The Mistress of Spices

“I am a Mistress of Spices.”

This opening line from the chapter “Tilo” establishes the protagonist’s identity and sets the tone for the entire narrative. Declaring herself a “Mistress of Spices,” Tilo asserts her unique role, which is shrouded in mystery and imbued with ancient traditions. This self-identification is crucial as it immediately introduces the reader to the magical realism that is central to the story. It also hints at the themes of power, duty, and the deep connection to cultural roots that the novel explores. This line is a gateway into Tilo’s world, where spices are not merely culinary elements but symbols of wisdom, healing, and mystique.

“When I hold it in my hands, the spice speaks to me. Its voice is like evening, like the beginning of the world. I am turmeric who rose out of the ocean of milk when the devas and asuras churned for the treasures of the universe. I am turmeric who came after the nectar and before the poison and thus lie in between. Yes, I whisper, swaying to its rhythm. Yes. You are turmeric, shield for heart’s sorrow, anointment for death, hope for rebirth. Together we sing this song, as we have many times.”

Tilo’s reverence for turmeric as a symbol of purity reflects the deeper cultural and spiritual meanings associated with this spice in Indian traditions. This quote highlights the novel’s theme of the mystical properties of spices and their roles in the characters’ lives. By personifying turmeric and addressing it directly, Tilo establishes an intimate connection with the spice, further emphasizing the magical realism that permeates the