Leah
Written on May 10, 2015
First off: I must mention the atrocious formatting on my copy. I know, I know, you can’t really complain when it’s an eARC, but by God, I never knew where one chapter started and another one ended, which is really, really awkward when you’re not devouring a book in a sitting. It was just an annoyance, especially since I was convinced the book didn’t actually have chapters (it does, I’m pleased to report).
The Dish was such a good read, although it made me REALLY hungry. Obviously, because it’s called The Dish, and it’s about Laura, who is a food critic, there is a lot of food talk. AND Her best friend makes desserts and cakes and other yummy goodies like that. I was in a constant state of hunger while reading this book, not helped at all by the fact that I’m currently on a diet (thank you, Stella, so kind of you to write about food…)
I actually loved the whole food critic thing. It was such an interesting aspect to the novel, and not something I’ve ever actually read about before. Usually food critics are harsh, and only interested in scoring cheap points with the restaurants, but Laura really seemed to “get” the whole food critic thing, and how to do it properly. She wasn’t in the least bit pretentious and I liked that the reviews weren’t about her, but about the food. That scored massive like points.
I was super chuffed that Laura meets Adam so early in the book – and all because of a custard donut. The heart sings! However, what it should have prepared me for was a whole host of annoying complications that had me shaking my head in disbelief. At first, it seemed perfect. They like each other, and what else is there to romance but liking each other? But then things got in the way. Laura’s job and the very small fact she’d actually eaten at Adam’s restaurant and hated it (and wrote a damning, hilarious review), the fact Adam kept having to disappear randomly, even during dates, which sort of gets you wondering what was really going on (especially for poor Laura who already had to deal with a philandering ex and best friend – with friends like that, eh?). It all added up to the inevitable breaking point, and while it was so frustrating to read, it didn’t make me want to bash my head in with my Kindle, because I was hopeful whatever Laura and Adam had together, could be saved. (Honestly though? Some of Adam’s words were just the teensiest bit harsh).
What actually surprised me most about The Dish was the fact Laura’s so against keeping secrets. Considering what happened with her dad, sister and mum and her husband and best friend, Laura should have been all about the honesty so it was somewhat ironic that she was keeping secrets. I wasn’t cool with that. I loved everything else about Laura, but that one hypocrisy.
The Dish was just a really awesome read, all things considered. It flowed nicely and it didn’t feel like a long read at all, despite the fact it says it’s 400 pages on GoodReads. It certainly didn’t feel like that. Yes, I had an issue or two; but overall this was a delightful story, perfect for any foodie lover. There were a great cast of characters, some pretty awesome sounding desserts and I learned more about coffee than I ever thought possible (who knew it was so intense???). This was such a good read, and I can’t wait to read more from Stella Newman, she really knows her food.