The Performance of Power

In this seminal work, Edna Lewis chronicles life in Freetown, Virginia, detailing a year in the life of her community through seasonal recipes and stories. The book is organized into menus for the four seasons, highlighting dishes such as wild mushroom sauce, pan-fried chicken, baked country ham, and fresh blackberry cobbler. Lewis emphasizes the importance of using natural ingredients, embracing the seasons, and cultivating community. The book includes personal anecdotes and historical context, making it a rich culinary and cultural experience. With a preface by Judith Jones and a foreword by Alice Waters, it is hailed as one of the most important cookbooks of the 20th century.

The Jubilee is not a book but a concept found in Leviticus 25, describing a year of release and restoration for the Israelites. Every 50 years, debts were canceled, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. It symbolized God's justice, mercy, and restoration. The Jubilee year served as a reminder of God's covenant with his people and his commitment to their well-being. The concept of Jubilee has resonated throughout history, inspiring movements for social justice and economic equality.