SCIENCES

Jell-O Girls: A Family History

Little, Brown. Jul. 2018. 288p. bibliog. ISBN 9780316510615. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780316510639. COOKING
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarRowbottom paints a fascinating portrait of the family behind one of America's most famous desserts. In 1899, the author's great-great-great-uncle bought the Jell-O patent from its inventor for $450, and reaped the financial gains as cupboards across the nation stocked the fruity gelatin treat. The privilege the family experienced as a result of the Jell-O empire was tainted, however, with some considering it cursed by a string of misfortunes, including bouts of cancer, suicides, and alcoholism. Rowbottom strives to tell her family history, particularly that of the women of the Jell-O empire, whose experiences were largely results of the times. She successfully draws readers into the details of their lives, which are at turns both intriguing and mundane. As Jell-O sales continue to decline, this account illuminates the rise of both an American product and dynasty.
VERDICT The renown of Jell-O will attract a variety of readers to this memoir, and the storytelling will keep them turning pages to the very end.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?