savv_d's review against another edition
5.0
If you’ve been to the Tenement Museum in NYC, it brings this book to life in a whole new way. The book seemed to paint an accurate picture of what life was like back then. Sure the main character is unlovable, but we can understand why - she did not grow up in a nurturing home so of course became bitter. Reviews complain about the main character, but the book is written to feel real, not give you a heroine.
saras_books77's review against another edition
4.0
Very epic and detailed with beautiful, rich wording. Also extremely well researched.
It made me think a lot about why people are the way they are and be extra grateful for what I have.
It made me think a lot about why people are the way they are and be extra grateful for what I have.
bak8382's review against another edition
3.0
Malka Treynovsky arrives in the United States in 1913 eager to begin her new life in the romanticized version of America that she has heard about. Instead she and her family live in the slums until an accident leaves her lame in one leg. Her mother abandons her, and she is taken in by the family of the man who was involved in the accident. From them she learns the beginning of the ice cream trade, and later she and her husband put that knowledge to good use as they build an ice cream empire over several decades. The story is told in 1st person from Malka (Lillian as she rechristened herself), and alternates between different points of the past and her present day issues. For being such a long book it's an easy, quick read. Lillian is an unreliable and somewhat unlikable narrator, though, and some of the ambiguity of the plot may annoy readers.
reindeerbandit's review against another edition
4.0
malka lillian was obviously kind of awful but i loved her anyway. what a devastating life, tho.
missamandamae's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! Highly entertaining story surrounding a highly entertaining lady. She's like a more endearing Scarlett O'Hara of the 20th century. We follow her rags-to-riches story, learn of her scrapes and sorrows, her triumphs and bouts of luck. This woman has chutzpah and I love it. She's an antihero, but entirely loveable. Plus, it's shades of Forrest Gump, as this woman claims her touch on many small points of American history. Definitely give it a whirl!
jessnuss's review against another edition
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 against another edition
4.0
Fascinating rags to riches tale of determination and chutzpah mixed with constant insecurity
qmm1503's review against another edition
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