The Last Word on Lutefisk: True Tales of Cod and Tradition
"The Last Word on Lutefiskis a very pleasant read that explains in detail and with great color, and black and white photographs how the cod is caught outside the Lofoten Islands of the Norwegian coast, hanged up to dry, transported to the U.S. where it is soaked in lye and rinsed in water in preparation for the feast. The book is full of lutefisk lore and even tackles the inevitable humor in one chapter. There is an exhaustive directory to the amazingly many lutefisk dinners around the continent." "Legwold has already won some critical acclaim for his lutefisk book. It was named a finalist in the Minnesota Book Award (nonfiction category) and the Midwest Book Achievement Award (humor category)...."Legwold walks through the cod cod fishing industry showing how this single solitary species of fish has become part of a legend for Scandinavian people. Even that carries a spiritual quality."All is not somber and reverent, however. Lutefisk eaters have a sense of humor."With his own 'subtle' sense of humor, Legwold describes lutefisk dinners here in the States and paints an American portrait of Scandinavian people that is ripe with 'characters.'..."Being of Scandinavian descent is not important; not even having eaten lutefisk is irrelevant to what comes through in the text. Legwold introduces a tradition, people, and a way of life that may be out of the ordinary for many of us, all done with a delectable sense of humor. --Wadena Pioneer Journal"An often indispensible Christmas treat in Norway and Sweden, lutefisk has an all year round following in many Scandinavian American circles. To understand this fish you should read Gary Legwold's interesting bookThe Last Word on Lutefiskand try his recipes, or sneak into one of the many lutefisk dinners that take place around this time of year.... --Scandinavian Press