Feast!

 Feast , a debut novel by Catherine Kurtz could not be more aptly named! Feast is truly a feast for the senses. Rich in voice, characters, and emotion, Feast propels the reader into the world of gourmand flavors, mixed-race judgmental attitudes, the harsh reality of never feeling wanted or belonging, and just how cruel a world can be to an outsider. Kurtz's novel Feast also envelopes the reader in the gift of the senses. 

Minha, begins her life with the acute awareness of taste and smell. Her first memories are being born and smelling the yeasty bread aroma from the bakery her parents live above, and the subtle spices wafting from her father, an Indian spice merchant who sails the seas.  She grows knowing an incredible palate, centered on her sense of smell and taste. She can identify not only the subtle notes of the food's spices and ingredients, but also the soil and sea it is grown nearby.  For all the richness of her abilities, she lives a very starved emotional existence.  Her mother works the London streets, taverns and clubs to grudgingly sustain Minha.  Minha's father sailed out to sea soon after her birth, leaving her mother to exist as best as she can with a baby. As a small child, Minha's mother takes her to her Grandparents' home in Kent to stay, to keep her from the dangers of the streets.  Her grandmother is prejudiced of her dark Indian skin, but she finds love and acceptance from her grandfather, Armand.

Armand's homeland is France and he tells Minha much about it. At his death, she escapes her grandmother's never ceasing cruelness to see the country her grandfather loved.  She finds no acceptance there either. In fact she is more ostracized than ever and only finds employment as an odd circumstance arises. Her acute sense of smell detects poison in a duck dish to be served at a celebration of Duc Nicholas. She saves him and becomes his poison taster in residence. 

So many obstacles to happiness and belonging assault Minha. Will she ever find love and belonging? Are there friendships to be had amongst the sadness?

I confess, I love to cook and bake. I would not say I have a ability to taste  and identify many ingredients, but I do smell every spice and addition to my recipes.  It helps me fully experience the joy I find in preparing foods.  I was enchanted by Minha's unique gift of her palate.  I reveled in her senses. When she felt joy, when she sensed danger, when she tasted fear and sadness. Kurtz created a complex character in Minha.  She is a masterful storyteller with a wonderful gift of bringing her characters to life. As a reader, one loves them, hates them, and most of all becomes completely immersed in their world. 

I am so thankful to Berkely Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced reader's copy of Feast by Catherine Kurtz, publishing  TOMORROW!!!, June 9, 2026.  Taste and see the talent of Catherine Kurtz, read Feast!

#Feast #NetGalley