Taleen Voskuni’s Lavash at First Sight brings together a rom-com filled with tension and a heartfelt exploration of Armenian culture. This novel revolves around Nazeli ‘Ellie’ Gregorian, a witty and slightly awkward 27-year-old tech marketing professional who’s caught between the chaos of her professional life and her parents’ expectations. After her ex-boyfriend dumps her at work, Ellie is desperate for a change.Her parents enter the food conference, PakCon and it’s a perfect escape for Ellie.
Ellie’s adventure kicks off when she meets the sharp-tongued, confident Vanya Simonian. The sparks are instant, but so is the conflict; Vanya’s family runs a rival Armenian food company, one that Ellie’s parents see as a threat to tradition. The fact that both Ellie and Vanya are competing for the prestigious “Superstars” award furthers the tension.
The novel strikes a beautiful balance between romance and family dynamics. Voskuni captures the vibrancy of culture and food with rich, sensory details, bringing the pages to life. The pacing is lively, making it hard to put down. Lavash at First Sight is a delightful read, especially for anyone who enjoys rom-coms that go beyond the surface, exploring themes of love and identity.
Aidi Bao, 15
Lavash at First Sight
Taleen Voskuni
Pan MacMillan, 2024
Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9781035018680
