This is the first and only cookbook on cuisine from Madagascar. Donenfeld traveled there in 2005 and stayed for five months. She stayed with various families and lived in many parts of the island. The book is a cohesive collection of recipes from all parts of the island-highlands and lowlands, mountains and beaches, north and south. She discusses the importance of rice, gives recipes for street foods, and gives recipes for everyday home cooking as well. Malagasy cuisine is quite rich, with an abundance of vanilla, coconut, and seafood. Donenfeld endearingly tells of her travels through her recipes, introducing us to family and friends she, and surely readers, will never forget. It was a journey for her to write this book and now her readers will be able to take part in the journey as they read and prepare the recipes.