The Spoon Stealer

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.

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.

Emmaline found comfort in spoons......her favourite brother once told her that everyone deserves a spoonful of kindness.

I don't want to summarize the plot, that has already been done by other reviews and the publisher.

This is a book about Emmaline (a lady of certain years) who steals spoons for comfort and lives with her dog. She carries on conversations with her dog....he answers. Sometimes very sarcastically and with attitude. And, no, it is not weird.

Emmaline is a lady who thinks she lacks confidence but she is amazingly strong and very intuitive. Even though Emmaline had a hard early life and felt that she did not fit in with her family she loves them dearly. Sadly, some of them are hard to love.

The story is both plot-driven and character driven, equal balance. A great deal of it takes place in Canada, a fact that I love.

Emmaline shows us the power a “spoonful of kindness” has. I wish she was a real person so that I could meet her.

The author left a wonderful Afterword at the end.

I'm sad that my journey with Emmaline is over.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in exchange for a review.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

"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. "

What a perfectly charming story. I especially enjoyed Emmeline reading her memoirs to the other ladies. Some slow sections in the middle but overall a very enjoyable read.

3.25☆

I am a huge fan of Lesley Crewe and this amazing book reminded me why. A simply amazing story that spans decades in the life of a family beset with the trials faced by many. Don’t miss The Spoon Stealer- you will be a better person for having read it!

Lesley Crewe did not disappoint with her latest novel. This is the story of Emmaline who I immediately fell in love with. She's tough, caring, has faced so much in her life, someone you get angry with , laugh at, and the next minute you cry for.

I loved how Emmaline's story was presented and the transition between her story when she was younger and as an elderly woman. Emmaline's love for her family, Vera her little dog and her loyalty to her friends pulled me in from the beginning.

Another great read and something I highly recommend!

What a wonderful, beautifully written book. It’s the story of Emmeline, who at the age of seventy four joins a memoir writing class at her local library where each week the members read their memoirs to the rest of the group. Its obvious from the start that Emmeline has a very interesting tale to tell and as the classes come to an end the group, who have become good friends, decide to continue meeting to hear more from her memoirs. Through these readings we hear about her extraordinary life – her childhood in Nova Scotia, her travels to England during the war and her varied career as a companion. Emmeline lived her life with the moto “all you need is a spoonful of kindness” and that’s exactly what she does, in her own unique – often comical – way. Oh, and she’s accompanied by her beloved dog, Vera, who talks! I adored this book, many thanks to Nimbus Publishing and NetGalley UK for the free review copy.

First sentence: EMMELINE DARLING SUFFERED A TWINGE OF DISCOMFORT IN HER right hip as she reached over to pull the heavy floral draperies across the paned windows in her sitting room.

Premise/plot: Emmeline Darling, our heroine, is preparing to go to an event at a library when the novel opens. She's signed up for a four week class on memoir writing. In the class she'll meet a few kindred spirits and a few UN-kindred ones as well. Some people just can't be appeased or pleased. Some people seem persistent in being in perpetual conflict. As she reads her writing aloud to the class (of mainly senior citizens), friendships are formed and lives are changed.

As her memoir unfolds--within this framework of a library class in 1968--readers are drawn into her story and her life. It's been a hard, hard life. The fact that Emmeline remains Emmeline--half glass full Emmeline--is astounding.

I'm tempted to leave it at that. To not reveal too much. But I hesitate to leave it at that as well. Is that enough of a hook to persuade you to add this one to your list?

If I were to do a book talk for The Spoon Stealer, I might just use this:

“You are a fraud, Miss Darling. There is something not quite right about you. I’m not sure what it is, but I know one thing. You will never have this spoon. It will never belong to you. You have no business even thinking you can possess it. And the fact that you want to crawl over here and take it from me speaks volumes, don’t you think?”

The class couldn’t believe their ears. Joyce Pruitt had gone completely squirrely. Only Emmeline and Joyce knew it was the truth.

This one is a must--in my humble opinion--for those that enjoy stories with a strong emphasis on friendship, for those that love dogs, for those looking for a realistic exploration of the effects of mental illness on families, for those that love oh-so-human characters, for those that love a feel-good-resolution that is worked for. It's set in 1968/1969. Her memoirs reflect on her childhood (early 1900s), and the war years (both World War I and World War II).

My thoughts: I really loved this one. In terms of emotions--not plot, story, or characters--I'd compare it to Steel Magnolias. It was sad, uplifting, thoughtful, funny.

