This was so cosy and heartwarming to read. I've been trying to get into the fantasy genre, and for those of us who want to ease into the genre slowly and gently, I'd recommend you pick this book up. The book commences with Viv, who has left behind a past full of blood, fighting, and survival to forge a new life for herself in a new place. She brings a magical, legendary stone in tow, and initially, she bestows great importance on the stone, keeping it close to her, associating all her good fortunes with the presence of the stone. There's an obscure legend surrounding it, and we don't really know what the legend means until the very end.
She recruits a bunch of people to help her with the shop and agrees to pay them. She's new in the place, clueless, and despite how intimidating she looks, she constantly seeks out advice and help from her coworkers, who eventually get closer to her and support her through everything. They build the place together brick by brick, painstakingly, with a lot of precision, planning and understanding. The writing is quite descriptive but it also exudes warm vibes akin to a cafe. The writing is meticulous and concise, and not a word is wasted. It's close-knit, mirroring their relationships and bonds. I really loved the writing style! It is relaxing: even the pace of the book is serene, unhurried and comforting, except for a few unexpected twists and discoveries that enrich the book. The writing style and the pace gently unfolded the events, recreating the ambience of a cafe.
The way the food is described in this book feels so delicious and homey. There is a cast of absolutely amusing, loveable, and complex characters, and I especially loved the dire-cat in the book, who plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Even the alleged "antagonists" or the "gangs" in this book completely take us by surprise, offering acts of kindness in times of desperation and utilising their power for something that connects the people of the place.
Spoilers below.Viv starts off a new venture, a new risk, starting over completely, and even though tragedy strikes her cafe, she is aided by a lot of people in the place, especially her friends. Starting over and being struck down is quite a discouraging and distressing experience, and having to do it all again would require a lot of energy and hope, which is supplied by her friends constantly. Even when she feels like giving up, she is picked up and told not to give up on a place that has marked its place in the city and the hearts of the people.
The way the book describes the building process, it's not just merely construction work. It's weaved together with affectionate interactions, care, friendship, love, life and so much hope. Construction itself becomes a process of helping each other up and forging ahead into a new life with new possibilities. It gives rise to connections and builds bridges between people. It's a heartwarming portrayal. It depicts how they're all pitching in to save their beloved cafe, a space where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed.
The sapphic romance in the book between Viv and Tandri, although it does not take central stage, is nonetheless touching and beautiful. It's slow-paced, nothing is rushed, and characters find each other eventually through a growing intimacy and understanding. It was so satisfying and soft, and the characters were careful and caring around each other. It is absolutely adorable to read! The way the characters care for each other throughout the book is the foundation for the establishment and its success. Not an obscure legend, but real people around you who lend you a hand are responsible for where you are right now and your success. The book has a very positive and underrated message, which most of us are aware of but do not actively apply in our lives.
The cafe eventually becomes a symbol of hope and love. It is a place that brings people together and it is a place built by people together. The book emphasises the importance of communities and found families for one's welfare.
