Best Revenge/Friendship Book of the Year

Read my review of Eat Slay Love by Julie May Cohen

5 stars

Out: October 26th 2024

Marina is a former chef and divorced mother of three. Lilah is a shy, grieving librarian. Opal is an over 50 years old, difficult to work with, close to bankruptcy fitness guru. These three women should have nothing in common but they do. The same man has lied to all three of them. And they now have him tied up in a basement. Where do they go from here?

There is a delicious dark humor to this in-your-face with its honesty, revenge story. The narrative grabs you from the first intriguing chapter and keeps you hostage as the three women are introduced to us each in their own distinctly voiced POV. Three women who are different but each is pressured in various ways to live up to others' expectations. Manipulation is unfortunately key in each circumstance.

It is a cleverly structured story, even with the back and forths in the timeline. There is a quiet intensity to it. Presenting an inviting, matter-of-fact language it leads us to the point of Chapter One in a captivating manner. Then things take an unexpected turn as the story goes into uncharted, more brutal waters thanks to the original twists and reveals.

It was refreshing that after the 'main event' and where you might expect the story to end, we get to see more of their lives and what happens next. You will never believe what happens next. I do not think I have ever applauded the posting of a video so much before. The wrapping up of everything is also genius. I practically squealed in delight.

This book is not about hating men but about loving women and championing friendship. It is about standing up for yourself and not being defined by others. Finding your power. There are sideplots that are let's call them pointers in female empowerment. It also shows the murkiness of human behavior and how through it we can find the light.

Such an utterly readable and entertaining book is simultaneously so insightful and thought-provoking. The best empowering, revenge and friendship story you will read this decade.