Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in São Paulo. It truly seemed the smallest of requests. People died in Brazil every day. What was one more? Especially one who had dreamed of the country most of her life.
⠀⠀The Lord, however, gave her Kansas.1
A Book Aimed at Your Heart
Books touch our lives, but some write on our hearts with indelible ink.
You can read The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip from several perspectives, and each offers insights into our internal wants and needs, but some go much further—all the way to eternity.
Sara Brunsvold’s novel entertains, informs, and inspires.
The Journey of Life
According to Mrs. Clara Kip, boldly sharing Jesus with uninterested strangers pleases God.
In the story, we learn she’s suffering from incurable cancer yet is unafraid to die. When the taxi driver asked what she thought heaven would be like, Clara summed it up with a grin.
Oh, honey. I think heaven will be the wildest ride yet.2
A foreshadowing of the wild ride readers can expect throughout the novel.
The Story
The dreaded cancer forced Mrs. Kip’s move to hospice. The progression of the disease, her memories, and desire to help others continued until the Lord called her home.
Based on the problems created by the ambitions of Aidyn Kelley, a novice news reporter assigned to write about Mrs. Kip’s life, we learn of conflicts and self-doubts. Clara’s flashbacks showed her fierce determination to reach others through Christ, including Aidyn.
For most of the story, the eclectic caregiving staff offered a range of spiritual and secular viewpoints based on their interactions with Mrs. Kip.
Story Format
Sara Brusvold wrote an engaging story, told from multiple points of view. Mrs. Kip’s flashbacks fold seamlessly into the overall story, dribbling insights appreciated by readers.
Like so many heroes and heroines from the Bible, Clara Kip was no angel. The storyline and flashbacks give readers what they need to know to see how God turns to good what the enemy intended for evil.
Story Takeaways
Clara Kip: Chief Protagonist
When we first meet Clara Kip in chapter one, her attitude of gratitude shines despite the terminal illness. Through intriguing flashbacks, we discover how Clara’s personality and beliefs changed from dark cynic to prayer warrior. She often ignored her suffering to offer brief prayers for people in need.
Aidyn Kelley: Co-protagonist
Kelley’s workplace conflicts and her self-doubt about whether she would achieve a sense of significance mirrored the struggles of many. However, it is through Aidyn’s eyes that we see a remarkable change as they bond. Paramount to the story was not the young woman’s struggle with work, but the growing realization of her ultimate destination, the one exemplified by Mrs. Kip’s joy of heading to heaven.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast increased the entertainment, but more importantly, added depth with information and inspiration. For example, Aidyn’s gruff but caring boss shared unspoken workplace rules, and when heeded, that advice can help a person advance instead of stagnating. For example:
Ambition is a two-edged sword. Use it wisely, you become a trailblazer. Use it foolishly, you become a chump. Your one job as a rookie is to prove you’re not a chump. How do you think you’re doing at that, Kelley?3
The caregiving staff described grim details of the disease. For example, Rosario Dia described what happens as a failing body continues the journey toward the end of life on earth.
The interesting mix of dialogue and action resonates, coming across as realistic and so emotional that some readers may find their tear-gates opening. On balance, the funny moments will catch the audience off guard, making for an entertaining and heartwarming read.
Conclusion
If you like a strong Christian theme, one that avoids Bible thumping while feeling the emotional reactions from believable characters, then consider reading The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold.
Print and Kindle versions are available on Amazon.
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