Reviews

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

hgarf13's review

4.0

I liked it more than I thought I would. This book is rich with references and history.

heartofoak1's review

3.0

good but it was a bit overly long at the end - did we really need what amounted to a several page, complete re-cap of the story? it DID make me want to eat ice cream every day =)

shelbyisnotcar's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, it was super hard to put down. My only complaint was how hard-hearted the protagonist seemed to be. I was surprised at her moments of heartlessness and cold demeanor, but I guess I can't really blame her for that.

cpalisa's review

4.0

I really liked this book! I agree with the other reviewers, the cover is totally wrong for it and it was what caught my eye at the library. Nevertheless, I was quite caught up in this once I started it. It moves around a bit between the main characters past and her present. I loved the story when it was in the past which, thankfully, is most of the book. The present Lillian was pretty annoying but it was interesting to see what kind of a person she ended up as. She definitely wasn't very likeable and the "darlings" and "so sue me" were really annoying, but it was a good story. The early time period and setting were really interesting. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

almostsummer's review

5.0

LOVED it. Lillian's character is so vivid.

jamiebooks15's review

3.0

I loved the immigrant story here...especially in the current climate of anti-immigrant sentiments, it was eye opening to consider just how hard life was (& is) for those coming to America. The main character was interesting, far from perfect but I loved that about her.

It was a bit long for me, and I found myself forcing myself to read it...it just wasn't as engaging as I'd hoped overall. It's a solid 3.5 for me...(perhaps at a less busy time of year I'd have a more generous opinion ! )

chandranolynne's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was..... long. I admit to picking it up based off it's cute cover thinking it would be a cozy read about ice cream, which it is not. It is a family saga of a Russian immigrant making her way in America despite all the odds being stacked against her. I was pretty immediately sucked in, but then it just went on. And on. And on. The main character got less likeable throughout the process, and as a response I found myself caring less as I continued turning pages. I don't know; I didn't hate it by any means, but the length makes me slightly more resentful about the lack of character growth.

sci_mom's review

4.0

I thought Lillian was fantastic! For all of the haters, take a step back, really examine everything that she endured, and then ask yourself if you would dislike this character as much if it were a man. I liked this book so much that I bought the non-fiction book Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making. It is well worth reading.

savv_d's review

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

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.