Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel

ISBN: 052542914X

Author: Stradal, J. Ryan

Condition: New

2016 INDIES CHOICE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD - ADULT DEBUT WINNER"An impressive feat of narrative jujitsu. . . that keeps readers turning the pages too fast to realize just how ingenious they are."--The New York Times Book Review, Editor's Pick"Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a terrific reminder of what can be wrested from suffering and struggle - not only success, but also considerable irony, a fair amount of wisdom and a decent meal."--Jane Smiley, The GuardianAs seen on The Skimm: "Warning: this will make you hungry. . . . You won't be able to put it down. And it will up your kitchen game.""A sweet and savory treat." --PeopleOne of 2015's Great Reads, and a "Staff Pick" - NPR.orgA top 10 book of the year - Chicago Public LibrariesA top 10 book of the year - Library ReadsOne of 2015's top 15 novels - Daily MailOne of the top 30 books of the year - Book PageA "Best Fiction of 2015" pick - Kansas City StarA top book of 2015 - Detroit Free PressOne of the 20 best fiction books of 2015 - Business InsiderA top 12 book of the year - Los Angeles MagazineA top 100 book of the year - Amazon.comA top 20 book of the year in Literature & Fiction - Amazon.comA top 12 Fiction book of the year in the Goodreads Choice AwardsKitchens of the Great Midwest, about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the country's most coveted dinner reservation, is the summer's most hotly-anticipated debut and already a New York Times bestseller.When Lars Thorvald's wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine--and a dashing sommelier--he's left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He's determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter--starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that's a testament to her spirit and resilience.Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal's startlingly original debut tells the story of a single dish and character, at once capturing the zeitgeist of the Midwest, the rise of foodie culture, and delving into the ways food creates community and a sense of identity. By turns quirky, hilarious, and vividly sensory, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is an unexpected mother-daughter story about the bittersweet nature of life--its missed opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a brilliant new talent.