Mebel (pronounced “Mabel”) is shocked with Henk (pronounced “Hank”) tells her that he is leaving her for their 24 year old chef. Mebel loves being a Chinese-Indonesian “trophy wife,” she plays tennis and shops and has a collection of Manolos and Birkins to die for. She loves being an elder auntie and meddling mom. Mebel wants her life to go back to normal,
And decides she needs to learn to cook at culinary school in order to win Henk back.
Michelle Obama once said that when they go low, we go lower. Or something like that anyway. She’s not one to argue with Michelle Obama.
Hilarity ensues! Mebel is a fish out of water as a first year student surrounded by Gen Z kids who don’t pay her the respect she expects in her culture. And a famous chef, Alain, who looks like George Clooney, is a compelling character who we aren’t sure may become a romantic interest.
I am telling you right now, son, treat your wife better than how your father has treated me.
Jesse Q Sutanto created the extremely endearing and lovable Vera Wong, as well as the cozy mystery Aunties series. Mebel is cut from the same mold, but this story has no murder and little mystery. Although there is a little romance, I would classify this as more of a “coming of age” tale except the main character is 63. Mebel is hilarious and a deep character with amazing growth. This is really the kind of story where a one-dimensional caricature becomes much deeper and eventually grows into a better version of themselves.
“That is nice, but I am Chinese mother, I don’t respect anybody’s privacy. Start the car.”
Mebel would probably hate that I described her that way. But going along for the journey was certainly entertaining. Suntanto has deep respect for her culture while finding the smart woman within.
If you like Vera Wong, you’re going to love Ms Mebel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC. Book to be published 4/28/26.
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