Author Sara Brunsvold's exceptional debut novel The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip topped my favorite reads of 2022 list. I had great expectations for her newest book and was eagerly anticipating her newest story, The Divine Proverb of Streusel. I read this book in three days and would have finished it sooner had life responsibilities not gotten in the way. Three chapters in I had an inkling that this story would land on my "favorite reads of 2024" and I am happy to say that it definitely did!
Devastated and reeling from her parents' divorce, literary teacher, Nikki Werner seeks comfort on her uncle's farm in Missouri. Spending the summer there, she discovers a longing to know more about her lineage and finds an old handwritten German cookbook among her grandmother's belongings filled with knowledge and long-forgotten recipes. As she cooks her way through the recipes, inviting townsfolk to share in the meals and memories of the town and her grandparents, Nikki starts to heal from her parents' divorce.
Emotions ranged from tears of sadness to tears of joy coupled with laughter. While I enjoyed Nikki's story, I found myself slightly more invested in her uncle's story. That's all I want to say because I don't want to give any spoilers. You'll have to read the book.
There are so many aspects I loved about this book, the characters, the way the story will make you long for a simpler time, wanting to know more about your own ancestors and the cadence of the brilliant writing. Ms. Brunsvold is an accomplished writer, and her stories speak to your heart and soul and stay with you long after you've closed the book. A few of my favorite quotes can be found on pages 100, 165, 296, and 306.
The overall theme of "do the next thing" resounded with me that life will have hard trials and challenges and sometimes all we can do to move forward is to do the next thing.
The Divine Proverb of Streusel had so many intricate layers to dealing with heartbreak, family, redemption, the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs and healing. I feel like I needed to re-read it a second time to fully appreciate all the subtle nuances. This book is a must read for 2024!
~~I purchased a paperback copy of The Divine Proverb of Streusel from Baker Book House in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.~~
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