4.5/5 stars

Aftertaste is a book that gets under your skin. Daria Lavelle’s writing is lush and unsettling, pulling you into a world where food, power, and obsession blur in the most intoxicating way.

The unnamed narrator is drawn into the orbit of an enigmatic chef, and what starts as fascination quickly turns into something far darker. The sensory detail is incredible, every taste, scent, and texture is described so vividly it feels almost tangible. It reminded me of Tender is the Flesh and A Certain Hunger, but with its own feverish, dreamlike quality.

If you love dark, atmospheric stories that seduce and disturb in equal measure, this one is unforgettable.

This darkly comedic novel was a fascinating read, totally unlike anything I’ve read before. The humour and warmth shone throughout the novel. I would highly recommend it.

A thought-provoking debut set against the vibrant bustle of New York’s culinary scene. The Aftertaste is nothing short of a delicious, exciting and succulent read. Lavelle tackles many themes including loss, grief and love as well as the shadowy darkness of the supernatural.

Kostya is the protagonist who loses his father at the age of 10. Having never been able to reconcile the suddenness of it all, one thing stands out is the aftertaste of his father’s favourite meal. Soon he realises that through his gift he can reunite the living with their lost ones through creative dishes. Finally, he has a calling and begins to hone his skills producing mouthwatering dishes. While this quest brings about joy and happiness and explores the power of memory it also has the potential to cause misery as he delves deeper into the depths of the supernatural.

Maura, his love interest provides a momentary distraction as the two enter a relationship, she knows his secret, but will it be enough to save him.

The beauty of the book for me is the exquisite detailing of each course as well as the descriptive prose which simply drags you into each scene. There were moments of imagining if you could spend that last hour/minute with your loved one how would it be, what would you say.

A well-executed debut and I look forward to reading more from this writer.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.

I loved this book, I was instantly intrigued by Kostya and really felt for him as we were finding out about his childhood which seemed so sad. But there was something about the current story that just gripped me and I was engrossed in the 'aftertastes' although some of the time they were making me hungry they were so well described! I just loved how the story grew with Frankie helping Kostya find his way into a job in a kitchen where he was able to learn the skills to create the tastes.

I also liked the love story that was blossoming between Kostya and Maura which was unexpected but thought that they were actually really well suited as they really seemed to understand each other. As we got nearer towards the end though some things were revealed which could have gone two ways but I was glad they went the way that they did.

The ending though, I honestly did not see it coming - at all. And I think because I had no idea about it I honestly felt broken by it. I was that invested with the characters and the situation it just swooped in and surprised me, it was however brilliant. I loved the writing style of this and the way it just flowed so well.

Is a very emotional book. I felt like I was in a journey with Konstantin, discovering the power of food and how the senses can help you during difficult times. Is written very well, easy to follow but so deep in his mesning. It's abiut grief and family. A very good book! I really liked it

This was an addictive read that I devoured in one day. It is full of love, loss, and grief and really shows us how food can evoke so many emotions and memories.

Just a little warning - don’t read on an empty stomach! The delicious descriptions had me practically salivating.

Aftertaste is such a uniquely written book that absolutely should be on everyone’s 2025 tbr

Aftertaste - Daria - An Hungry Man’s Review

People, this book is succulent. The language and descriptions evoke connotations of culinary exquisiteness - do not read this book hungry.

Aftertaste will leave you craving more, like a sweating, glistening glass of iced tea on a hot summer day, but when you take it sip it reminds you of the someone that first made it for you, when you were young and hot from running in the garden. The one that sang you to sleep, cooked for you when you were sick, helped you when you were stuck and then passed when you weren’t ready. It’s a book about love, loss, grief and how food can keep people alive through memory.

It’s not a sad book, I laughed and swooned and ate while reading Aftertaste (obviously I cried a little too) but I also realised the power food has, I thought about the favourite meals of my friends and family, what flavours remind me of, the food my mother cooked for me as a child, the food I make to tell my wife and Son that I love them, what meal will they remember me by? will Jasper cook ‘Dads famous …..’ for his children?

Art makes you feel something, it may be happy, it may be sad but this book is definitely art and it’s the best book I’ve read this year.

This was definitely very different to other books I've read.

It follows the story of a grieving boy who misses his father, who starts to connect with spirits through tasting dishes. This book takes the concept of food as a memory, and Konstantin brings spirits back for one last meal to give them closure.
It's definitely darker than I expected from a cover that looks rather cutesy, but I don't mind that. There are a number of heavy topics throughout - as can be expected from a book looking at grief.

