Customer Reviews

The Empress of Ice Cream

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Capella's 4th novel shares the expected aspects of his other books: sensuous food and delicious sex. But each of his 4 books is so different in plot and tone - and "The Empress of Ice Cream," like his others, is a total delight. Royal mistress Louise de Keroualle and her Italian admirer Carlo Demirco - who is obsessed with the creation and perfection of a new-fangled confection, ice cream - create splashes both political and personal at the Restoration court of Charles II. The end of this wonderful novel is unexpected, tender and perfect.

Charles II of England had many colorful mistresses, and Louise de Keroualle tends to be one of the least loved by posterity. She is typically represented as a pampered whiner, but this novel portrays Louise as a strong and motivated individual. I'm not sure I agree, but who really knows, after all?

I found suspension of my disbelief somewhat strained at the idea that this proud french aristocrat would discuss such very intimate details of her life with a confectioner, however lofty -- but that didn't destroy my enjoyment of the book. It's a good read.

And you'll learn something about ice cream.