I received a free digital advance review copy of this book from Nimbus Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Spoon Stealer is a captivating story of the extraordinary events in the life of a seemingly ordinary woman. The book spans two continents (set in rural Canada and small town England) and nearly 8 decades (from the early 1900s through both world wars and into the culture change of the 1960s. The story really took off for me with the book within a book, presented when Emmeline, the main character, begins reading her memoir to the members of her writing class at her local library. The author explores themes that resonate universally, including navigating the process of mending broken family relationships, feeling out of place in the world, creating one's own "found family" community of friends, the push and pull of fulfilling obligations to others and staking out on one's own, and considering the legacy we leave. I admired Emmeline's independent spirit as well as the fact that several characters were inspired by the author's own family members.

Lesley Crewe is a Canadian author I love. being Canadian myself It is important to me to support author's from Canada and Ms. Crewe never disappoints. My favourite book of hers is Shoot Me and this title tops that.

This book is such a feel good story, which surprised me because there is also a lot of heartache throughout. One minute I'd have tears in my eyes and the next I'd be laughing and smiling. I can't write a review without mentioning Emmeline's dog, Vera. What a clever idea to have a dog act as a best friend and confidant. I loved Vera's dedication to her master and vice versa. They both had incredibly funny personalities.

This is a book of history, romance and family and the descriptive narrative was excellent. I felt I was there in Nova Scotia and England...we are taken on a wonderful journey from 1894 to 1969 and I had so much fun a long the way.

And although this could definitely be categorized as historical fiction, it is so much more than that. All. The. Stars.

I received a free digital ARC from Nimbus Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What can I say, I love Lesley Crewe’s writing, but this was by far her Best yet!

It starts out with Emmeline attending a memoir-writing class at her local library on the Essex coast of England. Each week, the six ladies read from their life stories. But Emmeline’s was the most captivating as she takes us on her fascinating journey from Nova Scotia to Leigh-on-Sea.

I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing all the humour and heartache. I laughed out loud, I cried; it was very emotional. Her friends and family were so realistic. I also loved how Emmeline and her best friend Vera (the dog) carry on heartfelt conversations.
Lesley did an amazing job of bringing a resolution to old family conflicts with ‘a spoonful of kindness’.

Thanks to Lesley Crewe for another wonderful read.

#NimbusPublishing #NetGalley #TheSpoonStealer

Thank you to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for the eARC of The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe. This is my honest and voluntary review.


Lesley Crewe had me teary within the first few chapters and ugly crying by the end of Miss Emmeline Darling's life story.

Emmeline & Vera were a great little duo, they made me laugh and seriously ponder lifes choices.

This is a story that covers so many things; loss, love, the love/hate relationships within a family, making new friends and the difficulties in choosing what may be best for you is not always best for others.

I'm giving this one 4☆ because at times it felt like it was dragging a bit but overall I really enjoyed this story and Lesley Crewe's writing is lovely.

The Spoon Stealer is an absolutely wonderful historical fiction novel set between England and rural Nova Scotia. The story is about Emmeline (who is in her 70’s) and her looking back on her life through a memoir she has written and is sharing with other women in a writing class at the local library In England. This leads Emmeline to try and repair her relationships with her family in Nova Scotia that she hasn’t had contact with in many decades.

The characters in this book are so well written and I loved Emmeline and her dog Vera. I don’t think most younger people realize the long lives that seniors/elders live and the stories that they have. There was so much to Emmeline and there is a twist close to the end which I didn’t see coming. I really liked that Emmeline kept bits of herself for some of her closest friends (which I think is very real for most people). I also enjoyed how some of the characters were mean and said very hurtful things and that this book wasn’t about people suddenly becoming better people- it was about how there are sometimes going to be people in your life that will never be your friend and it’s ok and to not let it get to you.

I did cry numerous times while reading this book. It is very heartfelt and made me think of my own grandmother. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I have!

1968- When retired Emmeline Darling signs up for a memoir writing class, she is unprepared for the fanfare from the other participants for her personal story. They decide on a weekly gathering to hear it all – the epic story of an amazing girl who rides the emotional tidal waves of life and is strong and stubborn enough to do what it takes to make things right. With each weekly class, her life’s heartbreaking story unfolds.

Born in 1894 in a basket of clean linens (which her mother would never let her forget). The only girl in a houseful of brothers, she is however, much closer to brothers John and Teddy. Teddy was her protector and always there when she needed him. When The Great War breaks out, all but one brother is sent overseas to fight along with the other brave men and women. Tragically, John is killed and Teddy badly injured. Her parents tuck the pain away, and refuse to talk about any of it. Worried for Teddy, the young Emmeline puts a plan in motion. So, in 1915 she sneaks away from her home in Nova Scotia and boards a ship to England to find him.

And now many decades later, and after living all of her adult life in England, it’s time to go back home to Canada.

