#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Book of Perilous Dishes by
Donia Rusti

Book Info
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romanian Literature
Length: 272 pages
Published: February 2017
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60419957-the-book-of-perilous-dishes
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Perilous-Dishes-Doina-Rusti-ebook/dp/B0BQRV5ZW3/

1798: A magical, dark adventure. Fourteen-year-old Pâtca, initiated in the occult
arts, comes to Bucharest, to her uncle, Cuviosu Zăval, to retrieve the Book of
Perilous Dishes. The recipes in this magical book can bring about damaging
sincerity, forgetfulness, the gift of prediction, or hysterical laughter. She finds her
uncle murdered and the book missing. All that Zăval has left her is a strange map
she must decipher. Travelling from Romania to France and on to Germany to do so,
Patca’s family’s true past and powers are revealed, as is her connection to the
famous and sublime chef, Silica.

About the Author
DOINA RUŞTI, important contemporary Romanian novelist, is unanimously
appreciated for epic force, for originality and erudition of her novels. She received
all major Romanian awards, including the Romanian Academy Prize, and was
translated into many languages (even in Chinese).
She wrote ten novels, including: Fantoma din moară (The Phantom in the Mill,
2008), Lizoanca (2009), Zogru (2006).
The novels Manuscrisul fanariot (The Phanariot Manuscript, 2015), Mâța Vinerii
(The Book of Perilous Dishes, 2017) and “Homeric” (2019) can be a Phanariotic
Trilogy (18th century). The most recent novel: Paturi oculte (Occult beds), 2020.Good international reviews in: La Stampa, Stato Quotidiano, Il Venerdì di
Repubblica. Il Libero, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Magyar Nemzet, La Opinion, Turia. Il
Mercurio etc.
Doina Rusti lives in Bucharest, and is a professor and screenwriter.

My Review A book that’s been translated, it’s historical and fantasy, how will it work for me? Honestly a bit confusing at times, but that’s all on me. As I’m new to these style of books. I loved reading and imagining the country Romania, the cleverly woven recipes were a magical touch. While I found this pace slower than my usual books, it was nice to take your time to devour the words. Whimsical, witchy, fantasy could it get any better? Oh yes, let’s add murder mystery too. Like I said I did get lost at times, so it wasn’t the easiest for me to read. Would definitely bread more though, perfect holiday novel for sure!!