Aftertaste
What if you could have one last meal with someone you’ve loved, someone you’ve lost? Combining the magic of Under the Whispering Door with the high-stakes culinary world of Sweetbitter, Aftertaste is an epic love story, a dark comedy, and a synesthetic adventure through food and grief.
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Community Reviews
Konstantin Duhovny is a lost soul. His father died when he was ten years old, and ever since then, he’s been haunted by ghosts. He can’t see the ghosts, but can taste their favorite foods. It begins with a puff at the back of his throat, signaling him that a ghost is present, and then all the flavors flood in. One night, he decides to make a drink that comes into his mouth as a lonely, grieving man sits at the bar where he works. This action changes everything.
Konstantin discovers that by cooking the aftertastes that arrive, he can bring the ghosts back for a limited time, usually until the person finishes the food or drink that Konstantin has prepared. He is amazed and decides to make his life mission reuniting people with their lost loved ones. When the beautiful Maura comes into his life, he feels even more strongly that he is on the right path. He opens a restaurant, and word about his abilities quickly spreads. However, he doesn’t realize that he is tampering with the Afterlife, and there may be consequences.
This is an incredible book, maybe one of the best I’ve read this year. I can tell the author either did a lot of research or is very passionate about food. I learned some things I didn’t know about the culinary world. The book’s premise is unique and refreshing. Reading this book makes the reader appreciate life, loved ones, and shared experiences with family and friends. The pacing is slow to medium until the end, when everything speeds up. Konstantin’s journey is not one I will forget. I felt gutted and torn to pieces at the book’s ending, but it was fitting and maybe the only way it could have ended. This book gets a solid five stars from me! Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Konstantin discovers that by cooking the aftertastes that arrive, he can bring the ghosts back for a limited time, usually until the person finishes the food or drink that Konstantin has prepared. He is amazed and decides to make his life mission reuniting people with their lost loved ones. When the beautiful Maura comes into his life, he feels even more strongly that he is on the right path. He opens a restaurant, and word about his abilities quickly spreads. However, he doesn’t realize that he is tampering with the Afterlife, and there may be consequences.
This is an incredible book, maybe one of the best I’ve read this year. I can tell the author either did a lot of research or is very passionate about food. I learned some things I didn’t know about the culinary world. The book’s premise is unique and refreshing. Reading this book makes the reader appreciate life, loved ones, and shared experiences with family and friends. The pacing is slow to medium until the end, when everything speeds up. Konstantin’s journey is not one I will forget. I felt gutted and torn to pieces at the book’s ending, but it was fitting and maybe the only way it could have ended. This book gets a solid five stars from me! Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Such a cool concept, brilliant through Part 2, like the Bear with ghosts...and then it gets so unbelievably, frustratingly dumb.
Aftertaste starts off strong, with a lively premise and a style that promises entertainment. The setup pulled me in right away, and for the first stretch, I was happy to go along for the ride. It’s very much a “masala read” — colorful, quick-moving, and easy to breeze through.
As the story progressed, though, the sparkle wore off. The attempt to “fix the afterlife” felt more like a gimmick than a natural progression of the plot, and the momentum sagged. What began as engaging and amusing lost some of its edge, and by the end I found myself less invested.
The finale, unfortunately, didn’t land for me. It wrapped things up in a way that felt more dull than dramatic, and I was left wishing for a sharper or more thoughtful resolution.
Overall, Aftertaste is entertaining enough if you’re looking for a light, no-strings-attached read. Just don’t expect much depth or lasting reflection once you’ve put it down.
As the story progressed, though, the sparkle wore off. The attempt to “fix the afterlife” felt more like a gimmick than a natural progression of the plot, and the momentum sagged. What began as engaging and amusing lost some of its edge, and by the end I found myself less invested.
The finale, unfortunately, didn’t land for me. It wrapped things up in a way that felt more dull than dramatic, and I was left wishing for a sharper or more thoughtful resolution.
Overall, Aftertaste is entertaining enough if you’re looking for a light, no-strings-attached read. Just don’t expect much depth or lasting reflection once you’ve put it down.
I really enjoyed this book for a mild creepy October read. The concept of having the ability to connect with the after life through a taste is wildly creative and a well written plot. A great blend of curiosity, romance, and thrill. The author gave good twists and flow for a great Fall season read. I wrapped myself for the read from start to finish and left it satisfied.
Daria Lavelle crafts a truly original story that explores grief, connection, and the powerful way food can carry memory and meaning. The emotional notes—especially around missing loved ones—are tender and deeply resonant. With just a touch of fantasy, never overpowering and always balanced, Lavelle creates something quietly magical. The food and meal themes are as rich and satisfying as the story itself—absolutely delicious.
Favorite Quote:
"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."
--Daria Lavelle
Favorite Quote:
"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."
--Daria Lavelle
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