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elysareadsitall's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
One of the major themes of the novel is feeling othered. One of our heroines is of mixed race (white father, Filipino mother), and the "fine fellow" Elijah is Jewish. Both characters are all too aware of their place in society and how people view their respective heritages. Cohen did a great job with these themes.
The story also focuses on food, so if you're interested in foodie stories, alternate history, and books exploring the problems of antisemitism and racism, you'll enjoy this novel.
Moderate: Antisemitism and Racism
saurahsaurus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Classism, Racism, Sexism, Antisemitism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Abandonment, Colonisation, Death of parent, Grief, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
Minor: Alcohol and Violence
missreaderaddict's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Antisemitism
jessaboohoo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Xenophobia
shreka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Classism, Antisemitism, and Racial slurs
lastblossom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
About:
Henrietta Higgins is on her way to becoming a top Culinarian, with only her class's final project between her and stardom. When she and her best friend Penelope Pickering come across pasty chef Elijah Little, Henrietta knows she has the project that will catapult her to the top: turn a kid from the street into a respected gentleman chef. A gender-swapped version of Pygmalion/My Fair Lady.
What I Liked:
The three leads were all well-written with distinct personalities and ambitions. Penelope Pickering was bright, kind, and really a delightful character all-around. I liked the frank discussion about being mixed race, and would have loved to see even more time dedicated to her Filipino heritage. Elijah Little likewise was a delightful character - bold, determined, and very easy to cheer for. Another very frank discussion about his Jewish heritage, which build perfectly into his own journey. An interesting alternate reality England, although there wasn't a lot of time spent on world-building. A lot of food descriptions.
What Wasn't For Me:
Henrietta Higgins is going to be a sticking point for a lot of readers. She's not a very kind person, and being capable has only made her colder. The author gave her enough layers that it's possible to sympathize with her, and I mostly came around by the end. There was a pretty rough "I'm not racist, but-" moment from her that was truly hard to get through.
Moderate: Racism and Antisemitism
Minor: Colonisation
abookandaspotoftea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Classism, Colonisation, Death of parent, and Racism
bookforthought's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Classism and Racism
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I would definitely recommend reading/listening to the author's note at the end, as it brings into the context the gender-swapped nature of history that the author is reimagining. I think it's a fun way to reimagine history, especially since women were so restricted at this partciular time. The emphasis on the fact that these women could do what they wanted was honestly a great take for this kind of book.
While some of the character swapping was difficult to follow (at least for me, listening to the book), I had fun reading this book and would defnitely recommend to those looking for a fun, light historical read.
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Classism
Minor: Racism