A review by mgbelen
Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia P. Manansala
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Being a Filipina and from Chicago i related with the author a lot, but didn’t love the book itself.
First and foremost, the author develops characters that demonstrate representation. Any first generation immigrant can relate to Lila and her friends because it’s what we grew up with! And also THE FOOOOD!!!! Being Filipina American, This light hearted book felt like home!
About the actual story:
It was a good story but it felt very good dragged out. The characters were great, just not much overall development. The author’s writings are very light which keeps the humor alive throughout the book. Some parts I wish she didn’t have to “explain” every line, I wish the glossary in the back was enough of a reference, but I understand it because of the cultural component. I LOVE that she kept the culture alive through the book.
The Plot|
I felt like the overall ending was a little bit of a twist but also happened a little bit too fast, some of the dialogue did too much explaining in parts where the author could have let inner thoughts explain more than character’s voices.
First and foremost, the author develops characters that demonstrate representation. Any first generation immigrant can relate to Lila and her friends because it’s what we grew up with! And also THE FOOOOD!!!! Being Filipina American, This light hearted book felt like home!
About the actual story:
It was a good story but it felt very good dragged out. The characters were great, just not much overall development. The author’s writings are very light which keeps the humor alive throughout the book. Some parts I wish she didn’t have to “explain” every line, I wish the glossary in the back was enough of a reference, but I understand it because of the cultural component. I LOVE that she kept the culture alive through the book.
The Plot|
I felt like the overall ending was a little bit of a twist but also happened a little bit too fast, some of the dialogue did too much explaining in parts where the author could have let inner thoughts explain more than character’s voices.
Spoiler
Lila is a Filipino American girl who moved from a small city to the big city and back again. Back home to help save the family restaurant she becomes lead suspect in the murder of her ex-boyfriend/town suspect. As the story continues Lila happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time while she is trying to help solve the mystery. By the end we learn who the real killer is and everyone involved. And Lila and her family are saved!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality and Murder
Minor: Fatphobia