The Spoon Stealer

by Lesley Crewe

Born into a basket of clean sheets—ruining a perfectly good load of laundry—Emmeline never quite fit in on her family's rural Nova Scotian farm. After suffering multiple losses in the First World War, her family became so heavy with grief, toxicity, and mental illness that Emmeline felt their weight smothering her. And so, she fled across the Atlantic and built her life in England. Now she is retired and living in a small coastal town with her best friend, Vera, an excellent conversationalist. Vera is also a small white dog, and so Emmeline is making an effort to talk to more humans. When she joins a memoir-writing course at the library, her classmates don't know what to make of her. Funny, loud, and with a riveting memoir, she charms the lot. As her past unfolds for her audience, friendships form, a bonus in a rather lonely life. She even shares with them her third-biggest she has liberated hundreds of spoons over her lifetime—from the local library, Cary Grant, Winston Churchill. She is a compulsive spoon stealer.

When Emmeline unexpectedly inherits the farm she grew up on, she knows she needs to leave her new friends and go see the farm and what remains of her family one last time. She arrives like a tornado in their lives, an off-kilter Mary Poppins bossing everyone around and getting quite a lot wrong. But with her generosity and hard-earned wisdom, she gets an awful lot right too. A pinball ricocheting between people, offending and inspiring in equal measure, Emmeline, in her final years, believes that a spoonful—perhaps several spoonfuls—of kindness can set to rights the family so broken by loss and secrecy.

The Spoon Stealer is a classic Crewe full of humour, family secrets, women's friendship, lovable animals, and immense heart.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Canada, Historical, Family, Adult Fiction

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2020

About the author

Lesley grew up in Montreal, PQ. After graduating from Concordia University with a degree in English and Education, she and her hubby settled down in Homeville, Cape Breton and raised a family.

From 2000-2005, Lesley was a features writer and columnist (Home Fires) for Cape Bretoner Magazine, and from 2005-2009, a columnist (Lesley's Letters) with the on-line magazine, Cahoots.

In 2005 her first novel, Relative Happiness, was published by Vagrant Press, the fiction imprint of Nimbus Publishing. It was an instant bestseller, and was shortlisted for the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. She has since written nine other novels.

In 2012, Relative Happiness was optioned for film, and in 2014, Lesley's characters came to life on the big screen. The movie was produced by Wreckhouse Productions, directed by Deanne Foley, and stars Australian Melissa Bergland (Winners and Losers), and homegrown Canadian talent like Susan Kent (This Hour has 22 Minutes), Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Trailer Park Boys), and Rob Welles (Trailer Park Boys).

Reviews

[Genevieve Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Spoon Stealer so much, for so many reasons. Emmeline and Vera were the most delightful lead characters I have read in a long time. I laughed, I cried through scenes both charming and horrifying, and I was emotionally attached to every character. Like with every one of Ms Crewe’s books, each scene and character was expertly crafted, and though the ending was perfect in every sense, I was left wishing the story would never end. An absolutely wonderful, heartfelt story of family and redemption, forgiveness and love. The Spoon Stealer will leave you longing for more.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a new Canadian author? If you haven't heard of Nova Scotia's Lesley Crewe, let me be the first to recommend her heartwarming family stories. In her latest, we meet 74-year-old Emmeline, a Canadian farm girl who went to live in England. She's survived two world wars, heartbreak and the death of two beloved brothers. But it's her return to Nova Scotia that will prove the hardest task of all. Thank goodness, Emmeline has her loyal canine companion, Vera by her side.

This book and its characters tugged at my heartstrings. Emmeline's family stories that she shares with her writing group made me laugh and cry. A great tale of love, family, and forgiveness.




Goodreads review published 22/03/21

[Lana Shupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a novel by Lesley Cynthia Crewe is like covering yourself in an old quilt. You know you can settle in and get cozy, wrap yourself in the words and let the characters and their memories keep you company as you read.

Emmeline Darling, the book's main character, revisits her past as she reads aloud from her memoir at a writing class she takes in her retirement years. Mental illness and loss are the themes running through the book, but the author deals with these subjects with the grace, humor and love I have come to know through reading her books. Lesley is adept at writing humor, heart and good old fashioned values.

Emmeline is indeed a spoon stealer. She is also a tour de force. She lovingly blunders into the lives of friends and estranged family in her desire to help and heal. She believes that "a spoonful of kindness" can go a long way to mending hurt and misunderstandings and I, for one, would agree.

I will never forgive Lesley for breaking Emmeline's heart on page fifty six! How could you Lesley Crewe?! I know, I know. You authors have to rip out our hearts and stomp on them so you can spend the rest of the book redeeming yourselves with the rest of the story. I might one day forgive you, but it will be a long while.

