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bookwormandtheatremouse's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Suicide, and Mental illness
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual assault
onthesamepage's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maya leaves her entire world behind to accompany her boyfriend to the Arctic. But it's a harsh environment, especially in the winter, and Maya finds herself struggling. After a trip to Bangalore for her father's wedding and a less than warm welcome back to the Arctic, Maya finds refuge in her mother's old recipe book, and decides to prove to everyone that she can thrive, even in this hostile environment.
So this was a bit of a heavier read than I was anticipating, but I think that is actually a good thing. Don't be fooled by the cover: I know it screams "cute wintery romance" but that's really not what this is. I appreciated that there was more to this story than a simple, light-hearted romance. There is a lot of exploration of mental health and the way anxiety and depression can be affected by your environment. Maya also doesn't have any childhood memories, something which has been chalked up to trauma due to immigrating as a child. But returning to Bangalore unexpectedly forces her to confront the gaps in her mind. I liked the journey she went on, and how we as readers discovered her story alongside her.
I found some of Maya's reasoning highly suspect (like following your boyfriend to the coldest place on Earth, or inviting a friend to the Arctic "for the weekend"--it's a 37-40 HOURS FLIGHT), but ignoring that, she's a pretty relatable and likeable character. The thing that bothered me the most is probably all the lists; Maya calls it her way of coping with anxiety, but I was really not interested in lists of all the times this or that happened to her and ended up skipping a couple of the longer ones because I couldn't be bothered.
On the upside, this book has plenty of mouth-watering descriptions of Indian cuisine, although I think I'll stick to chicken as a main protein rather than reindeer.
Maya leaves her entire world behind to accompany her boyfriend to the Arctic. But it's a harsh environment, especially in the winter, and Maya finds herself struggling. After a trip to Bangalore for her father's wedding and a less than warm welcome back to the Arctic, Maya finds refuge in her mother's old recipe book, and decides to prove to everyone that she can thrive, even in this hostile environment.
So this was a bit of a heavier read than I was anticipating, but I think that is actually a good thing. Don't be fooled by the cover: I know it screams "cute wintery romance" but that's really not what this is. I appreciated that there was more to this story than a simple, light-hearted romance. There is a lot of exploration of mental health and the way anxiety and depression can be affected by your environment. Maya also doesn't have any childhood memories, something which has been chalked up to trauma due to immigrating as a child. But returning to Bangalore unexpectedly forces her to confront the gaps in her mind. I liked the journey she went on, and how we as readers discovered her story alongside her.
I found some of Maya's reasoning highly suspect (like following your boyfriend to the coldest place on Earth, or inviting a friend to the Arctic "for the weekend"--it's a 37-40 HOURS FLIGHT), but ignoring that, she's a pretty relatable and likeable character. The thing that bothered me the most is probably all the lists; Maya calls it her way of coping with anxiety, but I was really not interested in lists of all the times this or that happened to her and ended up skipping a couple of the longer ones because I couldn't be bothered.
On the upside, this book has plenty of mouth-watering descriptions of Indian cuisine, although I think I'll stick to chicken as a main protein rather than reindeer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Suicide and Sexual assault
beccalesurf's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
asourceoffiction's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
On the face of it this doesn't sound like a concept that would work - a curry club in the midst of semi-permanent arctic night?! But much like a decent curry, it merges these distinct flavours into something new and incredibly palatable. And yes, all of my posts contain this level of witty repartee, thanks for asking.
Maya's anxiety is a huge part of the story, and the struggle she faces when it threatens to overwhelm her felt really authentic. I also liked the lists peppered through the book as a source of calm, it connected me to Maya's character.
I particularly loved the end; one of the things I often struggle with in cosy books like this is having everything neatly tied up at the conclusion, which just doesn't feel authentic. But there's none of that here; there are resolutions but everything and everyone is still very much a work in progress, and it's not all clean cut and predictable.
Warning though: do not read this book without quick access to curry in your house! I had serious food envy and loved experiencing Maya's cooking with her.
Maya's anxiety is a huge part of the story, and the struggle she faces when it threatens to overwhelm her felt really authentic. I also liked the lists peppered through the book as a source of calm, it connected me to Maya's character.
I particularly loved the end; one of the things I often struggle with in cosy books like this is having everything neatly tied up at the conclusion, which just doesn't feel authentic. But there's none of that here; there are resolutions but everything and everyone is still very much a work in progress, and it's not all clean cut and predictable.
Warning though: do not read this book without quick access to curry in your house! I had serious food envy and loved experiencing Maya's cooking with her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Suicide
tigerlilliereads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
I revived this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Going to be honest the title drew me to this book straight away, plus the front cover gave me all the wintery vibes I love.
I didn’t know what I was getting in for with this book but I very quickly fell in love. The story is really gripping and transports you completely into the setting and landscapes featured in the book. I don’t think I wanted to put it down! The characters are realistic and relatable with the story and characters constantly developing.
