Seven Sweet Things: A Novella with Recipes by Shaun Levin

Title: Seven Sweet Things: A Novella with Recipes
Author: Shaun Levin
Publisher: Lethe Press
Length: 142 pages
Buy the book: Publisher

Blurb:

An affair that begins in an Internet chatroom takes the narrator and his lover, Martin, further into love than either could have imagined. Disturbingly honest and intensely erotic, Seven Sweet Things is as much an exploration of love as it is the lovers’ exploration of London. Eking out a living by selling cakes and desserts, the narrator loves reading Plato, sitting on park benches, and feeding his beloved. Each meeting between them is framed by the making, or the promise of a sweet thing (chocolate-coconut fudge bars, oatmeal cookies, rum-glazed chocolate cake, meringues). The landscape shifts from hidden archaeological mysteries in London to a fantastical stay in an old house in Yorkshire, and from Clissold Park in North London to Roslyn Glen in Scotland, where the narrator gets invited to prepare extravagant desserts for an aristocratic family.

Review:

Although I love intricate, complex works of fiction, sometimes the simplest prose is the most memorable. In Seven Sweet Things, author Shaun Levin has delivered a beautifully written, deliciously addictive story of love, loss, and compromise mixed with mouth watering recipes. To say I loved reading this novella is an understatement. Not only did I enjoy the prose, but I read it again the next day. It has an ethereal, flowing quality that reads almost like poetry with its subtle and not-so subtle metaphors and allusions but the prose choices themselves lend a gorgeous quality that makes reading this story simply delightful. It’s over too quickly but at least the accompanying recipes will provide tangible reminders.

The story is about two men that meet in a chat room then begin an affair. The narrator has a passion for making and selling delicious pastries. These range from cookies to cakes to fudge to cheesecake and many varieties in between. His affair with his lover is punctuated by feeding and teaching his lover about these confections. However, their relationship is complicated since his lover lives with a woman. So, the narrator meets his lover during the day as they roam parks, museums, hidden doorways, and dark rooms together while each contemplates the other.

The novella is divided into seven parts with accompanying recipes of highlighted treats. For example when the story talks about cookies in a particularly delightful scene, the story helpfully provides details on how to reproduce said indulgence. These desserts are central to the story, the characters, and their relationship. The secretive nature of the affair is lifted when indulging in erotic cooking lessons or sharing the treats. Not only does each and every one sound utterly delicious and mouth watering but they tie into the narration seamlessly. They add another layer of texture and sensual longing to a story already brimming with desire and emotion.

The characters are totally lovely and enthralling, perhaps as addictive as the food they share. Following the narrator as he falls in love then worries about the relationship to friends has a compelling appeal. His concerns and deep emotion for his lover are constantly shown as is he deep seated insecurity. I loved how the characters are honest in their needs and although older men, enjoy a bawdy and fulfilling sex life. The language is honest and simplistic whether describing great sex, intricate candy making, or a broken heart. The crisp, clean prose packs all the emotion, subtly, and beauty that most try for but never quite achieve.

Despite the serious nature of the story, the light touch keeps this novella a total frothy pleasure. It’s easy on the palate and you can’t help but savor the gorgeous story until the very clever ending. If anything, it unfortunately ends too soon. But this is an author that has caught my eye and I can’t wait to read more of their work. If you haven’t had a chance to read this novella, please do.