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allisonmadrazo's review
4.0
Solid 4.5 - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Writing style reminded me of Fredrik Backman who is a favorite of mine. Got it at Tim’s Used Books in Provincetown and Tim wrote “enjoyable story!” and I agree!
kats05's review
4.0
4.5 stars
This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. J. Ryan Stradal has a fantastic, effortless way of writing, catching the voice of so many different narrators so perfectly. This book is hilarious (I think the hipster "bake off" event has to be one of my favourite scenes ever) as well as sad but never maudlin or melancholy.
The structure is marvellous; written like a collection of eight self-contained short stories, but actually revolving around a young woman, Eva Thorvald, whom we get to know from the age of 0 to 25, initially through her father's story, then via her uncle & aunt and cousins, moving on to school friends, college room mates and so on. In some stories Eva only makes cameo appearances, but her passion around food features greatly and sometimes even shapes other characters' lives. Each story is so skilfully crafted with such vivid characters that they can be read and enjoyed independently, but I just loved the way these lives are intertwined and how brilliantly the author connects the stories whilst moving Eva's life forward.
The descriptions of the wines, food preparation and tasting are mouth watering - I wonder if the print copy has some o Eva's (and Pat's) recipes in it.
I'd recommend this to readers with a love for fine wine and food and/or appreciation of intelligent, contemporary fiction, lovers of short stories, and/or people from/in the Midwest, especially Minnesota or Iowa.
This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. J. Ryan Stradal has a fantastic, effortless way of writing, catching the voice of so many different narrators so perfectly. This book is hilarious (I think the hipster "bake off" event has to be one of my favourite scenes ever) as well as sad but never maudlin or melancholy.
The structure is marvellous; written like a collection of eight self-contained short stories, but actually revolving around a young woman, Eva Thorvald, whom we get to know from the age of 0 to 25, initially through her father's story, then via her uncle & aunt and cousins, moving on to school friends, college room mates and so on. In some stories Eva only makes cameo appearances, but her passion around food features greatly and sometimes even shapes other characters' lives. Each story is so skilfully crafted with such vivid characters that they can be read and enjoyed independently, but I just loved the way these lives are intertwined and how brilliantly the author connects the stories whilst moving Eva's life forward.
The descriptions of the wines, food preparation and tasting are mouth watering - I wonder if the print copy has some o Eva's (and Pat's) recipes in it.
I'd recommend this to readers with a love for fine wine and food and/or appreciation of intelligent, contemporary fiction, lovers of short stories, and/or people from/in the Midwest, especially Minnesota or Iowa.
hollywollydoodle's review
4.0
I really want to give this about 3.25 stars maybe? The structure of the story was interesting, but i can't say it flowed in a way that I enjoyed. I also didn't feel very connected to any characters. That said, there were parts that were charming and honest enough that it saved the book for me.
kittykate99's review
5.0
I loved this novel. If you love food and cooking and a good story about figuring out who you are and where you belong, that interconnects the characters over the course of a lifetime, you will enjoy this book. The author currently lives in LA, but must be from the Midwest, because he nails the people, the places and the food (right down to the state fair). I also loved that this novel doesn't tie everything up in a neat little bow at the end.
hmicheles's review
2.0
Hmmmm. This started out intriguing and it hooked me enough to read the whole book. With that being said, the story line felt disjointed and wasn't really about cooking the way the book was advertised. Plus the main character wasn't someone who really moved me as a person who showed much growth in the story.
joannepaquin's review
5.0
Not only is the story warm and charming, but the structure in which we learn about Eva's life was so enjoyable. I loved it.
ltheaker's review
5.0
J. Ryan Stradal has a voice like no other. I love his ability to craft these intimate little worlds with simple people's stories. I devoured The Lager Queen of Minnesota, and this novel, his first, does the same things I am obsessed with: creating an intricate web of so many stories that offshoot one character's experiences, telling stories of food and their connections to heartbreak, madness, religion, animosity, and delight. I loved Eva Thorvald's world and her rise with her incredible palate. This book is a love letter to food and the stories that dishes and ingredients tell, and if you love food and complex characters, this book is a winner.
crewmom325's review against another edition
5.0
Don't start until you have uninterrupted time to finish!
A journey for the senses...I enjoyed the story, the writing, the weaving of the characters and the totally satisfying ending .., for me, just like the food and wine presented throughout.
A journey for the senses...I enjoyed the story, the writing, the weaving of the characters and the totally satisfying ending .., for me, just like the food and wine presented throughout.