
The Divine Proverb of Streusel is author Sara Brunsvold’s second novel. Her debute novel, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kipp earned her a well deserved Christy Award and Carol Award. Sara Brunsvol may be new to the Christian fiction genre, but you would never know it. Her stories are thought provoking and contain a depth that many of her contemporary counterparts lack.
Synopsis
The Divine Proverb of Streusel follows one young woman’s journey to discover her roots, hoping it will give her the strength she needs to face her future. Landing on the doorstep of an uncle she barely remembers, she soon discovers an old recipe book. Before each recipe a small word of advice is written by her late grandmother. Each recipe she makes brings her closer not only to her heritage, but also a step closer to healing.
My Thoughts
The Divine Proverb of Streusel takes a look at the complexities and difficulties that arise in families. How unresolved hurt and sin separate and divide and how easy it becomes to continue the cycle.
Sara Brunsvold did an excellent job drawing the reader into the setting of the book. There is something about farms and small towns that calls your soul to rest in a way the bustle of the city prevents. Her characters each had distinct personalities and struggles and she managed to hit me with a small plot twist I did not see coming, something I appreciate.
The one caveat I had was the relationship with her father. If you are or have been in a destructive or abusive relationship you may find this story challenging. While I understand her desire was to create a character haunted by his childhood, for those that have experienced narcissistic abuse, red flags abound making it hard to root for reconciliation. However I believe the average reader will simply see a what I believe the author intended. A story of generational trauma and what it takes to break the cycle.
Content
Red Flag Warning 🚩 1 flag. It might be difficult for someone who is struggling to distinguish between difficult and destructive relationships.
Sexual Content– none
Cursing– None
Violence– None
Spiritual Content– Medium, Christian Worldview portrayed.
Pace- slow

