Janet De Neefe

The author shares her experiences of marrying a Balinese man and moving from Australia to Bali. This could have been such an interesting book (for example, comparing lifestyles and such) but it fell short. She had some comparisons (the largest being about her weddings) but overall, the book was a little dull.

The book reminded me of one of those recipe websites that have a long story that you frantically scroll past in search of the recipe. The writing is vague and repetitive and a little all over the place. I was originally interested because of the recipes, but most contain ingredients not easily accessible in my country/ aren't particularly inspiring (I've seen other reviews question their authenticity but I'm no expert). The recipes (which probably made up about half the content) are also a little all over the place and could have been better laid out (for example, all at the end of the book).

If your aim is to learn more about Bali, you might do better with a different book (although it very much depends on where your interests lie)… (meer)

I derived such enjoyment reading this book by an Australian woman who has 'gone native' living and thriving in Balinese society. I love Bali and visit it often, falling in love with this beautiful island with its intricate culture and ceremonies, so I can understand Janet's feelings of love, which is shown abundantly in the pages.

Janet's book is not only a cookbook. Eventhough there are many recipes in it, it is also a biography and an in-depth look at Balinese culture and religion, which is interwoven tightly with its culinay tradition. Janet's description of the food is so vivid that many times when reading the book I can recall the smell of satay or sambal and my mouth waters.

The book opens with a chapter describing the dark moments of the 2002 bomb which destroyed many lives, indonesians and foreigners alike, in which Janet and her family and Balinese feel very strong for. It is a very intense, gripping and touching description of how the bomb had affected the Balinese people.

Then she continues on by telling us the story of her life, how she fell in love with Bali, a Bali man, Balinese culture and Balinese food. It is a wealth of learning about a meeting of two different cultures - the East and the West. It illuminates how a westerner views Balinese and in general our culture.

In between those subjects, she explains the intricacies of Balinese food and the philosophy and cultures behind it. I really admire her for her courage in leaving her own culture and upbringing, and immersing herself in Balinese culture and trying to understand it. I wish her every success in her effort to introduce Balinese cooking to the world.… (meer)