The book focus on Naya who has just moved to the Artic due to her boyfriend, Ryan, doing some work studying Polar Bears. But despite the beauty that the setting holds, it’s winter and dark 24/7 with blizzards and bitterly cold weather. With her boyfriend working all the time she begins to struggle and starts to feel lost.
The story does cover some really heavy topics, but it does so well. I loved the cooking element and how the writer describes the food, the main character creates, with such passion and creativity. The fusion and stark contrast between India and the Artic are such an asset to the story and vital in the development of our main character. The characters are so loveable… apart from one but you will know who I mean you read it…
I enjoyed this ever so much, I am almost sad that it’s over as I was completely transported into the story line and environments!
Such a fantastic story!
Going to be honest the title drew me to this book straight away, plus the front cover gave me all the wintery vibes I love.
I didn’t know what I was getting in for with this book but I very quickly fell in love. The story is really gripping and transports you completely into the setting and landscapes featured in the book. I don’t think I wanted to put it down! The characters are realistic and relatable with the story and characters constantly developing.
The book focus on Naya who has just moved to the Artic due to her boyfriend, Ryan, doing some work studying Polar Bears. But despite the beauty that the setting holds, it’s winter and dark 24/7 with blizzards and bitterly cold weather. With her boyfriend working all the time she begins to struggle and starts to feel lost.
The story does cover some really heavy topics, but it does so well. I loved the cooking element and how the writer describes the food, the main character creates, with such passion and creativity. The fusion and stark contrast between India and the Artic are such an asset to the story and vital in the development of our main character. The characters are so loveable… apart from one but you will know who I mean you read it…
I enjoyed this ever so much, I am almost sad that it’s over as I was completely transported into the story line and environments!
Such a fantastic story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Drug use, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
what_heather_loves's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
"'I wanted a name that conveyed the warmth of spice and the cold of the Arctic. 'What about The Arctic Curry Club?'...I felt a rush of pride. Naming things brought them to life."
Early thirties, mixed-race Maya lost her Indian mum when she was eight and moved, with her white, British father to the UK. She has no memories of her childhood in Bangalore, assuming losing her mum was traumatic. She is beginning the adventure of a lifetime, moving to Longyearbyen in the Arctic with boyfriend Ryan, who has a job there. Maya is a planner and a list-maker, but suffers terribly with anxiety. Whilst outgoing Ryan settles in quickly, Maya struggles with the climate and the culture, feeling lonely.
A visit to Bangalore for her dad's wedding to family friend Uma, results in Maya being given her mum's recipe book. A local tour company seeking a cook, back in the Arctic, gives her the courage to try the recipes; each taste causes childhood memories to coming flooding back, some good and some difficult. Will Maya make a success of her new role, will she discover more about her childhood and will she find her way in the world?
Told from likeable but vulnerable, Maya's perspective makes for an engaging read. Split into four parts, it's dominated by both the harsh Arctic winter and Maya's vulnerabilities (relying on Ryan and dealing with the impacts of her childhood memories returning). The cast of characters she encounters, both in the Arctic and in India, add to the atmosphere and as Maya's confidence grows she is able to make better decisions for herself.
Drawn from the author's experiences of the Artic and of Indian cuisine, this is more than heartwarming uplit, it also feels realistic and emotive, about community and belonging. Perfect for chilly days and nights, for fans of Libby Page and Ericka Waller.
Thank you Avon Books for my ARC and for the recipe and rice.
Early thirties, mixed-race Maya lost her Indian mum when she was eight and moved, with her white, British father to the UK. She has no memories of her childhood in Bangalore, assuming losing her mum was traumatic. She is beginning the adventure of a lifetime, moving to Longyearbyen in the Arctic with boyfriend Ryan, who has a job there. Maya is a planner and a list-maker, but suffers terribly with anxiety. Whilst outgoing Ryan settles in quickly, Maya struggles with the climate and the culture, feeling lonely.
A visit to Bangalore for her dad's wedding to family friend Uma, results in Maya being given her mum's recipe book. A local tour company seeking a cook, back in the Arctic, gives her the courage to try the recipes; each taste causes childhood memories to coming flooding back, some good and some difficult. Will Maya make a success of her new role, will she discover more about her childhood and will she find her way in the world?
Told from likeable but vulnerable, Maya's perspective makes for an engaging read. Split into four parts, it's dominated by both the harsh Arctic winter and Maya's vulnerabilities (relying on Ryan and dealing with the impacts of her childhood memories returning). The cast of characters she encounters, both in the Arctic and in India, add to the atmosphere and as Maya's confidence grows she is able to make better decisions for herself.
Drawn from the author's experiences of the Artic and of Indian cuisine, this is more than heartwarming uplit, it also feels realistic and emotive, about community and belonging. Perfect for chilly days and nights, for fans of Libby Page and Ericka Waller.
Thank you Avon Books for my ARC and for the recipe and rice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Suicide, and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual assault
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