‘Food of Memory’ Touches the Heart

I particularly enjoy reading about food that typifies the diversity of people in Los Angeles. I am fairly new to the area, and I really appreciate the celebration of life you focus on by presenting foods, their ingredients, history and preparation that so richly combine to reflect the diversity, uniqueness and universality of each of us.

I discovered Little Saigon and was thrilled to read about pho (“Life, Love and Pho,” July 16). The July 23 feature “Our Compliments to the Guest” features a northern Indian meal. But “The Food of Memory” stands out as it links a haunting history to the present. Its humanity stretches to speak to each of us as Charlotte Innes weaves her tale right into our hearts’ comfort zone.

MARY NAVARRO FARR

Torrance

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As a native of the Czech Republic, I have visited Terezin on several occasions and, although not Jewish, I was very moved by its somber and melancholy presence. I am delighted that the book “In Memory’s Kitchen” in the cover story, “The Food of Memory” (July 23) tries to capture a different aspect of the legacy of Terezin.

I am, however, quite perplexed by Charlotte Innes’ statement that her grandfather was born in the Czech town of Liptovsky Mikulas. A look at a map will show that Liptovsky Mikulas is, and always has been, in Slovakia. This makes Innes and her grandfather Slovak Jews.

MARTINA KELLY

Westchester