The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip: First Line Friday Review

Today’s First Line Friday review is of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold.

Let get right to it. Here’s the first line of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip.

The First Line

“Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in São Paulo.”

My Review

There are books that are so hyped on social media that they can’t live up to the praise they receive. Though post after post tells everyone how wonderful the story is, as a reader, you’re left with disappointment. Was the hype simply that, building up from well-meaning people?

This is not one of those stories. The characters are so rich. Mrs. Kip is someone we should all want to know. She’s someone we should all want to be. Having cared for my dementia plagued grandmother at the end of her life, I’ve seen the struggles of the elderly. (No, Mrs. Kip is as sharp as a tack, but she still struggles with other aspects of aging.) Having helped care for my mother-in-law who died of cancer, I’ve seen first-hand the issues that diagnosis can bring. I don’t know the author’s experiences with these things, but the way she portrays the struggles that become routine daily life in these circumstances is as near perfect as I’ve seen.

And the way she handles each set-back is wonderful. Her faith doesn’t take away the disappointments and pain, but she spends her time focusing on what can be instead of what currently is. She’s fully accepted the idea of if you’re still here, there’s still work to be done.

Aidyn has some growing to do, though she’s just young enough to fail to realize her need. With love and gentleness, Clara Kip guides her on a path of deeper faith and maturity. The lessons aren’t always easy, but they are so worth it. For Aidyn and for us.

The scripture woven into the story is perfect for the situation and is a testament to living faith naturally in every area of life. It’s something many might be tempted to dismiss as preachy, but I don’t think they could be more wrong. Faith and a love for God’s words that permeates a person’s whole being, every area of their lives, isn’t something to consider odd or off-putting. Lived out with love, it’s something we should all aspire to.

This isn’t an easy read, but it is beautiful. And it won’t leave you unchanged. Personally, I want to grow up to be like Mrs. Kip.

Thank you for joining me on this first line Friday review of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. I know you’re going to love this story as much as I do. You can find The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip here: Get Your Copy