The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake in WACKY READING CHALLENGES

May 02, 2013 Book Concierge rated it it was ok

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, family, food, magical-realism, own, concierge, cooking, women-writers, library, audio

Audio book read by the author

When Rose Edelstein takes a bite of the lemon cake with chocolate frosting (her favorite) that her mother made for her ninth birthday she is suddenly overwhelmed with a taste of “hollowness.” This so distresses her that she simply cannot eat it. But very quickly Rose discovers that she can taste the emotions of the person preparing any item of food. Unable to articulate this strange gift, and unsure what to do she limits herself to vending machine snacks or pours cat Audio book read by the author

When Rose Edelstein takes a bite of the lemon cake with chocolate frosting (her favorite) that her mother made for her ninth birthday she is suddenly overwhelmed with a taste of “hollowness.” This so distresses her that she simply cannot eat it. But very quickly Rose discovers that she can taste the emotions of the person preparing any item of food. Unable to articulate this strange gift, and unsure what to do she limits herself to vending machine snacks or pours catsup over her evening meals at home.

The novel spans the time from Rose’s 9th birthday until she is a young woman of 22. Her unusual ability remains with her throughout, giving her insight into what is happening in her family … or at least with her mother (who does all the cooking). This is how she learns that her mother is having an affair, because she can taste the excitement and giddiness and guilt. Rose’s brother Joseph, a genius who is clearly Mom’s favorite child, is increasingly withdrawn as he grows to adulthood, and begins to disappear without explanation. Rose also observes that her father is increasingly detached.

There are elements of magical realism in this book, a style of writing that I typically like. However, Bender does not do a very good job of using this device. Magical realism usually transports me into a story in such a way that I am easily able to suspend disbelief. Here I felt detached and held at arm’s length. I felt that I was being told to believe, but given no reason to believe. Things happen but there seem to be no consequences. Everyone just goes along as usual … living their separate lives though living under the same roof.

Bender read the audio book herself, with a flat affect and little variation in tone. Her pace is irritatingly slow, and everyone sounds sort of slightly bemused and/or bored. And to my dismay, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat lemon cake again … because it would remind me of this book, and I just want to forget it.
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Apr 02, 2024 Brindi Michele rated it really liked it

Shelves: personal-interest-adult, magical-realism

This book was so interesting. The writing style is brilliant, yet super vulnerable. The feelings going on throughout this story really consumes the reader and is REALLY well done. But it wasn't quite 5 stars because the last 1/3 of the book was just kind of ....awkward. I liked where it went, but I didn't at the same time. I can't wait to read more by this author.

-It can feel so lonely, to see strangers out in the day, shopping, on a day that is not a good one. On this one day: the day I returne ...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Elle rated it liked it

I'm just going to be blunt about this. This book was weird. Easily read, sure. Well-rounded characters, yup. Plot, just plain odd. The story follows Rose Edelstein, who can understand people based on the taste of the food they make. She can identify ingredients and their sources in addition to the emotions of the chef. It all begins when she taste a chocolate frosted lemon cake baked by her mother that just tastes like sadness. I think this book had great potential. The story could have blossome ...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Connie N. rated it liked it

Shelves: family, chick-lit, food-and-drink, magical-realism

My first reaction upon finishing this book is...well, that was weird. The original premise of the story is that when a young girl tastes food, she can at first determine the emotions of the cook. Then she develops this dubious skill to include knowing all of the ingredients, exactly where they come from, and how they're picked/transported. A seemingly useless skill, right? But she can pick up on nuances in her family that others can't detect...her mother's unhappiness, her father's dissatisfacti ...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Tien rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

A fascinating read... confusing, sad... very, very lonely...

I'm still not quite sure what I think as I mentioned it was kind of confusing and I kept thinking there's something wrong with the people around her or is it her? Still haven't made up my mind. Maybe, there isn't anything particularly wrong with anyone but just how life is. That's what's sad and yet... it's not far off, it is quite realistic in a way. ...more

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