Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Anna Johnston. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!
Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. He's living in an aged care facility and decides to make himself one last meal - a lemon tart. But the act of cooking brings a spark back to his life, and he's soon sneaking in the kitchen regularly, while trying to maintain a big secret from the staff and his sister, Lisa. Lisa has her own troubles but feels brighter with a new man in her life. Can these siblings make things right before it's too late?
I was a huge fan of Johnston's debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, and this book was similarly wonderful. Johnston has a gift of writing about older characters that will steal your heart, while at the same time imparting wisdom into their care. I fell in love with these flawed characters as they try to deal with many complex issues in the best way they can. Of course. you have to suspend some belief, but that's the magic of fiction. The story spools out between Griff and Lisa's POV over various time periods, giving the reader needed background into just how they ended up where they are. I loved the compassion Griff showed to the residents and how he stressed their worth, no matter what. Definitely something we all need to remember. Be sure and read the author's note at the end.
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