Hello Readers,
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me access to an eBook copy of The Summer I Ate The Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite in exchange for an honest review. Since today is the official publication day, this review will be spoiler-free.
Please note that I don’t own the rights to the cover image the image is being used under Fair Use for review and recommendation purposes, in accordance with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
Happy Publication Day
Authors: Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
Genre: YA horror
Pages: 400
Cover Image:
Synopsis: Just add lemon, garlic, and a dash of the one percent.
This smart, biting novel explores what happens when a Haitian American girl uses her previously hidden zombie abilities to exact revenge on the wealthy elites who’ve caused her family pain.
Brielle Petitfour loves to cook. But with a chronically sick mother and bills to pay, becoming a chef isn’t exactly a realistic career path.
When Brielle’s mom suddenly loses her job, Brielle steps in and uses her culinary skills to earn some extra money. The rich families who love her cooking praise her use of unique flavors and textures, which keep everyone guessing what’s in Brielle’s dishes. The secret ingredient? Human flesh.
Written by the storytelling duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, The Summer I Ate the Rich is a modern-day fable inspired by Haitian zombie lore that scrutinizes the socioeconomic and racial inequity that is the foundation of our society. Just like Brielle’s clients, it will have you asking: What’s for dinner?
Miniature Review
At its center is Brielle, a 17-year-old Haitian American living in Miami’s Little Haiti. She’s an aspiring chef balancing school, a chronically ill mother, and the stark reality of working for the wealthy while struggling to get by. But Brielle is also a “zonbi”—not your typical zombie, but one rooted in Haitian folklore. This cultural reimagining adds depth and originality, giving the book a unique supernatural lens grounded in heritage and identity.
Brielle is a powerhouse of a character: sharp, passionate, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right. As her mother’s past begins to unravel, the story digs into themes of survival, generational trauma, and sacrifice, all while keeping you hooked.
The Moulite sisters masterfully blend folklore with sharp social commentary, offering a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. With strong writing, vivid characters, and a fast-paced plot, this book never lets up.
Both timely and timeless, The Summer I Ate the Rich is a striking, unforgettable read—and one I highly recommend going into blind.
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