There is also a little white dog in this book. If you know me you know I own a little white dog. The fact that this book's little white dog happens to be a great conversationalist is not lost on me. Although my own little white dog has never spoken aloud to me, I do imagine that he can understand what I am saying as I catch myself talking to him throughout my day.

Nimbus and Vagrant Book Club I would love to see this novel as a book club choice. We could all make Emmeline's "Queen's Lunch Squares" and share them virtually.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender, warm hearted book that left me feeling content.

Emmeline Darling- a woman who made such a big impact on everyone’s life. She was too good to be true at times, with her homespun wisdom and her caring attitude, but I was glad I got to know her.

Emmeline learns early on from her brother, Teddy, that sometimes people and animals just need “a spoonful of kindness.” It is the motto she takes along as she lives her life.

This was a sweet, endearing book- it was a bit too fairy tale like at times, but sometimes that is just what a reader needs.

Published: 2020

[Tori Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a warm hug. It is so cozy and special. The relationship between the main character and her little dog really resonated with me, the Nova Scotian setting reminded me on my nanny’s house (including sheets hung on the line), and I felt connected to a lot of parts of the book.

I did, however, screech my eyes out at the end. Violent sobs. No, the dog does not die.

*canadian writer!!*

[Jim Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I could not finish this novel. The first half was enjoyable, and Emmeline Darling is a likeable protagonist. Think of actor Patricia Routledge in her Hetty Winthrop incarnation. The downside (for me) was when she goes back to Nova Scotia. There, she feels she must repair all the damaged lives that have occurred in her 40 year absence. It all gets a little too much for me. Stories of families and their issues don't always resonate with me and this one didn't. It's also a little too "cozy" as well. It's definitely a book that is readable and good for a general audience.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve absolutely adored and devoured this wonderful read. Emmeline and Vera have to be my favourite two characters in a very long time. I’m not even going to pull it apart to review it- just read it- you’ll love it!

[Carmel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up.

If you are looking for a "feel good" book that goes down smoothly, this might satisfy.

Family drama, the price of war, the unpredictable paths we find ourselves on through one decision, ghosts that haunt us, the ways we try to mend what's broken, and more; but not at all the downer it sounds like. There is much humor and tenderness as well as the angst that a lifetime can amass. Emmeline becomes the matriarch of an extensive family, determined to follow her own light, but just as determined to help others find their own. And, there's Vera, the canine companion, who offers sarcastic honesty at every turn.

A fun book buddy read...thanks for choosing it, Kathleen!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book!
I loved main character Emmeline's life story - the good and the bad!
I loved each and every character - the good and the bad!
I loved that the story made me laugh and made me cry!
I loved that "A Spoonful of Kindness" was the theme of the story!
And I truly loved Vera!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book club selection. My first read by Lesley Crewe, but not my last. I loved her style.
Emmeline never quite fit in with her Nova Scotia family. After family losses in the first World War, she fled to reach her brother before he died, then lived a full life in England through the Second World War. Fast forward to the sixities, now retired, she reads her memoir out loud to her friends that she met at a writing class held at the local library where she had settled. Spoonfuls of kindness happen as she reconnects with her family. I loved it, very heartwarming. I loved Vera. Dual timelines of sort, but very well done.

“Well, they wouldn’t find anything up my Mary Ellen but dust and cobwebs.” My favourite quote

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmeline Darling has a secret. She has liberated hundreds of spoons over her lifetime. That’s correct. She’s a compulsive spoon stealer.

Bet you don’t know anyone quite like this woman - a spoon-stealing memoirist!

The further you get into this feel-good read, you’ll discover that you love Emmeline. She’s a septuagenarian with a big heart, she’s full of generosity despite her hardships, and above all, she believes that a spoonful of kindness can go a long way.

After taking a memoir class, Emmeline begins to share snippets from her life on a rural Nova Scotian farm and a family crisis that caused her to flee to England during WW1. While the background of her story is wonderful, you’ll really enjoy the friendship between Emmeline and Vera. The ‘conversations’ warmed my heart, brought a tear to my eye, and had me laughing out loud. Don’t let Emmeline fool you, though. She can certainly stand up for herself! Emmeline is proof that circumstances only have the power to make us bitter if we choose to let them. She only has to look at her precious collection for a reminder of the power of kindness.

At the core of this character-focused book is a message about secrets, friendship, perseverance, adversity, belonging and the power of kindness.

This Canadian author’s book has been included in CBC’s 2022 Canada Reads and is definitely worth checking out.

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spoon Stealer is a beautiful gem of a novel that I absolutely loved. Emmeline, the main character, is a loveable, brave, kind, funny woman in her 70s who I absolutely adored. This is the story of her life, from a young girl in the 1890s to her later years in the 1960s. It is a story about love, loneliness, family, friendship, heartbreak and the unwavering belief in the value of « a spoonful of kindness » and compassion to others (and can’t we all do with that especially now). I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout this novel as Emmeline’s world unfolded.

