Oh my goodness words cannot even begin to describe how incredible this novel was! Right from the beginning, I was hooked with the plot, as now a retired lady named Emmeline joins a writing memoir class to tell her classmates about her past. Her past was absolutely devastating, however it kept me extremely intrigued! I fell in love with Emmeline’s personality, how sweet she is with her friends and sometimes sassy with those who are mean to her.

As I read her memoir, it saddened me how Emmeline’s mother made her feel growing up. Like she was worthless, nothing, and just a weak girl. Not only that, her mother knew Emmeline’s insecurities, and wasn’t afraid to point them out, which disappoints me so much. No mother should say something so terrible to their own child, it’s not necessary, and irrelevant to bring up.

Not just that, but Emmeline’s siblings had also passed away in the war. I could not imagine losing one but two siblings. Emmeline was so strong, brave, and traveled miles upon miles to hopefully meet up with her brother, who was injured significantly, even when her entire family was against her choice.

What I enjoyed most about the story was how realistic the plot was. Accidents happen in our lives, and unfortunately, we are unable to control what happens. Emmeline’s story taught me so many valuable lessons, such as, being around people who you actually enjoy being around, always being kind to everyone regardless of how mean they are since they could be having a bad day, and to not give up.

Lesley Crewe’s writing is so wholesome, like you are curled up on an armchair in your living room, with a cozy warm fireplace next to you, and a cup of delicious hot chocolate in your hands. I have reading periods in my English class once a week, and I looked forward to those afternoons, since I would be relaxed, reading about an awesome book, and peaceful music playing in my ears.

I adored the characters Crewe created! Vera, the dog in the story, is so cheeky at times, and hilarious! I couldn’t help smiling to myself whenever she said a sarcastic line, as it is very relatable to do. I loved Emmeline and Vera’s friendship. How they are talking when in reality they aren’t. It’s like they completely understand each other in their minds.

I could ramble on and on about this perfect book, however that would take far too long! My suggestion for you, is to buy this book RIGHT NOW! Trust me, it is amazing, and you won’t regret it at all. The storyline is interesting, the characters are funny, and the writing style is easy to read!

Read it right now, as soon as possible!
-Fifi Chen

“The Spoon Stealer” by Lesley Crewe was a masterpiece! The novel takes readers on a captivating and emotional journey of mesmerizing, tragic, horrific, yet significant story of Emmeline’s family that was portrayed throughout the book. Its beautiful book cover instantly attracted me, and it definitely is beautiful inside and out!

Emmeline was born and raised in her family’s farm in Nova Scotia, but never felt like she belonged. So she fled across the Atlantic during the First World War to begin a new life in England. She is now retired, and lives in the coastal side of England with her dog, Vera, who’s considered her best friend. Stepping out of her comfort zone, Emmeline reads her astonishing memoir, which was both heartfelt and devastating to hear. I really enjoyed Emmeline’s character and her memoir, which portrays how her past has shaped her in many ways. The book addresses and emphasizes complex themes like the importance of family, loss, connection, and love. Despite all the difficulties throughout her life, Emmeline always believed that everyone needs a spoonful of kindness.

Crewe’s style of storytelling was very enjoyable, brilliant, extraordinary, and outstanding. The way she uses the term “Spoon Stealer” was a clever way to engage with the readers. She portrayed Emeline’s obsession and burdens that the spoons carried for her, and how in every part of her story, there’s always a spoon, holding a scoop full of memories that has significant reasons behind why she steals and keeps them. It was almost like she was destined to be a spoon stealer. She expertly weaved together themes of family, life, and self-discovery in a way that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This book was absolutely wonderful and touching. It was beautifully written and I’ve gained much wise knowledge from it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in life, and who could use a spoonful of kindness.

The Spoon Stealer by Leslie Crewe was a wonderful book with characters I easily became attached to! It’s incredibly witty, charming, and well written, you’ll love every minute of it!

Emmeline never felt that she fit in on her family’s farm in Nova Scotia, so she built a new life in England. Now retired and living in a coastal town with her best friend Vera (who happens to be a dog), Emmeline is making an effort to put herself out there. She joins a writing course at the library where she makes new friends and shares one of her biggest secrets - that she’s a spoon stealer. Suddenly, Emmeline inherits the farm she grew up on and has to leave her new friends. Even though everything seems to be going wrong, Emmeline never stops believing that kindness can fix anything.

This book is a wonderful tribute to forgiveness, love, honour, family, and redemption. It will tug at your heart strings, leaving you somewhere between laughing and crying every chapter! It has a little of everything, fiction, romance, history, the list goes on! Crewe takes readers on a wonderful journey that deserves all the stars!!