casperfalls 's review for:

The Companion by E.E. Ottoman

4.0

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I didn't realize cozy spice was a genre, but here we are! This book was a bit of a mixed bag in terms of personal enjoyment, but I definitely see its charm and I would recommend it to trans women craving some beautiful, affirming spice. I'll definitely make my wife read it for that reason (not like, actually force her xD Just very insistently recommend haha)

The story is the definition of no plot, just vibes. The personal issues/histories are never examined much and I don't think there were any stakes? If Legends & Latte is low stakes, this is definitely no stakes. That being said, it is an atmospheric, comforting read. There's a lot of detail put into the meals that are prepared, the nature walks taken, and of course, the intimacies shared.

I think this is a great, calm comfort read for the queers desperate to abandon Capitalism and live out their poly cottagecore fantasies.

The only thing that really bugged me (apart from some of the structure not really working for me) might be a small spoiler. I'll keep it vague, but be warned:

Spoiler

I don't like that Victor gets so much crap for writing books that sell. I think the whole accusations of becoming a "sell out artist" aren't super well handled and I was pretty annoyed with Audrey for consistently making the point that she just creates for the sake of it and not to earn money, because she has a farm and knows how to tend to it. She makes money through other means. Victor *only* has his writing, so like... don't shame him for wanting to buy groceries?