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constancelee's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic debut novel! I couldn’t have loved it more. I almost passed it over because while I actually like the cover art, it confused me as to what type of book it really was. But I am a sucker for a good immigrant story, and the whole ice cream twist seemed like an original idea – and it was. Though definitely very humorous in parts, it is a more serious work than the cover suggests; perfect for readers of literary and historical fiction alike.
Lillian Dunkle is a terrific antihero—and funny as heck. Because of her hard-working, self-made, persevering nature, you just can’t help but root for her no matter what dreadful situations she gets herself into. The setting was absolutely perfect and really captured the feel of an early twentieth century America, beginning with Lillian’s/Malka’s young life in the New York tenements, and up through the years, as both Lillian and the ice cream business must adapt to changing times. All of the supporting characters were well-crafted and fully imagined, really bringing the story to life. A lot of research went into the history of ice cream making—with parts loosely based on Tom Carver and his accidental invention of soft serve—and it shows in every detail.
Usually there is always something I feel could be better, but in this case it is perfect as is. It was the first book in forever I didn’t want to end, and it even made my “favorites” list. I’m not familiar with Susan Jane Gilman’s non-fiction, but I read in the Q&A that she has always wanted to write fiction. She truly has made her place here, and I hope she writes more like this.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lillian Dunkle is a terrific antihero—and funny as heck. Because of her hard-working, self-made, persevering nature, you just can’t help but root for her no matter what dreadful situations she gets herself into. The setting was absolutely perfect and really captured the feel of an early twentieth century America, beginning with Lillian’s/Malka’s young life in the New York tenements, and up through the years, as both Lillian and the ice cream business must adapt to changing times. All of the supporting characters were well-crafted and fully imagined, really bringing the story to life. A lot of research went into the history of ice cream making—with parts loosely based on Tom Carver and his accidental invention of soft serve—and it shows in every detail.
Usually there is always something I feel could be better, but in this case it is perfect as is. It was the first book in forever I didn’t want to end, and it even made my “favorites” list. I’m not familiar with Susan Jane Gilman’s non-fiction, but I read in the Q&A that she has always wanted to write fiction. She truly has made her place here, and I hope she writes more like this.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
1.0
I tried and tried to enjoy this book. But the main character was such a rotten person that I couldn’t have any sympathy for her. I think the writing was good, and the setting well-researched and interesting. But i couldn’t get into it when I detested the protagonist.
dunnadam's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe how much I loved this book, The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street.
First line: We'd been in America just three months when the horse ran me over.
I've read a lot of books and I think that's the best first line I've ever read.
I had ZERO expectations. A 3.7 on Goodreads and the old cover was crappy chick-lit boredom. I bought it on a whim for $10 from Amazon.
This book has character and setting and humor and plot. I can't put it down. I've been to the Tenement Museum in NYC and the author leans heavily into that narrative in a great way. Totally recommend.
So sue me!
First line: We'd been in America just three months when the horse ran me over.
I've read a lot of books and I think that's the best first line I've ever read.
I had ZERO expectations. A 3.7 on Goodreads and the old cover was crappy chick-lit boredom. I bought it on a whim for $10 from Amazon.
This book has character and setting and humor and plot. I can't put it down. I've been to the Tenement Museum in NYC and the author leans heavily into that narrative in a great way. Totally recommend.
So sue me!
mullensamy's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booksmjc's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
summerluvn78's review against another edition
3.0
The most appealing aspect of this novel, for me, was the history and life of immigrants on New York's Lower East Side. The ending left me annoyed that that was it, nothing more that is why I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
It’s a rags to riches to . . . well, let’s not give anything away. “The Ice Cream Queen”s story is not a new tale, but the novel is bright and clever and fresh and lots of fun to read. It’s probably the character of Malka/Ninella/Lillian who is smart, foolish, fearless, huge-hearted and hard-hearted that makes it spark. Her love for her husband is such a sweet thing, her longing for her lost family (which sometimes isn’t lost enough) is heartbreaking. Even the stories of the Lower East Side have a new feel in Susan Jane Gilman’s hands.
The cover is pretty but gives the impression that this is a book about a 1950s drive-in carhop. Of all the things you could call Lillian, that is not one. Although, come to think of it, if it would have sold more ice cream . . .I hope the cover doesn’t lose readers for this plump treat of a novel.
The cover is pretty but gives the impression that this is a book about a 1950s drive-in carhop. Of all the things you could call Lillian, that is not one. Although, come to think of it, if it would have sold more ice cream . . .I hope the cover doesn’t lose readers for this plump treat of a novel.
mschrock8's review against another edition
3.0
Lillian is full of spunk, and she keeps pushing.
Use of the word "tuches." A Branch Rickey mention. Lillian's use of the word "darlings" as she tells her story.
"Packaging is important."
Use of the word "tuches." A Branch Rickey mention. Lillian's use of the word "darlings" as she tells her story.
"Packaging is important."
sjgrodsky's review against another edition
4.0
You can certainly understand why Lillian Dunkle is the cold, grasping, arrogant, demanding character that she is. She is terrorized by Cossacks in her native Russia, abandoned by both parents shortly after arriving in America, then hardened by demanding labor, extreme poverty, and physical disability.
You can feel sympathy for her sufferings. You can admire her energy, determination, resourcefulness. You can find her brassy sarcasm entertaining. But as the book progresses, you begin to think "what more?"
The story moves along at a good clip with new events and characters (or reappearances of old characters) every few pages. The contemporaneous cultural references ("Hang on Sloopy") are pitch perfect.
**********Spoiler Alert*****************
But I had had enough of Lillian, her family, her legal issues, and her alcoholism long before I reached the last page. And maybe this is the author's point: Lillian is entertaining. Lillian is a survivor. But she can't change and she can't grow. In the end she's a bore.
You can feel sympathy for her sufferings. You can admire her energy, determination, resourcefulness. You can find her brassy sarcasm entertaining. But as the book progresses, you begin to think "what more?"
The story moves along at a good clip with new events and characters (or reappearances of old characters) every few pages. The contemporaneous cultural references ("Hang on Sloopy") are pitch perfect.
**********Spoiler Alert*****************
But I had had enough of Lillian, her family, her legal issues, and her alcoholism long before I reached the last page. And maybe this is the author's point: Lillian is entertaining. Lillian is a survivor. But she can't change and she can't grow. In the end she's a bore.