Thank goodness this only cost me 50p.

I initially found the beginning parts quite enjoyable. It had a certain charm, seeming like a more homely version of Lake Wobegon stories. The setting and the characters were presented in a way that made me feel somewhat connected.

However, when Elner went to Heaven for the first time, the story took a turn that I found rather silly. I had higher expectations from the author of ‘Fried Green Tomatoes at The Whistle Stop Cafe’. That particular work had left a lasting impression on me, and I was hoping for a similar level of depth and engaging storytelling in this one.

Unfortunately, this aspect of the story seemed a bit too far-fetched and not in line with what I had come to expect from this author. It was a bit disappointing, especially considering the promising start.

Overall, while the beginning had its moments, the later part of the story failed to live up to my expectations. I still have a soft spot for the author's previous work, but this one will probably not be one that I'll remember fondly.

This work may not be her best, but the ending leaves a sense of nostalgia for home and the usual mega emotions typical of Fannie.

I will miss her extravagant and quirky characters.

Fannie has gifted me with a world made of paradises and cakes that I will never tire of.

It's as if she has opened a door to a magical realm where everything is possible and filled with warmth and charm. The stories she tells have the power to transport us to another place and time, making us forget about the troubles of the real world.

Although this particular piece may not reach the heights of her previous masterpieces, it still holds a special place in my heart.

It reminds me of the joy and wonder that Fannie's works always bring, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us in the future.

The story initially caught my attention, but unfortunately, it took a downward turn for me.

Specifically, there were numerous instances where Fannie Flagg repeated the same things, which became rather tiresome.

Moreover, certain parts of the story, especially those related to sexual references, seemed unnecessary.

For example, details about Norma and Mackey's sex life, such as how often they had or lacked sex and their routine, didn't seem to add much to the overall narrative.

We already knew how uptight and high-strung Norma was without delving into these aspects.

The mention of the gun in the story also felt out of place.

Given that this was supposed to be a light reading book, the sudden shift in direction to a rape story was jarring.

On a positive note, I adored Elner. She was a fun and likable character, and it was easy to see why everyone loved her.

However, towards the end of the story, Fannie Flagg introduced additional characters who didn't seem to be needed.

When she was tying up loose ends, she made everything seem a bit too neatly resolved for each character, which felt forced.

Overall, while I had high expectations based on my love for Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," this story was quite disappointing and ultimately earned a lower rating from me.

A fun and delicious read, just like the cake in the title!

And of course, the adorable elderly protagonist, Aunt Elner, with her pearls of wisdom, won me over and sometimes even moved me. She faces life (both earthly and otherwise) with simplicity and irony, even in the most dramatic moments.

In short, Aunt Elner instinctively applied the problem-solving techniques long before they started teaching them in business schools.

There are many laughs and some reflections on life, with optimism, delicacy, and a great deal of altruism.

Fannie Flag is good at making us feel like we are part of the atmospheres of an American province out of time, populated by many colorful characters. Their lives, in their singular uniqueness, converge in the sincere affection for the over-ninety-year-old Elner.

In the appendix, I was pleasantly surprised to find all the recipes for the treats that we come across in the story. I can't wait to try at least the most inviting ones; of course, the heavenly caramel cake first!

Everyone needs an Elnor in their lives.

I listened to the story and it truly made me laugh out loud. The southern story line was simply captivating. It had a charm and a unique flavor that drew me in from the very beginning.

The characters in the story were so vividly described that I could almost picture them in front of me. Their accents, their mannerisms, and their interactions added to the overall authenticity of the southern setting.

As I listened, I found myself completely immersed in the story, experiencing all the emotions along with the characters. The humorous moments had me in stitches, while the more touching scenes tugged at my heartstrings.

Overall, it was a wonderful listening experience that left me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I can't wait to listen to more stories like this one.

Aunt Elmer, unfortunately, had a rather unfortunate incident. She fell out of her fig tree. Her niece Norma had been very strict in forbidding her from using the ladder, precisely to prevent something like this from happening. However, things took a turn for the worse when the wasps attacked. The sudden attack startled Elmer so much that she fell right back off the ladder.

Her neighbours witnessed the fall and immediately called 911. She was then rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, she was declared dead and placed in a room to await the arrival of her relatives. But here's the twist: a few hours later, she wakes up!

