Scan barcode
A review by margueritestjust
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First of all, may I say that I adored this book. It has an incredible amount of devotion to its characters and their arcs, and I think that it's had the best character work out of the books that I've read this year. The plot and point of views had me questioning some decisions earlier in the book, but Sonali Dev really explored some heavy themes in this book, and also ended up with an actual aww-worthy romance along the way. I also think that it's so funny that the plot of this book was basically "Chopped, but for fancy chefs". This book absolutely convinced me to pick up Persuasion as I've never read it, though this has set really high expectations for it.
Once again, Dev hits a homerun with the Raje family. I seriously can't get over how well their relationships and dynamics are written, and I bought the next book in the series as soon as it came out because her writing is seriously amazing. The love interest feels a lot more fleshed out to me than DJ did in the first one, and the central romance actually works, with all of the conflicts naturally arising out of a difficult situation and confusion and misunderstanding. By the time they finally get together, it feels very beautifully done. The only issue I had with this book is when the author referenced the plot of Persuasion! A character tells the love interest that he's totally "Wentworthing-ing" the main character, and that got to be just a bit too self-referential for me, haha.
I really can't describe how much I loved this book, so please just pick it up. The premise is fun, the characters are well-written, and the story will have you seriously re-evaluate your first perceptions of everything and everyone in the book. I cannot wait to read her next book.
I'm also not usually one for quoting the book during reviews but this book had me SO aww'ing here (rather late in the story so spoilers tagged).
Do you mean it?" Her voice was a whisper.
He swallowed, his thickly stubbled jaw tightening. "Mean what?"
"Everything you say to me with your eyes?"
Once again, Dev hits a homerun with the Raje family. I seriously can't get over how well their relationships and dynamics are written, and I bought the next book in the series as soon as it came out because her writing is seriously amazing. The love interest feels a lot more fleshed out to me than DJ did in the first one, and the central romance actually works, with all of the conflicts naturally arising out of a difficult situation and confusion and misunderstanding. By the time they finally get together, it feels very beautifully done. The only issue I had with this book is when the author referenced the plot of Persuasion! A character tells the love interest that he's totally "Wentworthing-ing" the main character, and that got to be just a bit too self-referential for me, haha.
I really can't describe how much I loved this book, so please just pick it up. The premise is fun, the characters are well-written, and the story will have you seriously re-evaluate your first perceptions of everything and everyone in the book. I cannot wait to read her next book.
I'm also not usually one for quoting the book during reviews but this book had me SO aww'ing here (rather late in the story so spoilers tagged).
He swallowed, his thickly stubbled jaw tightening. "Mean what?"
"Everything you say to me with your eyes?"
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Rape
In the past, and in flashbacks, an alcoholic character is depicted, who later kills himself.
A supporting character was raped in the past, though it is never graphically described.