The concept of this book is truly unique and unlike anything I've ever read before

“But letting go doesn’t mean that you forget me. Just that you don’t let the memories hurt you anymore.”
This is a book that will make you hungry and then feed you, but the void it leaves won’t be easy to fill. It’s a full-course meal of emotions—happiness, grief, sadness, joy, anger, disgust—the entire cast of Inside Out. And every emotion is perfectly timed to be effective, making you weep or cheer. And weep you will—like, a lot.
Kostya is an incredibly well-written character because he feels real. He makes mistakes, he’s angry and stubborn, and sometimes, you just want to grab him and shake him to wake him up.
The entire cast of characters is amazing. Even the smallest roles are more than just background noise—every single person who appears in the book has a purpose.
This book is so much more than I could ever express here. I’d need an entire book just to write about this book.
If you want to give yourself a gift, read this book.
“They marked their lives in food. In birthday cakes, and champagne toasts. In bowls of ketchup soup and Michelin-starred menus. In cups of coffee. In Happy Meals. In sides of fries. In Sunday dinners with Gigi or Yaya or Nǎi Nai or Ba. To eat was to celebrate. Food was living, after all; food was love. It was how the Living coped. How they kept going. Shorthand for their entire lives.”

I adored this book. It's taken me a few days to sit down and write this review, as I was still savouring it, rolling its various emotions round my head and my tongue. I know I love a book when I want to go back and read it again immediately, as I did with this.

I won't rehash the synopsis here, but, in brief, it involves protagonist Konstantin losing his dad early in his life then experiencing "after tastes", hits of the food that belong to the dead, starting with his dad's favourite Ukrainian chicken livers dish.

I love food, I love the theatre of restaurant kitchens and eating out. I love a dash of magic realism and a hint of Ghostbusters. So, this book had all the ingredients (ok, enough with the food puns) for a great book. But it was the heart of this book that truly grabbed me; the way food, grief and love in all its forms are woven together. Yes, it's a story of grief and death, but also love, family, finding your path and figuring out what really matters to you. Life in all its flavour.

After a slew of reading so-so debuts, this one shone out as a true pearl. I will definitely be looking out for further books by this author.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for a review copy of this excellent book.

“a recipe could tell you who someone had been, what they had loved, the things that sustained them. It was a way for others to carry them along, to bring them back, to keep them close once they had gone. A way to never really die”

WOW !!! I got to read this book as part of the readathon for Bloomsbury’s Big night and I loved every single part of it!! I loved how it explored the bond between food and the process of grief, I myself started thinking of the way I remember my loved ones through special foods we shared together. it was also so beautifully written and fast paced I couldn’t take my eyes off the pages, a true masterpiece!!

This book was fantastic. It was so heartwarming and gripping, I’ve not read anything like this before and I just had such a good time with it.

The writing was fantastic. The writing style was just perfect and it kept me just turning the page.

Loved it! Would definitely read more from this author.

This is a book like nothing else I have ever read. It’s a love story and a story of loss and grief and of friendship. Thoroughly engaging pulling you into the life of Kostya and his encounters in life and death. What an exquisite read. Just beautiful and endearing

The story explores themes of food, love, self-doubt, ambition, wisdom and folly, cruelty and compassion, the allure of the unknown, and the steadfastness of friendship—essentially, all the qualities that define the human experience. For food enthusiasts, residents of New York (or those with a deep affection for the city), and aficionados of speculative fiction, this work is particularly gratifying. The writing is outstanding: the depictions of food are so vivid they will leave one craving more, and there are several poignant moments that will resonate deeply with readers. New Yorkers will find familiar neighborhoods and dining spots, while others will appreciate the various nods to baristas, video game enthusiasts, immigrants, food show fans, and many more. Additionally, for those who have experienced loss, there is a hopeful undertone suggesting that, perhaps, things may ultimately resolve favorably.

Aftertaste is one of the most food-obsessed novels I’ve ever read—in the best possible way. The descriptions are rich, sensory, and transportive, making this a perfect read for anyone who loves the connection between food and memory. Plus, who doesn't love a ghost story?!

That said, a couple of plot points stretched believability a bit too far for me, making parts of the story harder to connect with. But overall, this was a deliciously inventive read—equal parts love story, ghost story, and foodie dream.

The tagline said "The Bear" meets "before the coffee get's cold" and only one of the mentioned titles spoke to me. During a holiday I started this one on a whim and couldn't believe it when I finished this book the next day.
The story of Kostya and his regrets and abilities to bring back loved ones for one meal was exactly what was advertised and nothing I expected from it. You follow along a young man discovering ghostly powers and trying to find a way to use it for good. For one meal you can join a passed loved one and help them with their unfinished business. But every action has consequences... I was surprised by how sad and tragic this was while being this entertaining. Be prepared to cry frequently. After the midway point it get's also a bit dark with horror elements which I highly approve of. The twists and ending really was a highlight.
Aftertastes surprised me and I cannot wait to recommend to to my customers.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle is a deeply imaginative and emotional journey that combines elements of magical realism, romance, and grief, set against the high-stakes world of New York’s culinary scene. The novel follows Konstantin "Kostya" Duhovny, a man haunted by ghosts since the death of his father when he was just ten years old. While Kostya cannot see these ghosts, he experiences them through their favourite foods, tasting meals he’s never eaten as a sign that a spirit is nearby.