This story is truly an excellent read. It features interesting and real characters that you can easily relate to. The plot is vivid and full of surprises, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And the ending is both satisfying and leaves you with a sense of wonder. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

While this particular book may not be my absolute favorite among Fannie Flagg's novels, it was indeed a very enjoyable and effortless read. I have a genuine affection for these characters, and this book was especially delightful as it centered around Elner Shimfissle, a character whom you would simply adore having lunch with. She is truly great! Elner's charm and unique personality shine through the pages, making her a memorable and engaging protagonist. The story follows her adventures and interactions with the other characters in a small town, and it is filled with heartwarming moments and humorous situations. Fannie Flagg has a talent for creating vivid and relatable characters, and Elner is no exception. Reading about her made me feel as if I was part of the community, sharing in her joys and sorrows. Overall, this book is a wonderful addition to Fannie Flagg's body of work and is sure to please fans of her writing.

A character that one cannot help but love is our protagonist Elner, an old woman full of spunk who manages to bring joy everywhere and make herself loved and appreciated by everyone in the small town where she lives. Even death seems almost like a joke with her. I adored her passionately for her big heart, for her love of nature and its creatures, for her desire to give to others, and for the many laughs she managed to make me have.

It is a very pleasant, light, fizzy read, written masterfully with peculiar and perfectly delineated characters. And although some are just minor appearances, the author has known how to give the right space and importance to all.

Although the plot is nothing special and at some moments it seems almost surreal, Flagg still manages to make you appreciate every single page, involving you in the story and the life of the protagonists.

The setting seems to have the flavor of those small towns of once upon a time, simple, where everyone knows everything about everyone and are ready to go out of their way for everyone and where the streets smell of the home-made sweets. Just when Elner goes to the afterlife, we understand how much she is loved by everyone and in her own small way how she managed to change the life of every person who came into contact with her.

Adorable also is the fact that at the end of the book we find the recipes of the sweets that we hear so much about in the story.

In 2006, I gave this a 4-star rating.

I truly love Flagg's small town southern characters. They are so quirky, heartwarming, and funny. It makes me have a strong desire to visit that place. This kind of heaven that Flagg描绘s in her works sounds absolutely grand.

Fast forward to 2020, and I still give it 4 stars. The charm of those small town southern characters has not faded over the years. Their unique personalities and the stories that unfold around them continue to captivate me.

I can't help but imagine myself strolling through the streets of that small town, meeting those interesting people, and experiencing the warmth and humor that Flagg so vividly brings to life on the pages.

It's like a little slice of paradise that I can escape to whenever I pick up one of Flagg's books.

Overall, I highly recommend Flagg's works to anyone who loves a good story filled with heart and humor.

Elenor is the beloved matriarch of the town.

She has always been there for everyone, in one way or another.

She is a joy to be around and never judges anyone.

Many people instantly fall in love with her kind and gentle nature.

No one knows her actual age, not even Elenor herself.

She is estimated to be between 70 and 80 years old.

She may seem eccentric at times, but she is a well-rounded and fun-loving woman.

Her niece, Norma, is always worried about her, but Elenor can take care of herself, even though she can be a bit hardheaded.

For example, Norma told her not to climb the ladder to get figs from the tree, but what does Elenor do?

She climbs the tree, disturbs a wasp nest, and falls from the ladder.

Elenor thinks she is awake and that everyone is ignoring her or can't hear her, but in reality, she has died and gone to heaven.

Unfortunately, when she arrives in heaven, she discovers that it is not ready for her.

This is a funny book to read.

It tells all the good things Elenor did for others, without her even realizing how many lives she touched with her kindness.

The book also compares today's society to how the elders in the town were brought up.

It is a great book to read on a rainy or very cold day.

It will make you smile and glad you took the time to read it.

I’ll go ahead and start off by saying - this review is likely to be a bit biased.

A typical Fannie Flagg quirky story about small town America and its residents. It's a charming tale that takes you into the heart of a community, filled with unique characters and their interesting lives. You'll find yourself laughing, crying, and completely engaged from start to finish.

I loved every minute of this wonderful story. The author's vivid descriptions bring the town and its people to life, making you feel as if you're right there among them. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

And the ending did not disappoint. It's a satisfying conclusion that ties up all the loose ends and leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart. If you're looking for a feel-good story that will make you believe in the power of love and friendship, then this is the book for you.