As a bookseller I have access to books in multiple ways. The easiest way is to have online reader copies. I was granted access to The Garlic Eaters by Madison Safer this way. I was going to wait to read it (as it is due in July 2026, so I had plenty of time to read) but decided why not? I needed something that seemed quick and easy.
There is nothing quick or easy about things. You are getting a deep story about displacement from one’s home, prejudices, and differences. You read about how the family of the story (the Garlic Eaters) try their best to befriend people, but the new neighbors are not having anything to do with them. After all, they smell really bad (hello garlic!) and they look different and live differently. But of course, we know things will work out when things are all said and done. 
Reading means taking your time as the text/story is on the longer side. It can be densely placed on the page. There are dark, earthy colored images that take on a lot of shadows and it can all blend together. The style is “old fashioned” and could be set anytime but the overall look is old school Europe, or early 1930s to 1950s. It even sounds like it is from a “by gone era” just because of the language.
Part of the language used is some Yiddish. Therefore, it is pretty obvious who the people are that have had to leave their home. Still, it can be adapted to any people who are refugees or immigrants. In the end it is a delightful story of friendship with wonderful extras about Jewish traditions and foods. It might not be 1000% perfect, but the folktale format and presentation makes it practically so.
