Your Next Listen: "Aftertaste" by Daria Lavelle
Podcast Overview "Your Next Listen," a collaborative production by Lemonada Media and Simon & Schuster Audio, serves as a weekly hub for discovering the latest and most compelling audiobooks. In the June 16, 2025 episode, the focus is on "Aftertaste," a debut novel by Daria Lavelle. The episode delves deep into the book's narrative, themes, and the author's unique blending of culinary arts with magical realism.
Introduction to "Aftertaste" At [00:38], host Daria Lovell introduces "Aftertaste," highlighting its protagonist, Kostya Duhovny, and the novel's intricate exploration of sensory experiences tied to memories and the supernatural. Lavelle draws parallels to works like "Like Water for Chocolate" and combines elements of a restaurant memoir with magical realism, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and emotions.
Plot and Character Development The narrative centers on Kostya Duchovny, portrayed as a gifted individual in the culinary world whose exceptional taste buds allow him to ascend rapidly from dishwasher to a renowned chef. However, Kostya's unique ability to experience vivid aftertastes—gustatory memories from the deceased—adds a supernatural layer to his professional and personal life.
One of the opening excerpts at [03:10] immerses listeners in Kostya's childhood, illustrating his deep connection with his father through shared sensory experiences like blind taste tests. This bond, however, becomes strained following his father's untimely death, leading to Kostya's ongoing struggle with loss and identity.
Throughout the novel, Kostya navigates the complexities of building a career in the restaurant industry while grappling with the lingering ties to his Ukrainian heritage and the supernatural messages conveyed through food. The episodic structure, centered around various culinary terms such as "bitter," "salty," and "sweet," serves as a metaphorical framework for Kostya's emotional journey.
Themes and Insights "Aftertaste" deftly intertwines themes of grief, cultural identity, and the healing power of food. Lavelle's portrayal of Eastern European cuisine not only grounds the story in Kostya's heritage but also acts as a conduit for exploring deeper emotional and spiritual connections. The novel's magical realism elements, manifested through Kostya's aftertastes, provide a unique lens through which the characters interact with their past and the spirits of the departed.
A notable moment at [30:58] underscores the novel's thematic depth, where Kostya confronts the supernatural aspects of his abilities, questioning their origin and purpose. This introspection is pivotal in understanding his character's development and the novel's overarching message about acceptance and moving forward.
Critical Reception "Aftertaste" has garnered significant attention, being preemptively acquired for a film adaptation—a testament to its immersive and cinematic quality. It was acclaimed as a Best Book of May by Apple Books and listed among the most anticipated debut novels of 2025 by Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. Critics and readers alike praise Lavelle for her vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and the seamless blend of culinary arts with fantastical elements.
Notable Quotes
- Daria Lovell at [00:38]: "Lavelle weaves in mouthwatering and detailed descriptions of meals and tastes, as well as cleverly using food terms here and there, such as his emotions curdled."
- Kostya Duhovny at [03:10]: "Tilting from the bitter to the sweet, Kostya experiences loss, success, and even some romance, all while the World of the Spirits continues to become more and more front and center in his life."
Conclusion and Recommendations Daria Lovell concludes the episode by inviting listeners to "YourNextListen.com" for more information and to continue exploring "Aftertaste." The episode effectively captures the essence of Lavelle's novel, making it an enticing recommendation for audiobook enthusiasts seeking a rich, flavor-filled narrative that marries the culinary arts with magical realism.
Listeners who enjoy deeply emotional stories, cultural explorations, and supernatural elements will find "Aftertaste" a compelling addition to their virtual shelves. Lavelle's debut promises not only to engage with its immersive storytelling but also to leave a lasting impression through its unique sensory experiences.
Final Thoughts "Your Next Listen" successfully spotlights "Aftertaste," providing a comprehensive overview that balances plot details with thematic exploration. By highlighting key aspects of Kostya's journey and the novel's critical acclaim, the podcast episode serves as a robust guide for potential readers looking to immerse themselves in a story where every bite holds a memory and every flavor tells a story.