This, for me, is the sleeper hit of 2020, an understated, beautiful, character-driven story. Highly recommended! Thanks to Nimbus Publishing and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The Spoon Stealer is out on September 30.

[Sam Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world would be a much better & kinder place if everyone had an Emmeline in their life “to stick their nose in,” as she would say. ☺️
What a gem this book and it’s multitude of characters are!

[Rennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half was not bad with a barely acceptable level of implausability and treacle. I liked Emmeline enough to want to know how things would turn out. Just when I thought the book would wind up, it started a whole new section with her returning to her family. I just could not stay the course for that second half populated with far too many new people and on top of that, Vera the dog began to talk too much for me so this is really a dnf that should have left well enough alone and wrapped up earlier.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was way longer than necessary. Why did the dog have full dialogue? I understand the purpose but I don’t care, why did the dog talk? I didn’t like most of the characters, Emmeline was annoying. I wish this was either just the memoir or huge chunks were cut out. I skipped over about 100 pages towards the end and confirmed with book club that I didn’t miss anything.

[Abby Weber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really think I was just not the target audience for this one. I didn’t particularly like the main character even though I think we were supposed to. The story was boring and probably could have been told in half the time. And for the love of Dr Doolittle, WHY DID THE DOG TALK???? 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

[Joanna Weatherbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately a forever favourite.
🥄🐕 🙌🏻

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

This is a story about friendship, family, adversity, perseverance and the power of kindness.

The Spoon Stealer is a charming story filled with humour and heart about the life of Emmeline Darling, a septuagenarian who has lived an interesting life and now, in her later years, she shares excerpts from her memoir with a writing class in her small town.

It's through these recitations in the first half of the book that we learn about Emmeline's early years growing up in eastern Canada in the 1890's through to her adventures in her adulthood 'across the pond'. The second half focuses on Emmeline in the 1960's as the sassy, yet lonely, senior we were introduced to initially. This second half had a different feel than the first part - a little less humour, a slower pace, and many characters to keep track of as we witness Emmeline trying to reconnect with her long-estranged family. While it was a bit slower, the story picks up later with an emotional and satisfying ending.

This is a feel good kind of read with the highlight for me being the connection between Emmeline and her best friend Vera. They have a wonderful, deep, and long-lasting relationship that shows friendship at its very, very best. And I loved their sassy quips! As readers get to know her, they will undoubtedly root for sweet Emmeline -- they'll shed a tear (or three) for her losses, and cheer for her successes and how she stands up to the nastier people in her life, all while trying to stay true to her ideal that 'a spoonful of compassion can go a long way'. Emmeline is one character you won't soon forget.

Canadian author Lesley Crewe has written an impressive character-driven story, with memorable, well-drawn characters and a hearty dose of humour and emotion. This is a story about friendship, family, adversity, perseverance, and the power of kindness. It is also a good reminder for readers to sit down and chat with their older family members because oftentimes we have no idea of the rich lives and stories our older generations have experienced.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

[Eileen Mackintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried and I became very connected to the characters. This is an author that I will read all of her work and I am so happy to know I have at least nine more to catch up on.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful book. Emmeline, a lonely 74 year old woman who is living in England, joins a memoir writing course at the library. She shares the story of her life growing up on a farm in Nova Scotia, Canada. She becomes the hit of the group, much to the chagrin of the grumpy leader, Joyce.

Emmeline is a lovely character. I enjoyed her immensely, flaws and all. I also especially enjoyed Vera, her lovable and hilarious talking dog and companion.

“Emmeline loved watching the towels blow every which way. It was rather like life. One minute you think you’re going in one direction, and the next, you’re completely turned around, looking the other way. And sometimes that was the path you should have been on all along.”

Read this if you enjoy:

✨ Found friends
✨ World War I
✨ Family drama
✨ Complicated Relationships

Emmeline has a fondness for spoons, but there is much more to that story…

“Hurt people need a spoonful of kindness…”

Filled with both humor and heartbreak, this book encompasses events of the First World War on through the late 1960’s.

“There are things I realize I cannot say. Only because I don’t want to be judged. We might be kinder to ourselves in our minds about the things we did long ago, but saying them out loud to an audience exposes us.”

This is a character driven story. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘memoir’ parts especially. Emmeline was a real character. What a life!

A few critiques: It needed a bit of editing here and there. It has a few slower parts, but overall I loved this gem of a story.

4.25/5 ⭐️

*some occasional language, and a few instances of strong language.

