Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle
I recommend this to the hungry readers who are looking for something fresh and not a true genre read.
What would you do if you could have one last meal with a loved one who passed away? This is the situation Konstantin Duhovny, also known as Kostya, finds himself in in Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle, a genre-bending novel that’s not your typical ghost story.
The story unfolds as Kostya, a Ukrainian American who, like most preteens, has a disagreement with his parent and tragically loses them too soon.
Souls’ Last Chance in the Afterlife
The story is set in New York, the food capital, where Kostya’s journey to being Clairgustant is served up on a silver platter. A Clairgustant can taste the foods of the spirits that are near, those searching in the afterlife for their Aftertaste, which gives them the ability to pass on. Grieving widows, siblings and lovers are granted the opportunity to reunite for one last meal, and Kostya is at the center of that gift to others.
Kostya is constantly fighting not only himself but those around him as he ignores all the warnings from friends, and even a psychic, until one day he runs into someone who can change all of this for him.
A Premise You’ll Eat Up
The intricate workings of this story and the way it flows will make you not want to put it down. The writing style provides readers with a sense of belonging, like how the author refers to Konstatin as Kostya, a name only his close friends and family call him.
I chose to read this novel because I would love to have a meal with someone whom I lost before I was ready for them to leave. Aftertaste allowed me to step into the shoes of some of these customers and live through their experiences.
Addictive, Genre-Bending Novel
Aftertaste is far from your typical ghost story or the haunting adventures you may see in those TV marathons or dedicated channels. This story is full of love, grief, emotional rollercoasters and detailed, significant pallets of food. The descriptions in this book and the layers of flavor made me want to live in my kitchen. So be prepared to find yourself snacking or even licking your lips as you flip through these pages.
This novel is addictive, rewarding and delicate. The pacing is well-balanced with enough highs and lows to keep you gasping aloud in disbelief at some monumental events and twists. Lavelle impressively provides vivid and realistic details regarding the descriptions, from Kostya’s cheap apartment to the upscale restaurants he was able to serve in.
Readers experience Kostya’s memories throughout his life, from those of his late father to the rebellious adult Kostya grew into, who despises the care of his protective mother.
A Fresh Perspective on Grief
Aftertaste is a fresh perspective on grief as it is a difficult theme to navigate, both in literature and our personal lives. It affects everyone, but is often the elephant in the room, as grief is unique to the individual. We as humans do not handle death the same as the person next to us, and that’s okay because what may work for you may not work for someone else.
The overall theme of this book would be: Don’t let someone you love pass away without telling them how much you love them. We often try to hold on because it always seems like it is never enough time or the right time, but this may actually do more harm. Love them enough to release them, as death cannot be avoided, and it is up to us to make sure that we are releasing our loved ones so that they may have peace.
A Healing and Comforting Read
There are mentions of longing for death, suicide ideation, eating disorders and unhealed trauma from losing a parent. If any of these are difficult areas to read, then be sure to read this with caution. As for me, it was needed.
Aftertaste delicately guides the reader to closure and maybe even healing: to knowing that, without clear evidence but comfort, that your loved ones are okay and it is okay to release them. Allow them to be happy so that they don’t spend eternity looking for their Aftertaste.
I recommend this to the hungry readers who are looking for something fresh and not a true genre read. I enjoy these genre-busters the most because of how intricately they are woven and hand-selected for an emotional, food-filled roller coaster.
Daria Lavelle is an American fiction writer. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in the New York metro area, her work explores themes of identity and belonging through magic and the uncanny. Her short stories have appeared in The Deadlands, Dread Machine and elsewhere, and she holds degrees in writing from Princeton University and Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, children and goldendoodle, all of whom love a great meal almost as much as she does.
Publish Date: 5/20/2025
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal
Author: Daria Lavelle
Page Count: 400 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781668061596