Max, an advertising executive with writing aspirations, is seeking refuge in a friend’s apartment after discovering her long-term boyfriend was cheating on her. If that wasn’t bad enough, Max has also recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour!
The only thing going to plan is her nightly dinner date with a man she’s never met. Following her break up, Max’s friends convince her to join online dating app Tinder. This is where she meets Johnny, who is charmingly cheeky, and they soon become Tinder pen pals. Together, Max and Johnny cook their way through her ex-boyfriend’s pretentious French family recipe book, The Laurent Family Cookbook, dubbing it the ‘Fork Him’ project. It begins as a quirky distraction but the ‘Fork Him’ project soon develops into something more meaningful.
As Max undergoes brain surgery and decides to embark on a fresh start in Paris, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery. Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast beautifully captures Max’s determination to redefine her life, pursue her writing ambitions and chase the love she desires.
Author Karina May skillfully balances humour with heartfelt emotions, creating an entertaining and thought-provoking story. The addition of the Laurent family recipes adds a delicious touch, making it a treat for food enthusiasts as well. Yes, all the recipes are included and collated at the end of the novel.
Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast is an uplifting read, blending romance, humour and self-discovery. With its delightfully engaging characters and storytelling, I was left feeling satisfied long after the final page.
Karina May is a Sydney-based magazine journalist turned digital marketer. Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast is her debut novel and is followed by Never Ever Forever.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Pan Macmillan