A review by whewtaewoon
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
arsenic and adobo is an adorable cozy set in small town usa with a filipina main character, lila. lila has returned home after attempting to make her grand escape by going to school in chicago. 5 years later she's back: with no degree, no husband, a broken heart, and a chubby dog. she also has her work cut out for her trying to raise profits in her tita's restaurant while feeling a total disappointment to her family.
many people felt lila was an annoying and childish character but i honestly think this is an unfair read of her character. it fails to take into account what it's like to spend 5 years away from an overbearing family who see you as nothing but a child. when you treat a grown woman as a child, she's bound to act like one in response to the chafing that causes. so many times families want you to both remain a child forever while somehow managing to mature into a well rounded adult. she also was dealing with feelings of inadequacy, and an absolutely douchey detective.
lila is one of the few cozy main characters i have seen talk back to the annoying cops that are often featured in the stories which is nice because sometimes these cops will have me wanting to inkheart my way into the book and tell them a thing or two.
many people felt lila was an annoying and childish character but i honestly think this is an unfair read of her character. it fails to take into account what it's like to spend 5 years away from an overbearing family who see you as nothing but a child. when you treat a grown woman as a child, she's bound to act like one in response to the chafing that causes. so many times families want you to both remain a child forever while somehow managing to mature into a well rounded adult. she also was dealing with feelings of inadequacy, and an absolutely douchey detective.
lila is one of the few cozy main characters i have seen talk back to the annoying cops that are often featured in the stories which is nice because sometimes these cops will have me wanting to inkheart my way into the book and tell them a thing or two.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Murder