" Piper methysticum, the intoxicating pepper, is hammered into submission before it is mixed into the brew that's guzzled, seeps into the blood, and becomes part of the stories and songs at the tip of everyone's tongue. The bitter brown drink that bears holy truths and keeps honorable myths alive. The thud of the pestle in the kava mortar is the echo of the waves, Ingrid thinks. The rhythm of the dance underneath it all. "

― Anne Østby , Pieces of Happiness: A Novel of Friendship, Hope and Chocolate