FROM BARBYCU TO BARBECUE The Untold History of an American Tradition

Jonathan Yen puts enthusiasm into his narration as he guides listeners through Haynes's history of Southern barbecue, with its distinct combination of African American, Native American, and European influences. Barbecues were once an important part of politics, as they gave candidates an opportunity to address crowds. Yen keeps his delivery straightforward, with a few detours. He sounds like a pitchman as he reads a sauce label. He never affects a Southern accent, but some quotes let traces of one seep into his narration. Listeners might get lost early on amid barbecue's many origin stories, but Haynes traces the cooking technique thoroughly as recipes travel through the South and, later, around the U.S. and the world. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]