In the Age of Love and Chocolate: Birthright Vol. 3

Gr 8 Up—Like a bar of gourmet chocolate, the concluding volume (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2013) of Zevin's "Birthright" trilogy will satisfy even the most discriminating literary palate. Anya Balanchine has transformed from juvenile delinquent into savvy businesswoman. She and her former nemesis Charles Delacroix now run a successful nightclub franchise where "medicinal" chocolate is readily available. Publicly, Anya is the picture of success. Privately, she's battling both family drama and personal demons. Complicating matters are her confusing relationship with a friend and coworker, Theo, and her continued feelings for her ex-boyfriend, Win. Then an unorthodox business proposal ends in a deadly encounter with Sophia Bitter, leaving Anya severely wounded. During her slow and painful recovery, Anya reevaluates her life-and concludes it's finally acceptable to love and be loved. Zevin gives her unique, mob-themed saga a strong finish, taking both story and characters to new levels. Secrets are revealed and loose ends are tied up, but there are still plenty of surprises in store! Returning reader Ilyana Kadushin's knowledge of the characters is unmistakably intimate. Her somber, world-weary interpretation of Anya reflects the hardships the character has endured and brings to light a maturity not present in earlier books.—Alissa Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI