Aftertaste

by Daria Lavelle
Aftertaste cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Contemporary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 522
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-09-13
  • ISBN: 9781668061619
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2025-05-20
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £16.99

Aftertaste follows Konstantin Duhovny, a Ukrainian American haunted by the death of his father and the mysterious ability to taste the favorite foods of ghosts. This synesthetic gift leads him to discover that cooking these 'aftertastes' can temporarily bring spirits back for a final meal, offering closure to the grieving. As Kostya rises through the competitive New York culinary world, he grapples with the emotional weight of his gift and the dangers it poses. Set against a backdrop of bustling restaurants and rich food writing, the novel intertwines a dark comedy, a ghost story, and a sweeping romance. It explores themes of love, loss, and the complex ways people seek connection and satisfaction, all while navigating grief and the supernatural. Kostya's journey is as much about mastering his craft as it is about confronting the costs of tampering with life and death.

Reviews
The Book Grind · 2025-06-25
heartfelt 4.00

The novel is described as heartfelt and unique speculative fiction with a strong premise blending food, grief, romance, and supernatural thriller elements, praised for its emotional depth and genre-crossing ambition.

The reviewer admires the novel’s innovative premise of connecting food with memories of the deceased, finding it relatable and emotionally resonant. They note the book’s ambitious blending of genres—speculative fiction, magical realism, romance, literary fiction, and supernatural thriller—offering something for diverse readers. The quiet, introspective moments stand out as particularly moving, highlighting the protagonist’s grief and its link to food. The narrative’s balance of bittersweet, remorseful tones with moments of comfort and inspiration makes it a richly textured debut. They also emphasize the vivid depiction of New York’s culinary scene and how this setting supports the protagonist’s journey and emotional growth. The review appreciates the novel’s ability to excite, comfort, and inspire readers, calling it a multi-course tasting menu that satisfies even the pickiest of readers.

Quick quotes

    Aftertaste is a heartfelt and unique speculative fiction novel featuring an amazing premise.

    Haunted by the aftertaste flavors of strangers’ loved ones and their associated memories, Kostya’s lasting grief and its close association with food is a concept that’s not only relatable but also a genius with endless potential.

    The quiet, poignant moments heightened by wonderful and touching introspective reflections are the novel’s best.

The British Fantasy Society · 2025-05-29
poignant 4.25

This review praises the novel as an exceptional and unique journey blending gourmet cuisine with magical realism, exploring memories, regrets, and the longing for closure through the protagonist's culinary and emotional journey.

The reviewer highlights how the story intricately combines the world of gourmet cuisine with magical realism to explore profound themes of memory, regret, and the desire for reconciliation. They emphasize Kostya's emotional drive shaped by his longing to reconnect with his deceased father, which fuels his culinary ambitions and discovery of his supernatural gift. The narrative's magical realism elements and the gradual unfolding of characters’ identities add depth and intrigue, while the interplay of love and unfinished business with ghosts adds complexity to the tale. They appreciate the novel for its poignant and nuanced portrayal of grief and the afterlife, noting the strong support characters and the romantic subplot that adds warmth without detracting from the story’s emotional core. The reviewer finds the novel to be a beautifully crafted, thoughtful exploration of how food and memory intertwine in the human experience, making it a compelling read for fans of both fantasy and emotional storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Aftertaste is an exceptional and unique journey into the world of gourmet cuisine and the memories and regrets we carry.

    Kostya’s desperation to see his father again has shaped his life and continues to do so.

    Much of the story reads like magical realism, with some of the chapters narrated by characters whose identities become clear as the tale unfolds.

The Guardian · 2025-05-29
inventive 4.10

The debut novel is recognized for its inventive mix of satire, ghost story, and romance, with a unique premise involving a chef who tastes the favorite foods of the departed, creating a blend of humor and heart.

The Guardian's review appreciates the novel’s originality in merging satire, supernatural elements, and romantic threads into a cohesive and engaging debut. The concept of clairgustance—the ability to taste the memories of the dead through food—is highlighted as a clever and intriguing narrative device that drives both emotional and plot developments. The reviewer notes the book's tonal balance between humor and poignancy, making it a bittersweet exploration of love, loss, and connection. They also comment on how the story uses its culinary and ghostly themes to explore deeper emotional truths, creating a layered reading experience that is both entertaining and moving. The review suggests that the novel stands out for its imaginative premise and the way it handles complex themes with a light touch, appealing to readers who enjoy genre blends and thoughtful storytelling.

Quick quotes

    A chef can taste the favourite foods of the departed, in this debut mash-up of satire, ghost story and slushy romance.

    A bittersweet cocktail of humour and heart.

    An imaginative odyssey through food and love, life and death: the things that sustain us, connect us.

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