M.J. Parfitt’s The Onionologist delivers an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in sharp humor, heartfelt relationships, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for despite her self-sabotaging tendencies. At its heart, this book explores Elle’s tumultuous life as a flight attendant, where each day feels like a race to survive the chaos. Caught between a career she’s falling out of love with and a relationship riddled with cracks, Elle stumbles her way through existential questions, snarky passengers, and mishaps that are as absurd as they are relatable. Parfitt doesn’t hold back on the messy, unglamorous side of modern life, using Elle’s world as a mirror to reflect universal themes of self-worth, ambition, and the yearning for something more.

Parfitt’s writing style is vivid, irreverent, and unrelenting. The humor sneaks up on you, sometimes like a sharp jab and other times like a warm nudge. For example, Elle’s description of her weighted blanket as a potential weapon against burglars had me laughing out loud. These bursts of comedy are balanced with moments of raw vulnerability like Elle staring at her engagement ring and questioning why she feels trapped rather than elated. Parfitt paints a world where humor becomes a coping mechanism, and you feel the weight of Elle’s disillusionment in her every flippant comment.

Elle’s relationships are the novel’s beating heart, especially her dynamic with Angus and Lucy. Angus is a scene-stealer, with his sharp wit and loyal heart serving as Elle’s safety net. Their banter, whether dissecting clouds or navigating work dramas, feels authentic and hilarious. Lucy, meanwhile, brings warmth and resilience to Elle’s life, showing her how to persevere even when a literal ceiling falls on you. The trio’s drunken escapades in New York, capped by Elle drunkenly declaring her ambition to become an “Onionologist,” encapsulate the joy and chaos of true friendship. These relationships are what keep Elle afloat, even as her engagement to the controlling and hypocritical Hunter begins to unravel.

Parfitt’s critique of toxic workplaces and societal expectations also shines through, especially in moments like the crew office debacle, where Lucy’s safety is dismissed for the sake of avoiding flight delays. It’s infuriating and all too familiar for anyone who’s faced indifferent management. Similarly, the passengers Elle serves—from entitled, wine-demanding business class travelers to clueless tourists—offer sharp commentary on how people treat service workers. The novel doesn’t preach, but it does nudge you to rethink your own behavior next time you’re on a plane.

The Onionologist is more than a quirky romp through Elle’s misadventures. It’s a story about finding your passion, reclaiming your agency, and learning to laugh at life’s absurdities along the way. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven novels with humor and heart, especially fans of authors like Marian Keyes or Sophie Kinsella. It’s perfect for anyone feeling stuck in a rut, questioning their choices, or simply looking for a good laugh.

Pages: 422 | ASIN : B0DK9SYC1S