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Book Review of The Twelve Little Cakes

The Twelve Little Cakes
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Helpful Score: 4


On the one hand, you have a story about 1970s and 80s communist Czechoslovakia. The book does a good job of explaining what communism meant to the locals, what happened in the area after WWII, and how it all affects a family of dissidents. Nothing youd think would be light reading.

On the other hand, this book is downright CUTE. Its very easy to read, and funny as all get out. Kids are kids no matter where they are. The book starts out with three-year-old Dominika making a pet of Mr. Carp, who lives in the bathtub, not realizing hes meant for Christmas dinner. It ends with ten-year-old Dominika putting toothpaste in her ears to keep out the earwigs. (Note to children: dont do this.)

I loved this book as an adult, and the adults I related bits and pieces to all laughed at the stories. Young people would probably also like it, although there is quite a bit of talk about breasts (goats) and the older sisters sexuality.