For most of his life, Kostya has kept this unusual ability to himself. However, one night, he decides to embrace it and, in doing so, discovers he can reunite people with their deceased loved ones by preparing a meal that reconnects them through taste. This realisation sets him on a journey to help grieving strangers find closure, leading him into the fiery world of New York’s culinary scene, where he hopes to hone his skills and make a difference.

As Kostya’s talents grow, so does his ambition, but he fails to recognise the growing danger in the Afterlife that threatens to undo everything he’s worked for. Meanwhile, the one person who understands the catastrophic consequences of his actions also begins to fall in love with him, complicating the emotional landscape of his already turbulent life.

Aftertaste is an evocative story that blends food, grief, and love in a way that resonates deeply with readers. Lavelle’s writing is rich with mouthwatering food descriptions, creating a synesthetic adventure that allows readers to "taste" the emotions, memories, and connections tied to each meal. This debut novel is a multi-layered exploration of how we hunger for connection, closure, and love, and the lengths we are willing to go to in order to find satisfaction, even in the face of loss.

With its unique concept and heartwarming, heart-wrenching themes, Aftertaste is a deliciously immersive read that will satisfy even the most discerning of readers.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle is a hauntingly beautiful and utterly unique novel that blends the magic of Under the Whispering Door with the culinary intensity of Sweetbitter. Part love story, part ghost story, and part dark comedy, this debut is a multi-layered exploration of grief, love, and the ways we seek connection—both with the living and the dead.

The story follows Konstantin “Kostya” Duhovny, a man haunted by the loss of his father and the ghosts that have lingered in his life ever since. Kostya has a peculiar gift: he can taste the favourite foods of the dead, a synesthetic ability that signals the presence of a spirit. For years, he’s kept this secret to himself, but one night, he decides to act on the flavours flooding his mouth. What begins as an experiment leads to a life-changing discovery: Kostya can reunite the living with their deceased loved ones, if only for the time it takes to share a meal.

Determined to use his gift to bring closure to others, Kostya throws himself into the fiery world of New York’s culinary scene, honing his skills as a chef while navigating the complexities of his newfound purpose. But as he grows closer to mastering his craft, Kostya remains oblivious to the chaos brewing in the Afterlife—and to the fact that someone who knows his secret is falling in love with him.

One of the standout features of Aftertaste is its rich and evocative prose. Lavelle’s descriptions of food are nothing short of mouth-watering, capturing the textures, flavours, and emotions tied to each dish. The culinary world is brought to life with vivid detail, from the high-pressure kitchens to the bustling dining rooms, creating a backdrop that is as vibrant as it is immersive.

Kostya is a deeply compelling protagonist, whose grief and longing make him both relatable and sympathetic. His journey of self-discovery—and his struggle to balance his gift with the demands of the living world—is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic figure who falls for Kostya, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making the relationships feel authentic and layered.

Thematically, Aftertaste delves into the nature of grief, the power of memory, and the ways we seek to hold onto those we’ve lost. The novel also explores the idea of connection—how food, love, and shared experiences can bridge the gap between the living and the dead. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding emotional weight and resonance.

The pacing is excellent, with the narrative shifting between moments of quiet reflection and high-stakes drama. The blend of romance, humour, and supernatural elements creates a story that is as unpredictable as it is satisfying. The final act is both poignant and thrilling, tying together the threads of the story in a way that feels earned and deeply moving.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the supernatural elements and the rules of Kostya’s gift a bit abstract at times. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Aftertaste is a stunning debut that will appeal to fans of magical realism, culinary fiction, and stories that explore the complexities of love and loss. Daria Lavelle has created a novel that is as nourishing as it is unforgettable, offering readers a feast for the senses and the soul.

A hauntingly beautiful and deeply satisfying novel, Aftertaste is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that blend magic, food, and the enduring power of love.

Aftertaste has such an original premise, and it had me captivated. A feast for all the senses, I found it incredibly emotive and affecting. I can't wait to read more by Lavelle.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I loved this story and spending time in the world that Lavelle created. The characters were great (I think Frankie was my favourite), the world-building/lore exquisitely crafted, the sense of place in NYC fantastic, the pacing perfect, and the theme of grief, life, and love evocative. The writing was fantastic with realistic (sometimes laugh-out-loud funny) dialogue, beautiful turns of phrase, and food writing that I could taste.

This was the first book in a long time that felt like it took a unique and new path. The story truly offered up something fresh.

I love genre-spanning books and this is like *chef's kiss* of culinary/literary with a sprinkling of horror and magic. Ya girl didn't even mind the romance component (I know!). If you wish books like The Chibineko Kitchen went a bit harder, this is the book for you!

Magnifique. No notes.