? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Chelsea G. Summers’ A Certain Hunger is about Dorothy, a talented food critic with a voracious appetite for life… and human flesh. This audacious novel delves deep into the psyche of a complex and intriguing protagonist who takes defying traditional norms and challenging societal expectations perhaps a little too far. Through her eyes, the reader is taken on a journey through the world of food, weaving descriptions of flavors and textures into the narrative, with frequent detours through the intricacies of human connection.

Summers’ style is bold and unapologetic, reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, The Shards) and Raymond Chandler (The Simple Art of Murder), presenting Dorothy’s complex and morally gray character without seeking redemption for her, forcing the readers to confront their own biases and judgements about unconventional protagonists. While Dorothy might not be the most relatable protagonist thanks to her culinary preferences, she is compelling and hard to hate, á la Hannibal Lecter. Fans of linear narratives might struggle with this book, but will no doubt be pulled in by this fresh and unorthodox literary experience.

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