Aftertaste
by Daria Lavelle
Aftertaste is an intriguing novel that will appeal to fans of foodie literary fiction and dark fantasy. If it were a restaurant it would be a mysterious fusion place which merges dishes in unique and delightful, but challenging ways. The story focuses on Konstantin Duhovny, whose childhood was defined by his family’s immigration to the United States from Soviet Ukraine and his father’s early death. Duhovny has a unique ability, clairgustance, which allows him to taste the foods that are most emblematic of unseen spirits. He is warned against interacting with these “Hungry Ghosts” by a beautiful young psychic, Maura, who he meets at a rave event, but Duhovny is spurred on by his desire to have closure with his father and works his way up the line at Micheline star restaurant in order to learn to recreate the dishes that linger on his tongue. Maura is also working through her own loss, her sister who committed suicide. There are many twists and turns and the story will keep you guessing till the very end. The books conclusion is satisfying and hopeful, if not a completely happy ending.
Food Person
by Adam Roberts
Food Person is like merging Top Chef with Entertainment Tonight, it gives a fictionalized insight into the world of cookbook writing something the author is familiar with from his past nonfictions works. There is a gossipy element to the novel which name drops famous chefs both for their culinary feats as well as their social mistakes. It is the literary equivalent of a juicy hamburger at the new celebrity hot spot. The story centers on Isabelle, who feels a bit adrift after being fired from her job. She has allowed a domineering mother and catty best friend make her feel unworthy. Working as a ghostwriter with a party girl former child star, Molly, seems like an ill fit at first but the story finds Isabelle finding her way towards being not only a successful author, but also more confidence in herself. I wasn’t expecting the dramatic moment that happened towards the later half of the story, but I liked seeing how it leads to Isabelle working through her judgmental attitude towards Molly and how Molly also works through her own self-absorption. I also enjoyed the sweet romance that develops between Isabelle and a sous chef at an up and coming restaurant.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 