Il Riposo della Polpetta by Massimo Montanari

Il Riposo della Polpetta is a collection of short articles published in magazines such as Consumatori (a magazine of the Coop members) and in the Sundays pages of Italian newspaper, La Repubblica. Written by Massimo Montanari, this collection of articles are reflections on simple things in life (at face value somewhat banal) which reveal significant and meaningful fragments of our history and culture. By reading the book we can discover what is hiding behind daily (and often simple) gestures related to our culinary and eating habits. The author succeeds in answering questions, such as: What are the factors that often condition our eating habits? Why do we always need to have our refrigerator well stocked? What is the symbolism behind the barbecue and why is it so popular? Why is bread the symbol of our civilization?

The author strives to tell us how social conditions influence and often accompany changes in our food habits. For example, Montanari talks about the death of Pope Paolo II after he had eaten some melons. He also talks of the origins of macaroni and French fries as well as a short and factual history of bread, of its uses and of its variations throughout the centuries.

Even the last American election features in this book, as Montanari discusses how McCain wanted to have a large barbecue in the White House Garden and how Obama affirmed his love for salads of arugula and parmesan. Michelle Obama’s work to foster healthy eating and by growing fresh vegetables in the White House Garden is also discussed in the book. This part of the book echoes how the political fight over the White House was also “fought” on the culinary level: a collision between tradition and innovation, a carnivorous society linked to the past as well as a society that looks ahead.

Anyone interested in the history of food will find this collection of stories interesting and notable and not too difficult for the student of Italian.  The style is an approachable one, and the author writes for a general audience.

 Marcello Gammella