How you get on with the debut novel from this Kyiv-born, US-based author, is likely to be shaped by its central conceit, which is this: Kostya has the ability to summon up ghosts through the food he cooks. I’m talking real ghosts, ghosts people can actually see and talk to. Ghosts that only disappear when the meal Kostya has prepared has been devoured. The story begins when Kostya is a ten-year-old boy. His father dies and he is bereft. He then begins to get ‘aftertastes’ of dishes that are special or pertinent to similarly bereaved people. He moves to New York City and becomes embroiled in the city’s culinary scene, eventually opening up his own restaurant. It’s here that he provides specials that other restaurants can only dream of. Food lovers will find a huge amount to enjoy here, as will anyone who enjoys ghost stories with a twist, but I couldn’t quite suspend my disbelief enough to be totally engaged with Kostya’s misadventures. RM

Published by Bloomsbury