jessnuss's review
5.0
Great immigrant rags to riches story. Well researched with a lot of history of NYC and USA "sprinkled" in. Interesting character development, you're not sure if you should love Lillian or hate her.
bernfarr's review
4.0
Fascinating rags to riches tale of determination and chutzpah mixed with constant insecurity
qmm1503's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
nothingforpomegranted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This epic story of ice cream in New York followed little Malka’s journey to become Lillian Dunkle. We saw her cross the Atlantic from Russia to the Lower East Side (after scheming with her father, who quickly abandoned the family), where she developed her business savvy as a young girl, required by her mother to work in order to eat. After an incident with Salvatore Dinello’s ices truck that left her crippled, Malka was thrown out by her mother and adopted by the Italian family. There, she learned Italian curses, Catholicism, and the joy ice cream making.
With occasional insights (or outbursts) from 80-something Lillian in her pre-trial reflection, the story continues. Malka-now-Lillian learns more of the ice cream trade and develops a talent for business and creativity. She gets married to Albert Dunkle and is summarily excised from the family business. Her resentment fuels a rivalry with the Dinellos that centers on ice cream as Lillian and Bert develop their own company, their own flavors, and their own strategies. We read about ice cream in the Navy, soft serve, television advertising, and behind-the-scenes drama. It was tragic and infuriating at times, but endlessly compelling. Lillian was mostly sympathetic but sometimes confounding, and her story had so many twists, turns, and moments of emotional resonance that it almost seemed like nonfiction.
This was a gem of a library find. I loved the references to New York and the celebration of place, especially at the beginning of the novel, and I loved watching the characters develop, even as I cringed at many of their decisions.
With occasional insights (or outbursts) from 80-something Lillian in her pre-trial reflection, the story continues. Malka-now-Lillian learns more of the ice cream trade and develops a talent for business and creativity. She gets married to Albert Dunkle and is summarily excised from the family business. Her resentment fuels a rivalry with the Dinellos that centers on ice cream as Lillian and Bert develop their own company, their own flavors, and their own strategies. We read about ice cream in the Navy, soft serve, television advertising, and behind-the-scenes drama. It was tragic and infuriating at times, but endlessly compelling. Lillian was mostly sympathetic but sometimes confounding, and her story had so many twists, turns, and moments of emotional resonance that it almost seemed like nonfiction.
This was a gem of a library find. I loved the references to New York and the celebration of place, especially at the beginning of the novel, and I loved watching the characters develop, even as I cringed at many of their decisions.
cocheesereads's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
milenabates's review
4.0
There was a lot of good stuff in this book: skillfully coined phrases, interesting history, unique viewpoints, etc. It felt really drawn out in places. The character was not meant to be likeable, but her choices and philosophy became frustrating at times. The last chapter was very good and made up for at least three or four before it that made me just waiting get through them. The audio narrator was fine except for the Italian accent and phrases which were just terrible.
susan379's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Enjoyed this, main character really interesting person, you’ll either love her or hate her
somojones's review
4.0
Really fun enjoyable read. The lead character Malka is not like-able but her life and personality is the story line. I thought the book was a little jumpy with the flashbacks. Did I miss something about the verdict on the Tara incident or was it purposely neglected.