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t my usual cup of tea but I really enjoyed it. I thought the author did a really great job of introducing Emmaline’s childhood family story as part of her memoir while at the same time, letting the reader get to know the current day person through her sharing of that memoir with her new friend group. I really enjoyed Emmaline’s renewal of her family ties after so many years away and there were lots of life lessons and insights in all her various family relationships.
The historical content was interesting and I learned some aspects of the first and second world wars that I didn’t know about.

[Milly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never read Ledley Crewe before. It was a good story but way too sappy and sentimental. The first part was better but then it went on and on and Disney like.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is only my second Lesley Crewe novel it is every bit as delicious as the first.

A book club read… anything by Canadian author Lesley Crewe was our assignment for August.

This is a historical fiction taking place in both Nova Scotia, Canada and in England starting just before WW1. I chose this particular Lesley Crewe novel because the description of the story disclosed that the main character joins a memoir writing class at a local library. As I do love memoirs, and while fact can be at least as interesting as fiction, I have found that fictional ones are most often equally entertaining.

Crewe certainly knows how to spin a tale, and as usual her descriptions of locations, events, characters place you exactly in the moment with the narrator. Always vivid, always detailed, and always bringing characters and events to life in your mind. I really need to read more of her books.

Another Crewe highlight is the depth of her characters, even the dog comes to life! Ordinary people doing ordinary things, although sometimes in extraordinary circumstances, are always so colourfully portrayed.

I really enjoyed the ordinariness of the story brought to life in only the way Crewe can do it. Part of her charm, as with this novel is that halfway through, what you thought was the entire story is wrapped up. And it’s wonderful… so what’s going to happen in the second half of the story?? Well, apparently it’s not done. A little bit if a mystery, a little bit of memoir, a lot of emotion, and plenty of entertainment all done in the beautiful descriptive style that is Lesley Crewe.

Absolutely loved this historical fiction. As usual the author’s note at the end gives an interesting perspective of the fictional but “true” historical nature of the novel, perfectly!

[Day Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter I had a feeling this would be a goody and by the second my eyes had welled with tears. Overall, I highly recommend this delightful, heartwarming read with a great moral and well crafted characters from a Canadian author. 


 "Ordinary lives are just as glorious as great lives lived by great men and women. We are all as important as each other."

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Books Etc.

You all know I love Genevieve Graham's books. So when she told me I had to read Lesley Crewe's The Spoon Stealer, well, I trusted her judgement. I'm so glad she recommended this historical fiction (written by another Canadian!) to me because I absolutely, completely, totally loved it.

Oh, this book. It made my heart so full. Emmeline was such a joy to read about. Her storytelling (and therefore Crewe's) was so amazing and I really felt like I was following Emmeline around as she was reading her memoir and then traveling to Canada to meet her family.

It did feel like a really long book, though it's just 360 pages. Normally I'm a remarkably fast reader but it took me awhile to finish this one. I think it's because Crewe adds in a lot of detail, plus I was so enthralled in the story and the way it was told that I may have been lingering over the words a bit longer than usual. That said, the beginning does drag ever so slightly but the set up pays off for the rest of the story.

Do yourself a favour and read the author's note at the end, too. Crewe explains how the story came to be and what parts of it were inspired by her own family. I love hearing how novels come to life.

I hadn't really thought too much about how the book's description mentions Emmeline's spoon stealing was her third biggest secret. The other two secrets are big ones and they explain so much about Emmeline's life and how she's been living it.

The Spoon Stealer is one of those novels that will burrow into your heart and stay there. It's also a really hard one to review because I don't want to give anything away and I just want to shove it into your hands and say, "READ IT!" I was close to tears as I reached the end of Lesley Crewe's latest novel. It's a well written, engaging story featuring a main character who is unique and completely lovable. You'll love every moment you spend with Emmeline.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Nimbus Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm only part way through this book and am going to take a break until I'm in a better time and a better mood. I love the memoir sections but am less enamoured with the "now" story, and I think it will be kinder and fairer to the author (yay, Canadian authors!) if I pause here. 3 stars for now.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give this book 3 stars but then I became totally invested in Emmeline Darling and her family and oh, did I mention her talking dog, Vera? Not my usual dark grim fantasy but a sweet story written by a fellow Nova Scotian!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 bright and shiny stars! I will be reading more by Lesley Crewe...

[Connie Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmeline leads a life full of adventure heartache and friendship. Never sure of the love of her parents she is very close to her youngest brother, and travels on her own to England to be with him when he is wounded in the war. But fate has other ideas for her. After the death of her brother, her best friend, she spends the rest of the war tending to the sick and wounded. Deceiding to remain in England, her life once again is set on a different path.
The spoon stealer is a book full of great characters, lots of heart and of course a quirky habit.

[Stephanie Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about love and loss but told with such heart and sweetness that I smiled much more than I cried.