Kinnie, a Maltese soft drink with a bitter-sweet flavour, reminds me of this book, Love Virtually, by the Austrian author, Daniel Glattauer. In spite of it being an international bestseller with millions sold in the original German version, I only got to know about it because it was a birthday present from a dear friend of mine.

It is contemporary in idea because it follows the inception and subsequent development of a relationship conducted via email. It makes for a very flowing read, both in style and entertainment. so much so I finished it in a day. So, what is the connection to Kinnie? The story starts of sweetly enough, bringing a smile to my face on more than one occasion. However, the author is adept at turning what superficially seems to be a teasing play between the two main characters into a deeper understanding of the complexities and complications of a virtual relationship. By the concluding chapter, all two-emails worth, the reader is left in an emotional quandary and with a bitter taste.

A clear 10/10.