The Spoon Stealer is not entirely Emmeline’s painful memoir, it is also funny and endearing. You see, Emmeline’s best friend is the quick-witted Vera – the talking dog she found. Oh, and have I mentioned that Emmeline is a thief? Hold on to your spoons people. Seriously, if Emmeline loves it, it will very quickly find its way into her pocket.

This book has the perfect balance of emotions, the silliness and the serious. With the added bonus of historical fiction which I love. There’s something cozy and colourful about this story with the underlining of tragedy and heartbreak like a Maud Lewis painting. Honestly, it’s safe to say, if you love A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman or Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis, you’ll love The Spoon Stealer. There really is something to be said about a book that has you 100% whole-heartedly invested in the protagonist as I was in Ove, Emmie Blue, and now Emmeline Darling. I already know that this book will very easily become one of my most recommended books of year.

This book comes highly recommended from a number of sources and sometimes that’s not always a good thing, expectations are elevated.

The location drew me right in, a Canadian setting by a new-to-me Canadian author, that’s bonus points right off the bat. It wasn’t hard to like Emmeline, the story opens with her attending a memoir writing class. The Spoon Stealer is her story told in dual time periods. Making new friends is a bonus from this class that highlights how important having good friends is.

The year is 1968, it’s a lot of living for someone born in 1896. The author doesn’t hold back in all the challenges Emmeline faced, heartbreaking at times to read. However, the author has a knack for making me smile at some of her antics and dealing with family.

The Spoon Stealer is a story of relationships, good and bad, perseverance and the significance of the simple spoon. Lighthearted with serious undertones that mesh together nicely. Emmeline’s friend Vera stole the show for me, great addition that added that extra sparkle to this book.

The only thing I struggled with was the length especially towards the end, it was just a tad long winded but I totally get the direction the author was going.

My thanks to Nimbus Press, via Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

‘Everyone thinks their own lives aren’t very special, but that is so far from the truth. Ordinary lives are as glorious as great lives’ ..Emmeline attends a memoir writing course at the library and begins to read out the first pages of her life story. Her audience is completely mesmerised by the tale that unfolds and asks for more. That’s how I felt about this book - this is story writing at its very best. I chose this book because I’d read so many good reviews but from the unusual title I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. This is a beautiful story - the story of Emmeline’s life which is anything but ordinary; it’s the story of an ordinary life becoming a great life. Emmeline is a young girl growing up with her parents and brothers in Nova Scotia. She’s large and ungainly and lives in a world where women are subservient but she has a brother who believes in her. The book is beautifully written, quirky with a sharp sense of humour and a bit of magical realism. It’s also an extraordinary tale about women - the strength of women, the amazing relationships women form with each other and what they overcome. The second half of the novel is about Emmeline restoring the relationships described in the first half and making peace with the life she had led. For me the first half was perfect, slightly less so the second half hence the four stars but this was an absolutely wonderful read and I shed so many tears. The book has many wonderful characters- Emmeline is full of courage and strength, humour and intuition; her brother Teddy is warm, loyal and loving and it is he who tells Emmeline, ‘That’s all it needed. Just a spoonful of kindness.’ And of course there is Vera the dog who is definitely one of the best literary dogs I’ve ever met. The story is full of wonderful moments - conversations between Vera and Emmeline, the memoir reading sessions as the ladies gather to share Emmeline’s story, Emmeline’s epic journey from Nova Scotia to England in search of her wounded brother. At the end of the book Crewe explains some of the history which fed into the story which adds to the sense of an epic tale. This is such an original and beautiful piece of story writing. With thanks to Netgalley and Vagrant Press for a digital copy of this amazing story.

I approached this novel with only a general knowledge of the premise. I found Matt Haig's writing kept the promise of the premise. What if there was somewhere you could go to explore the "What if's?" in your life. What an opportunity, would you want a go over or a do over? The main character took a little getting used to for me, however I did sense there was some growth in the character throughout her adventures. That growth made me accept the character more readily. The story moves slowly at times, and can seem repetitive - but how many times do YOU have to experience something to learn a lesson?
I think The Midnight Library would be a strong book discussion selection. 3.5
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Every few years a book comes along that resonates with your soul and The Spoon Stealer is that book for me. I couldn’t put it down and I was so sad to have it end. I felt like I had lost a best friend or an amazing family member. When a book feels like this to you , you know you have found an amazing author. Lesley Crewe writes exquisite books and while I have really enjoyed her books, nothing prepares me for The Spoon Stealer. I laughed out loud so many times at Emmeline’s and Vera’s antics, felt my heart swell with love and sobbed hysterically. Another book has never done that to me.

This is a tale of an amazing woman from her teenage years through to her senior years. We learn different aspects of her life mixing the past and present together into a moving story of life, love, loss and friendship. Along with the many people Emmeline meets throughout her life, none is a better friend than her dog and confident, Vera. If you love dogs you will fall in love with this book also (the dog is never harmed). I love that the author always includes Nova Scotia in her books as there is nothing more exciting than to read a book and have been in the places the character is living.

