The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Having just returned from France where all citizens, I think, are born with the ability to taste emotions in food, I must say that I loved this book. Loved it. You must read it. It's fantastic.

Rose Edelstein discovers on her ninth birthday that she can sense emotions of those who prepare food in the food she eats. The cook. The field hand. The farmer. The factory worker. The waiter.

It is a difficult gift. She learns of her mother's deep sadness. She finds she is unable to eat most food as she learns it is troubling to know the real emotions of most people.

There are lots of side stories, including a quirky brother and his brilliant friend and her mother's path to escape sadness. It all made for a thoughtful read.