55 pages • 1 hour read
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal follows the lives of Mariel Prager, her mother Florence, husband Ned, and daughter Julia, as they navigate family dynamics, personal ambitions, and the legacy of the family-owned restaurant in Bear Jaw Lake, Minnesota, spanning multiple timelines. The book references infertility, pregnancy loss, child death, abuse, racism, sexism, and anti-gay bias.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Heartwarming
J. Ryan Stradal's Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club resonates with readers through its heartfelt narrative and richly developed characters, lauded for its evocative portrayal of Midwestern traditions. However, some critics note a predictable plot and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it's a warm and nostalgic read, appealing to fans of family sagas and culinary tales.
A reader who enjoys heartwarming, character-driven narratives with a touch of Midwestern charm would relish Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal. Fans of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove or Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will find this book captivating for its exploration of family, community, and tradition.
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