On the eve of her ninth birthday, Rose Edelstein bites into her mother's homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother's emotions in the slice. She discovers that her mother tastes of despair, as she uncovers family secrets.

Provides an in-depth critical introduction to the short stories of Samuel Beckett. Includes a detailed analyses of every significant story, biographical information, a chronology of the artist's life and works, and a representative selection of critical responses.

Provides an in-depth critical introduction to the short stories of Robert Penn Warren. Includes a detailed analyses of every significant story, biographical information, a chronology of the artist's life and works, and a representative selection of critical responses.

Brings the most important fictional works of the last 10 years into view, discussing plot, characters, critical reception and more. Features broad coverage of multiethnic/multicultural communities and curricula, bringing an insight to readers of contemporary global literature in English translation.