This was an incredibly beautiful novel, though the subject matter is anything but. So many emotions run through the pages - from sadness and despair, to terror and fury. The story of one man's struggles to raise four children during the Depression is at times bleak, but it's encouraging to see him press on and succeed by working hard and making good choices.

Dinner with Lisa was incredibly well researched, and filled with information about life in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, particularly for immigrants and uneducated 'whites'. The characters are varied and vibrant, and Joseph is fortunate enough to meet and befriend some amazing people on his journey.