The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake introduces us to Rose Edelstein, a very normal child in every respect except one - in everything she eats, she is made aware of the emotions of the person who prepared the food. The insight comes to her as a nine-year-old and soon becomes less a gift than a burden. At a tender age she learns more of her parents emotional state than any child should have to cope with. As she grows older she finds ways of coping. This book just nicks the edge of what could be called "magical realism," a style that mixes elements of magic with a text that is, in other respects, a reflection of "normal" life. Those who like family drama may enjoy this book, although it is darker in its feel and outlook than what I expected based on the title. Still, it has been a best seller and is likely to become a book club favorite.
The insight comes to her as a nine-year-old and soon becomes less a gift than a burden. At a tender age she learns more of her parents emotional state than any child should have to cope with. As she grows older she finds ways of coping.
This book just nicks the edge of what could be called "magical realism," a style that mixes elements of magic with a text that is, in other respects, a reflection of "normal" life.
Those who like family drama may enjoy this book, although it is darker in its feel and outlook than what I expected based on the title.
Still, it has been a best seller and is likely to become a book club favorite.