In the book The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Aimee Bender told a family story.
The book is full of exquisite language and desolation. The family seems harmonious and
warm, but it’s on the edge of disintegration. The main character Joseph has the ability to
change himself into a furniture. Joseph appears as a loner in the book. His behavior and
characteristics imply that he has suffered mental abuse from his “happy family.”
Neglect
At the beginning of the book, Joseph’s parents behaved as the most caring people. “And
the sunlit kitchen and my warm-eyed mother were welcome arms, open.” (Aimee, 8)
“Mom hugged him like he’d been gone for a year.” (Aimee, 15) The depiction of Joseph
builds a vivid contrast to mom’s behavior. The image of Joseph begins with gloom and
silence. The book is written in the first person by Joseph's sister rose, the heroine. There is
not enough positive description of Joseph. But according to his family members, one can
still find out his feature. “But Joseph held himself still, like everything was pelting him.”
(Aimee, 19) According to rose's initial portrayal of Joseph, Joseph appears to be an
outsider. Coincidentally, this trait was also present in Joseph's father.
Rose described her father as a person who “didn’t really know what to do with
little kids”. “So he never taught us how to ride a bike, or wear a mitt, and our changes in
height remained unmarked on the door frames.” (Aimee, 22) Joseph and Rose grew up
“without proof”. Their father did his job: to give life to his children. However, he forgot to
perform his duty: taking care of his children. Father's behavior is a kind of neglect of his
children. He gave them life, but he forgets he also plays an important role in their growth.
His neglect seems also pass to his child Joseph. “Joseph smiled at no one.” (Aimee, 34)
He behaved like a person who has difficulties on communicating. His action is an evasive
attitude towards his environment.
At the end of the story, Joseph admits that he could change into furniture. “No, he
said. I don’t know anything, while I’m away.” (Aimee, 207) When he used his powers, he
was completely cut off from the world. His ability is also a symbol of escape. He tried to
escape from the ignorance from his family.