Aftertaste

Daria Lavelle's Aftertaste is a genre-defying debut that blends the culinary world with the supernatural, crafting a narrative that's both heart-wrenching and enchanting. Set against the backdrop of New York City's vibrant restaurant scene, the story follows Kostya, a dishwasher who discovers—after the tragic loss of his father as a boy—that he can summon spirits through the dishes he prepares. This unique ability propels him on a journey to offer closure to the grieving, all while navigating his own unresolved past and a burgeoning romance with Maura, a psychic with secrets of her own.

Lavelle's prose is rich and evocative, making every meal described feel tangible and every emotion deeply felt. The novel delves into themes of grief, love, and the lengths we go to find connection, all while maintaining a darkly comic tone—and some Russian gangsters thrown in for good measure.

For readers who loved Sweetbitter, appreciate stories that intertwine the mystical with the mundane, and find solace in the rituals of food and memory, Aftertaste offers a feast for the senses and the soul. This one has some zip!

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