“All that is needed is a spoonful of kindness.”
Emmeline joins a memoir writing class. When Emmeline begins to read her story to the others, it is so compelling that the women long to hear more. I felt exactly the same way, and couldn’t put the book down. Emmeline’s story is moving and heartbreaking and encouraging and satisfying all at once. Everything gets tied up a bit too neatly in tidy bows, but do not mistake this for a saccharine sweet novel. There is a lot of ‘no-nonsense’ and humour and hard-won wisdom in this book, and that’s just because of who Emmeline is.
The story begins with her birth in rural Nova Scotia. Her mother delivers her into a laundry basket outside where she was hanging up the sheets. Emmeline was that baby in the basket and every after, she retained a marvellous love for the outdoors and fresh air. Her mother, on the other hand, was quite miffed about needing to wash those sheets again!
Emmeline was a spinster back in the day when that word was still used. But make no mistake, Emmeline had agency, something the women of her generation often lacked. The most delightful thing about her is that despite being a woman with great dignity and love for her fellowman, she had a naughty habit of stealing spoons. Not just any spoons, but those that had a particular meaning in her life. That isn’t a spoiler because it’s right in the title!
Oddly, this spoon thing did have an effect on me while I was reading the book. I ordered a nice cappuccino after a lunch out with a friend, and there was a lovely tiny spoon on the saucer. I do admit to almost going home with it.
When I read Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe, it was my first by this author and I told myself I would soon read another. I am now seriously hooked and am looking forward to more!
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I loved this book; the author has not disappointed me yet with her novels. I love your blog and book reviews. Keep up the good work, Joanne.
Thank you for the kind words Nadia. I feel like this author was Canada’s best kept secret. I’ll definitely keep reading her.
She is definitely one of Canada’s best kept secrets. I would recommend Beholden and Kin as the next two your should read.
Thank you Cathie! I will put them on hold at the library!