A Review of Eliza, from Scratch by Francesca Zappia: A Recipe with Missing Ingredients
From the moment I heard about Eliza, from Scratch, I was intrigued—Francesca Zappia’s exploration of a rivals-to-lovers dynamic set against the backdrop of a cooking class sounded like the perfect blend of tension and flavor. As someone who loves a good coming-of-age tale, particularly one steeped in the complexities of academic pressure and cultural identity, I couldn’t wait to dive into Eliza’s story. However, while the premise had all the right ingredients, the end result fell a bit flat for me.
At its core, Eliza, from Scratch deals with themes that resonate deeply: the struggle between academic elitism and the acceptance of diverse talents, the fraught nature of mother-daughter relationships, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Eliza, our protagonist, is an overachiever who has always measured her worth by her academic success. But as she finds herself in a cooking class alongside Wesley—a charming character whose laid-back approach to life contrasts sharply with her own—she must confront her biases and learn that intelligence and passion can manifest in many forms.
One of my main struggles with the book lay in how Eliza’s character arc dealt with her bias against non-honors kids. While the narrative hints at her growth, I often found her judgmental tendencies hard to reconcile, especially her internal insults directed at Wesley. His single snide remark felt almost benign compared to the vitriol she directed at him. This lack of introspection from Eliza was troubling and made her eventual learning curve feel somewhat superficial, especially given the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences and friendship dynamics that Zappia introduces elsewhere in the narrative.
That said, I appreciated the nuanced discussions around being a child of immigrants. The moments where Eliza grapples with the shame of not knowing her heritage language or the complicated feelings tied to grief were beautifully rendered. It’s these layers that made me yearn for a deeper exploration of Eliza’s character, particularly in relation to her biases.
Zappia shines in her expository writing, offering reflective passages that invite readers to ponder larger societal issues. However, the dialogue and pacing occasionally felt stilted, weighed down by unnecessary details that distracted from the emotional beats. Amidst these critiques, there were definitely moments of levity and sweetness that made me chuckle, particularly in Eliza and Wesley’s interactions, inviting a delightful sense of connection.
Ultimately, Eliza, from Scratch is a promising story that captures the spirit of personal growth and acceptance. I just wish it had leaned more into the complexity of its themes rather than lingering in the shallows.
This book would likely resonate with younger readers navigating their own academic and social identities, as well as anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth alongside a dash of romance. While my expectations weren’t fully met, I valued the exploration of cultural identity and friendship dynamics that Zappia brought to the table. It’s a read that left me reflecting—not only on Eliza’s journey but also on the ways we all grow and learn from those around us.