Just okay for me, the main character was so Leona Helmsley-ish that is took me right out of the story. Instead of admiring the story of her rise from nothing to running an empire, I was left rather ambivalent. ( )

Do not let the jacket make you pass over this book. A rags to riches story of a Russian Jewish immigrant, raised by Italian Catholics after being abandoned by her family. The Lower East Side is rich with history. The rise of Malka from living in one room with all her family to becoming Lillian the ice cream queen is a journey that is heartbreaking and funny. Congratulations to the author, well done. ( )

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. ( )

Malka was super excited to immigrate to the United States. However, once they arrived things quickly turned sour. After being run over by a cart, Malka is abandoned by her family as she lingers in the hospital. Unable to walk, her leg crippled beneath her, she is taken in by the ices man, the one who ran her over. Through their quirky Italian family, she learns about ice cream, a profession that will serve her well in later life. After the family betrays her, she creates her own ice cream shop and quickly gains riches and notoriety.

I thought this was a fabulous book. Now I want to read a book about Malka/Lillian's sister. At times, Lillian's older character seemed a bit stereotypical, but I suppose that's inevitable. Overall, well paced and well written. Highly recommended. ( )