Why we’re excited
In 2000 Meadhbh leaves rural Ireland for London and falls for Aly, a rich student, at a party. Their summer romance lasts, and years later they move back to Ireland with two babies just as the financial crash arrives.
Howarth's first novel, Sunburn, was a quiet queer coming-of-age story set in Ireland. This second book follows a relationship through adulthood instead. It is for readers of literary fiction about love over time and the fear of losing a partner.
On our most-anticipated list since 22 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about Aftertaste
There are no reviews of Chloe Michelle Howarth’s books on The Bookish Elf yet.
It sits at No. 11 on our June 2027 most-anticipated list, which ranks the month's books by how many readers have saved them.
From the publisher
It’s the turn of the millennium, and Meadhbh has just moved to London from rural Ireland. She meets Aly, who lives off her parents’ wealth while studying for another master’s degree.
They meet at a party and fall instantly in love, spending a lustful summer playing at domesticity and driving around in Aly’s vintage Capri. They expect the spell to break, but instead fall deeper, eventually swapping city life for rural Ireland with two babies in tow.
But then the recession hits, and their glorious bubble shatters. Everyone talks about meeting the love of your life. But what happens when you fear losing them?
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read Aftertaste yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.