Brunsvold, Sara

Brunsvold writes utterly realistic modern characters searching for connection and meaning. Literary fans will enjoy the plethora of references to authors with Midwest connections, from Langston Hughes to Laura Ingalls Wilder to Flannery O’Connor.

The themes of grace and faith are strong throughout and the topic of refugees is evergreen and will resonate with today’s readers. However, at times, the narrative style is detail filled and heavy on backstory, which makes for a more plodding read. May appeal to readers of character driven fiction.