Crystal Wilkinson Knihy

Acclaimed author Crystal Wilkinson's country roots and passion for language combine in this collection of lyrics and prose about Blackness, racism, and political awareness.

This lyrical culinary journey delves into the hidden stories of Black Appalachians through powerful essays and forty comforting recipes from the Poet Laureate of Kentucky. While baking a jam cake, O. Henry Prize-winning writer Crystal Wilkinson felt her late grandmother's presence, realizing she was not alone in the kitchen; her ancestors were there, guiding her. These kitchen ghosts, five generations of Black women, shaped a life, legacy, and cuisine in Appalachia. This work blends food memoir and cookbook, intertwining fiction with historical records, memories, and interviews to create a unique culinary portrait. Forty recipes, rooted in the past yet infused with contemporary flavor, are vividly illustrated, featuring favorites like Corn Pudding, Chicken and Dumplings, Jam Cake, and Praisesong Biscuits. These dishes are woven into Crystal's family narrative, reflecting the experiences and history of Black Appalachians through their voices, spirits, and foodways. As the keeper of her family's stories and cherished recipes, Crystal shares her inheritance, discovering these tales in her apron pockets, within the steam of mustard greens, and in the sweet scents of clove and cinnamon. Each dish she prepares honors her ancestors, the land that nurtured her family, and the rich heritage of Black Appalachia.

The novel presents a lyrical exploration of love and loss through the lives of several generations of women in a serene southern black township. As they navigate their relationships and personal struggles, the characters confront themes of madness and resilience, revealing the complexities of their experiences in a rich, evocative setting.