Banana Espresso
Castille Viora-Marquet
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN: 979-8311646543
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Reader Views (08/2025)
Banana Espresso by Castille Viora-Marquet shares an engaging story about first loves, navigating the college years, and the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Althea is in her last year of college at Westbrook University in England. As a high-achieving academic, Althea is on track to become a doctor and plans to work in obstetrics. While working at a blood donation site, Althea meets Antoine, a French student studying journalism at the university. The two immediately hit it off and develop a caring and supportive relationship.
Althea begins to understand that Antoine is suffering from anxiety, and she tries to get him the help he needs. Antoine appreciates her help, and with her encouragement, he begins seeking therapy, but he does not want to divulge the cause of his distress. Althea and Antoine face personal challenges and situations that test their new relationship. With the support of friends and each other, Althea and Antoine learn, grow, and make impactful decisions about their future.
Antoine and Althea are very likable characters that many college-age students will relate to. While trying to accomplish their goals and aspirations, they also try to balance their developing relationship, family dynamics, and social life. Althea puts a lot of pressure on herself and learns that ultimately, she needs to do what is best for herself. Castille Viora-Marquet skillfully addresses Antoine’s struggles and the way anxiety disrupts his sleep and affects his daily life. His difficulties are not glossed over, and he courageously tries to find ways to heal. Antoine was closed off emotionally at times, and Althea’s responses and concerns were realistic and genuine. Althea and Antoine’s experiences may encourage readers who are experiencing mental health concerns to seek help and to reach out to others.
This compelling story captures the challenges of becoming an adult and the multitude of choices that accompany this transformative time in life. Althea and Antoine are discovering who they are and what they want to do in life, while also creating a new life together. Althea’s friends also experience dating hardships and try to be there for one another. Readers who like romance novels that also take on real-life issues will enjoy this captivating story and will be rooting for Althea and Antoine throughout. This is the author’s first novel, and it will be very exciting to see what she writes next! A highly recommended read.