Nimbus Publishing continues it’s to support not only Maritime authors but truly amazing authors. Thank you to Nimbus and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reading this beautiful book.

The Spoon Stealer is historical fiction, inspired loosely by some events in the author’s family around the time of World War I. In this story, the current day is 1968, Emmeline is 74 years old and takes a memoir-writing class at the local library in a small town on the southeast coast of England. Emmeline’s memoir goes back to the 1890s, to when she was born in Nova Scotia, Canada. This memoir writing class winds up bringing together a small group of women who become great friends.

Emmeline’s life is revealed gradually through the book, as we read portions of her memoir, from her childhood in rural Nova Scotia to living through both World Wars. She has a dog named Vera who “talks” to Em and is a great comfort to her, as she lives alone in her retirement. Em’s philosophy, learned from her favorite brother, Teddy, is “people who are hurt need a spoonful of kindness.”

A turning point in the book occurs about halfway in, when Em heads back to Nova Scotia to renew her relationship with her remaining relatives, after the family farm is left to her by her older brother. Em is Mary Poppins-like, stepping in to solve (or try to solve) all sorts of family problems.

I felt the author drew the various characters vividly, all of them coming to life as distinct individuals. The ending is a bit sentimental, and it did drag a bit in parts, but overall I really enjoyed Em’s story.

I automatically read everything by Lesley Crewe writes. She’s amazing!
This book is fantastic!
One minute, I want to cry and the next, I’m laughing.
It’s pure magic!
The characters are well written and very real. I feel like I’ve met them irl.
Come and visit the Maritimes as only Lesley Crewe can write! You’ll be so glad you did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Lesley Crewe and Nimbus Publishing for the ARC of The Spoon Stealer. In exchange for this ARC this is my personal review.
This is the first book by Lesley Crewe I have read, and I know that I will be reading more.
I became attached to Emmeline and wanted to know all about her and her life. She reads parts from her memoir at a writing class she is taking in her small town. After the end of the class the group have bonded and they continue to meet to hear more about her life.
Thank you, Lesley Crewe, for giving me the life of Emmeline to enjoy.

What a wonderful experience I've just had. Quirky, funny, and oh so emotional. This had reminders of Eleanor Oliphant for me at the start, but gradually this book developed into a book that was memorable in it's own right.
The first half of the book was much more engaging for me, I adored reading about Emmeline's memoir. The rest of the book was a little slower for me but still completely necessary to the book.
Amazing.

oh my gosh, i loved this book so much! such a charming and heartwarming story - literally brought tears to my eyes - but i shouldn't be surprised because i have loved everything i have read by Lesley Crewe!

highly recommend to one and all!!

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review.. Thank you for the opportunity.
A interesting story with an unique and quirky heroine that the reader will instantly find likable and warm to immediately.
A good read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sometimes life takes a person away from their reading and sometimes reading can spirit you away from your life. This is one of THOSE books—A book that is funny, fun and so charming.. it’s not full of exciting but it is full of love; it is a book that will enfold you and make the world seem a nicer place..

This book was an absolute joy to read. Emmaline and Vera are so delightful.

The Spoon Stealer came highly recommended by Genevieve Graham, who I am a big fan of. She pretty much came running to me, telling me I had to read it. If she felt so highly of it, I know I had to read it. And she was not wrong. Now I am running around telling everyone they need to read it.

The writing of this story is rich and engaging. The story is packed with detail. It is three hundred some off pages, but took me longer than normal for this size to read. But I enjoyed every minute of it.

This book is about family, love, friendship, loss, forgiveness, hope, courage and so so much more. It has a little bit of everything, which makes it such a lovely read. It also has all of the emotions. I mean all of them. One page you are laughing and the next you are crying. The story, writing and characters truly draw you in.

The story is split into two parts. The first focuses on the background and the second on the contemporary time. Both were equally beautiful and enjoyable. I feel the background provided for more attachment to Emmaline in the present time.

The ending was as perfect as it could be. But I was left craving more. To me, that it a sign of a very wonderful book.

I highly recommend it to everyone. I guarantee you will find something in it for you. It will pull at your heart strings.

I purchased this book because I did not get to it on time. I LOVE Lesley Crewe and her books. As an east coaster, her voice is spot on and perfect for the hardworking people of the East Coast of Canada and down through the Maine coast would be able to identify with this hardworking way of life. The Spoon Stealer is another one of my favorites going on my Lesley Crewe section of my bookshelf as I have all her books. I would highly recommend! Don't walk...run to get her books!