{"title":"J. Ryan Stradal","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. Ryan Stradal\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts richly woven tales that delve into the heart of family, food, and Midwestern life. His novels often explore complex relationships and culinary traditions, painting vivid portraits of characters seeking belonging and purpose in small-town America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect a blend of heartfelt storytelling and sharp insight into everyday lives, with a flavour of warmth and humour. Stradal’s work invites reflection on identity, legacy, and the comforts found in both family and cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kitchens-of-the-great-midwest-by-j-ryan-stradal-9780143109419","title":"Kitchens of the Great Midwest","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“A sweet and savoury treat.” —\u003ci\u003ePeople\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“An impressive feat of narrative jujitsu... that keeps readers turning the pages too fast to realise just how ingenious they are.” —\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/i\u003e, Editor’s Pick\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom the \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Lager Queen of Minnesota\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eKitchens of the Great Midwest\u003c\/i\u003e is a novel about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the country’s most coveted dinner reservation.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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 flavours 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach 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, \u003ci\u003eKitchens of the Great Midwest\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47642999324908,"sku":"9780143109419","price":49.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/d47833e9eb53fd69575c182ea1d5e392.jpg?v=1779170673"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/j-ryan-stradal.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}