollie Birch, a war veteran returning home in 1919 to find his life drastically changed. His wife has passed away, and he must navigate the challenges of single parenthood with an infant daughter amidst a community rife with gossip. Once celebrated as a hero, Rollie quickly becomes an outcast due to his unconventional choices and silence regarding his wartime experiences. The novel explores themes of loss, societal judgment, and the struggle for acceptance in a transformed landscape.