“The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel,” by Aimee Bender (Doubleday, 292 pp.) revolves around the uncanny ability of its young protagonist. Rose Edelstein can sense a cook’s emotions simply by tasting their food – but there are serious downsides attached to this insight. The reader is left with a lingering pathos, wondering if Rose is gifted or cursed. A Monitor review of "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" noted "an evocative power in Bender’s work that lingers with a reader."