A review by katesio
Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia P. Manansala
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book will make you hungry and likely go out and try to find Ube Extract from your local Asian grocery store.
The author has a disclaimer at the beginning that sets the tone for light hearted crime novel.
I think the plot is… not great. There are a lot of holes and parts that just don’t make sense for the main character to be doing or the process of a criminal investigation.
In saying all that, the crime part I believe is secondary to the wonderful culture of the main characters family. It brings a warm, wholesome Filipino-American hug with descriptive writings of food, a drizzle of family guilt and a pinch of body shaming.
It’s an easy read, don’t take it too seriously and enjoy the Tita Rosie family.
But I did have flashbacks of family members criticising you.
The author has a disclaimer at the beginning that sets the tone for light hearted crime novel.
I think the plot is… not great. There are a lot of holes and parts that just don’t make sense for the main character to be doing or the process of a criminal investigation.
In saying all that, the crime part I believe is secondary to the wonderful culture of the main characters family. It brings a warm, wholesome Filipino-American hug with descriptive writings of food, a drizzle of family guilt and a pinch of body shaming.
It’s an easy read, don’t take it too seriously and enjoy the Tita Rosie family.
But I did have flashbacks of family members criticising you.
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, and Murder