Lobster Rolls and Blueberry Pie: Three Generations of Recipes and Stories from Summers on the Coast of Maine

Rebecca Charles blends family history with culinary instruction in a memoir centered on summers along the Maine coast. The narrative traces her lineage from Brooklyn to Kennebunkport, highlighting the influence of her granduncle Sam Goldsmith and his sister-in-law Pearle Goldsmith. This coastal heritage directly inspired her career and the establishment of Pearl Oyster Bar in Greenwich Village. Charles shares over seventy recipes that reflect this three-generation love affair with the region, drawing on traditions of beach dining and New England seafood preparation. The text balances personal anecdotes with practical cooking guidance. Readers encounter stories of swimming in the Atlantic and scouring beaches for shells alongside instructions for recreating classic shore dinners. The book covers techniques for preparing items such as lobster rolls and blueberry pie, aiming to bring the atmosphere of a Maine summer to home kitchens. It suits those interested in regional American cuisine, specifically New England seafood and comfort food. Individuals seeking strictly technical culinary manuals without biographical context may find the memoir elements less relevant. Charles offers expertise on grilling whole pompano and hosting old-time clambakes. Her approach emphasizes the connection between place and flavor, using family lore to frame each dish. The work serves as both a record of her family’s history and a guide for those wishing to replicate the tastes of the rugged Maine coast.