The Story of Sushi: An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice

Review by Paul Fiander
Written by: Trevor Corson
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins 
Publisher: Audible Studios
The story of Sushi is part story and part history lesson. It's an interesting blend that puts you in the classroom of a top Sushi school in the United States, on the tail of a lady named Kate. She is our entry point into the school and subsequent stories. Although Kate is the named person it’s actually the school that forms the focus of the narrative as we learn about its origins, staff and students in equal measure. This though is just the appetiser for the main course that is the real Story of Sushi.

I have never encountered a history book like this before, author Trevor Corson brings you into the classroom and teaches you while you listen. From the modern faux pas of Sushi dining to its origins each chapter is a lesson that gives you more and more information. For a fact nerd like myself this is epic to consume, the trouble is there is a lot to take in and this is where the narrative helps. They feel almost like commercials and give you a chance to take in what you just heard; in an odd way as well they also act as triggers to remember the facts. The more you think about the structure the more it seems to makes sense though I will say I can understand those who are a put a bit off balanced by the structure.
There is one other issue with the actual content and that is it feels a little preachy, if you are going to grab a book about sushi I’m guessing you have an interest in the subject. The author though at times feels more like he is trying to convince you that Sushi is the way to go and this can be a little jarring. It’s only a small thing but I very much doubt this will be a whim book for most.

The Narration by Brian Nishii on the main is very good. He is slightly let down by some of his accents though. If the narration did not tell you where certain people were from I very much doubt anyone would be able to discern their heritage. This is only one quibble for an otherwise great narration. Nishii keeps the tone light and easy to consume with the book clocking in at 10 hours this was much appreciated.

This is a wonderful journey through a fascinating subject. I love food and Sushi especially now though the only question I have is; What have I been eating all of these years? and where can I get some REAL Sushi?
Review copy provided by Publisher