What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lemon Jelly Cake
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 1, 2018
This was a really cute little story about a small town in Illinois. It follows the adventures of the townspeople through the eyes of a precocious little girl over the summer of 1900. It also made me really hungry. I’d never heard of a lemon jelly cake but I really want one now.
December 8, 2015
This was an easy, fun, refreshing read. The whole thing flows like good conversation. I highly reccommend it.
August 7, 2023
A turn-of-the-century novel about small-town America, narrated by the doctor's 11-year-old daughter, Helene. But don't be fooled by the cute cover, this is not a children's book. Among a lot of adult swearing, Helene discovers a lack of morals in the town, while her innocence protects her somewhat. The minister and his wife are among the worst of the lot. Perhaps these incidents are supposed to be humorous, but they just aren't.
The plot has potential but somehow falls flat. Helene's mama feels trapped in her small-town life, as she is more educated and cultured than the rest of the town. But the characters lack charm or depth. I didn't care what happened to any of them and only vague curiosity made me finish the last half of the book. There is a sweet happy ending between her mama and papa. If only all of the moments leading up to it had been more compelling.
The plot has potential but somehow falls flat. Helene's mama feels trapped in her small-town life, as she is more educated and cultured than the rest of the town. But the characters lack charm or depth. I didn't care what happened to any of them and only vague curiosity made me finish the last half of the book. There is a sweet happy ending between her mama and papa. If only all of the moments leading up to it had been more compelling.
September 2, 2020
DON’T READ THE INTRODUCTION!
This is the 2nd book in a row where the introduction has given away many key plot points and ruined the story! This particular introduction gave away all of them!
I really would have enjoyed this book so much more if I had not known in advance the major points of the story. He even gave away one of the funniest little bits! Oy!
So, if you save the introduction for last, this is a lovely story, easy read, and quite innocent, despite some of the adult issues tackled.
Enjoy.
This is the 2nd book in a row where the introduction has given away many key plot points and ruined the story! This particular introduction gave away all of them!
I really would have enjoyed this book so much more if I had not known in advance the major points of the story. He even gave away one of the funniest little bits! Oy!
So, if you save the introduction for last, this is a lovely story, easy read, and quite innocent, despite some of the adult issues tackled.
Enjoy.
February 11, 2023
A cute relaxing story of small town Illinois life in 1900. It includes several references to Springfield and a few of Chicago. It was well praised by national newspaper reviews when it came out in 1959.
Author lived in Springfield and Decatur, IL, but died shortly after its 5th printing.
Author lived in Springfield and Decatur, IL, but died shortly after its 5th printing.
May 23, 2019
I think I read this as a teenager too and didn’t get the adult tensions with women being admired by men other than their husbands and running away. Me Fenton still confused me to this day.
September 29, 2020
I’ve read several times. It is a very fun read. It has been told that the town the story is set in is Rochester, Illinois.
November 2, 2011
Almost finished. Honest - Engaging. Quite enjoyed it.
Don't recall why I didn't finish it. Probably was just distracted by another book.
Babcock Smith is an incredible writer.
Don't recall why I didn't finish it. Probably was just distracted by another book.
Babcock Smith is an incredible writer.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews