The Bottom Line
Pros
- The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake has a unique premise that is interesting to consider.
- There is a likable narrative voice.
- There is a good mix of revelation and mystery in the end.
Cons
- In some ways the book does not feel filled out enough, as if there is a rush to the end.
- Joseph's "gift" was perhaps a little too absurd for me.
- A week after finishing the book, it was not particularly memorable anymore.
Description
- 'The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake' by Aimee Bender was published in June 2010.
- Publisher: Knopf Doubleday
- 292 Pages
Guide Review - 'The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake' by Aimee Bender - Book Review
Rose is an easy character to like, and Aimee Bender develops her voice well. Bender also writes some concrete episodes in Rose's day-to-day life to illustrate what Rose is experiencing. Overall, though, I felt a little rushed in getting to know Rose. The novel follows Rose from age 9 to adulthood, so it is more of an overview rather than an intimate portrait.
Rose's brother, Joseph, also seems to have unusual abilities. In fact, Joseph's disappearances drive the second half of the novel. Although this provides some suspense in the plot, in the end I wished there were a little more meat to the character development. Joseph was pretty flat, yet much of Rose's (and the novels) development depended on him.
It may seem as if I did not like The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. In fact, I enjoyed the novel. Sometimes, though, fast food can taste good while you are eating it, but after it sits in your stomach you feel the effects of too much grease and sodium. Lemon Cake is a fun indulgence, but I wish Bender had gone even deeper with her creative idea.
