breeburkitt 's review for:

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

4.5

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Aftertaste is one of those books that feel as though you've stepped into someone's life, e.g., Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, The Midnight Library, etc. It's immersive as it spans decades of Kostya's life, transcending traditional genres and form. Author Daria Lavelle moves seamlessly between New York City's very real food scene and the fantastical world of hungry ghosts, crafting both into a love story of its own. 

Aftertaste is a haunting exploration of grief, love and the magic of food — quite literally a literary feast. It's a must-read and will likely be one of the best literary fiction books 2025.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy in exchange for my review.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicide, Grief

Moderate: Self harm, Death of parent