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Title:
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Twelve Little Cakes, The |
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Authors:
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Dery, Dominika |
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Genre:
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Non Fiction |
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Pages:
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349 |
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Year:
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2006 |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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Born to Czech dissidents in 1975, Dominika Dery grows up on the outskirts of Prague in a small village full of prejudices, politics, and petty informing. Largely shunned by her parents' association with the failed 1968 Prague Spring uprising, she seeks solace in her tight-knit family, the friendship of three old ladies she dubs her "fairy godmothers", and her love of ballet. A testament to a family's will to survive through the final turbulent years of a terrible regime.
Comments from Groups: A full and interesting discussion, particularly regarding the Cold War. Members had trouble believing Dominika could remember so much at such an early age. Christchurch 324 We loved this book - very interesting insight into Communism in 1975. Personal voice of the author was lively and full of naive humour. Gore 004 We all agreed that this book was an easy read and a very good account of a young girl's life but wouldn't rush to read the sequel. Tekapo 001 We liked this book and related to the narrator, although we thought there was more detail than such a young girl would remember. Hamilton 003 An interesting book... As it was non-fiction, there were those who believed the writer and those that took issue with the facts. Taupo 004 Thumbs up by the majority. Some members were also able to relate current experiences in the Czech Republic. Wellington 012 Whole group enjoyed the book. Found it easy to read and enlightening about Communism. Tauranga 022 We thought it a great 'story' with bittersweet vignettes that will stay in our minds for a long time. Blenheim 009
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Categories:
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Non fiction, Biography, Relationships, Czechoslovakia |
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Reviews
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By: CHCH 257
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2025-06-25 13:38:13 |
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All loved this beautifully written book. Very informative. |
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By: NEWP 016
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2024-05-09 20:57:11 |
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Half finished it and half didn’t. Those that finished the book found it informative about life in a communist country. The characters were easily visualised and loveable. The mother was the favourite. Can’t believe they killed off Barry!! Enjoyed by those who finished it. |
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By: AUCK 116
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2019-07-31 14:04:49 |
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Group divided - those who really loved the book and the characters of Domenika and her father and their optimistic view of life during trying times; and those who found it hard to believe a child of 4 could do so much! |
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By: WELL 022
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2019-07-31 14:01:17 |
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Generally enjoyed the book. The discussion notes had really useful reflective questions, and the references to web sites to learn more about the author were appreciated. Personally I liked the organisation of the chapters under little cake headings. Would love to know where to purchase or how to make the little cakes. It would've been fun to try some at our meeting! |
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By: GORE 006
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2019-07-31 13:57:35 |
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Well-written and easy to read. This story gave us an insight to conditions while living under a Communist regime. Provided lots of discussion and all enjoyed it. One of the best we have chosen this year. |
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By: RICH 005
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2019-07-31 13:55:34 |
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Despite our evening being close to Xmas, almost all our group attended. Much discussion generated, as many had visited Prague. The questions were very thought provoking. A great evening. |
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By: MAST 013
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2019-07-31 13:52:57 |
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Good discussion. Everyone enjoyed the book. They certainly lived in hard times, and not that long ago. Domenika had either a good memory, or a lot of her account has been fictionalised. I daresay a lot came from her family's memories. |
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By: NEWP 005
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2019-07-31 13:50:45 |
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Great book. Loved it. |
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By: COROM 002
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2019-07-31 13:48:25 |
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One person questioned its credibility, but the rest of us enjoyed reading about this period in Czechoslovakia's history from the point of view of a child and her family. |
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By: PALMN 019
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2019-07-31 13:45:00 |
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Loved this one - so heart warming and setting fascinating. |
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By: WHANG 004
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2019-07-31 13:43:00 |
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We enjoyed this easy read giving insight to life under Communist rule in Eastern Europe - clever writing incorporating her early memories as a child in Czechoslovakia. |
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