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Chronicles of a Radical Hag
A bittersweet, seriously funny novel of a life, a small town, and a key to our troubled times traced through a newspaper columnist’s half-century of taking in, and taking on, the world
The curmudgeon who wrote the column “Ramblin’s by Walt” in the Granite Creek Gazette dismissed his successor as “puking on paper.” But when Haze Evans first appeared in the small-town newspaper, she earned fans by writing a story about her bachelor uncle who brought a Queen of the Rodeo to Thanksgiving dinner. Now, fifty years later, when the beloved columnist suffers a massive stroke and falls into a coma, publisher Susan McGrath fills the void (temporarily, she hopes) with Haze’s past columns, along with the occasional reprinted responses from readers. Most letters were favorable, although Haze did have her trolls; one Joseph Snell in particular dubbed her “liberal” ideas the “chronicles of a radical hag.” Never censoring herself, Haze chose to mollify her critics with homey recipes—recognizing, in her constantly practical approach to the world and her community, that buttery Almond Crescents will certainly “melt away any misdirected anger.” Framed by news stories of half a century and annotated with the town’s chorus of voices, Haze’s story unfolds, as do those of others touched by the Granite Creek Gazette , including Susan, struggling with her troubled marriage, and her teenage son Sam, who—much to his surprise—enjoys his summer job reading the paper archives and discovers secrets that have been locked in the files for decades, along with sad and surprising truths about Haze’s past. With her customary warmth and wit, Lorna Landvik summons a lifetime at once lost and recovered, a complicated past that speaks with knowing eloquence to a confused present. Her topical but timeless Chronicles of a Radical Hag reminds us—sometimes with a subtle touch, sometimes with gobsmacking humor—of the power of words and of silence, as well as the wonder of finding in each other what we never even knew we were missing.
The curmudgeon who wrote the column “Ramblin’s by Walt” in the Granite Creek Gazette dismissed his successor as “puking on paper.” But when Haze Evans first appeared in the small-town newspaper, she earned fans by writing a story about her bachelor uncle who brought a Queen of the Rodeo to Thanksgiving dinner. Now, fifty years later, when the beloved columnist suffers a massive stroke and falls into a coma, publisher Susan McGrath fills the void (temporarily, she hopes) with Haze’s past columns, along with the occasional reprinted responses from readers. Most letters were favorable, although Haze did have her trolls; one Joseph Snell in particular dubbed her “liberal” ideas the “chronicles of a radical hag.” Never censoring herself, Haze chose to mollify her critics with homey recipes—recognizing, in her constantly practical approach to the world and her community, that buttery Almond Crescents will certainly “melt away any misdirected anger.” Framed by news stories of half a century and annotated with the town’s chorus of voices, Haze’s story unfolds, as do those of others touched by the Granite Creek Gazette , including Susan, struggling with her troubled marriage, and her teenage son Sam, who—much to his surprise—enjoys his summer job reading the paper archives and discovers secrets that have been locked in the files for decades, along with sad and surprising truths about Haze’s past. With her customary warmth and wit, Lorna Landvik summons a lifetime at once lost and recovered, a complicated past that speaks with knowing eloquence to a confused present. Her topical but timeless Chronicles of a Radical Hag reminds us—sometimes with a subtle touch, sometimes with gobsmacking humor—of the power of words and of silence, as well as the wonder of finding in each other what we never even knew we were missing.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2019
248 people are currently reading
4781 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Landvik
26 books1,044 followersLorna Landvik is a mother of two and wife of one. She is the author of eight novels, including the best-selling ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS, PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL and OH MY STARS. Also an
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
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April 6, 2020DNF
This is boring as heck and I'm not gonna read the rest of it.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
This is boring as heck and I'm not gonna read the rest of it.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
May 27, 2019
This novel made me think of J. Ryan Stradal but isn't, but think small town, connected characters, some recipes, all circling around a long-time newspaper columnist in Minnesota. Impulse checkout from the library. Don't see 3 stars as a bad thing - it's a decent light read.
January 6, 2019
Assigned for review. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars
March 24, 2019
Lorna Landvik has created a character beloved and influential who we only know through the reactions of the people whose lives she touches. Chronicles of a Radical Hag (With Recipes) tells Haze's story through the columns she wrote for a Minnesota small town newspaper, her readers' responses, through the memories people hold of her, and most interesting, how her columns reach out and speak to a generation of teenagers.
Haze was unabashedly herself in her columns. She wrote in a speaking voice, musing on her life and the people she meets and on national and world news. She garnered letters from people who enjoyed her work and from people who called her a "radical hag." Haze embraced it all, happy to just get people thinking. And when a reader suggested she would better use the column to share recipes, she began to throw in a recipe now and then.
When Haze is felled by a stroke the newspaper publisher, Susan, begins to republish her early columns dating back to 1964. For some readers, they are a nostalgic trip into the past. Susan's teenage son Sam has been assigned the job of reading the columns and summarizing them, with suggestions on which to rerun.
It is Sam and his generation who are surprisingly touched by Haze. She becomes real to Sam. He learns from her musings on life, love, social change, and political crisis. He sees the elderly around him in a different light. And when he discovers Haze's hidden papers he learns a secret that will alter perceptions about Haze, the past, and the present.
Subplots follow women who struggle with broken marriages, heartbroken widows, acceptance and inclusion, disappointment and redemption.
Landvik's book is a pleasure to read, alternately funny and poignant. And, the recipes will propel you to the kitchen!
I received a free book from the publisher through Bookish First.
Haze was unabashedly herself in her columns. She wrote in a speaking voice, musing on her life and the people she meets and on national and world news. She garnered letters from people who enjoyed her work and from people who called her a "radical hag." Haze embraced it all, happy to just get people thinking. And when a reader suggested she would better use the column to share recipes, she began to throw in a recipe now and then.
When Haze is felled by a stroke the newspaper publisher, Susan, begins to republish her early columns dating back to 1964. For some readers, they are a nostalgic trip into the past. Susan's teenage son Sam has been assigned the job of reading the columns and summarizing them, with suggestions on which to rerun.
It is Sam and his generation who are surprisingly touched by Haze. She becomes real to Sam. He learns from her musings on life, love, social change, and political crisis. He sees the elderly around him in a different light. And when he discovers Haze's hidden papers he learns a secret that will alter perceptions about Haze, the past, and the present.
Subplots follow women who struggle with broken marriages, heartbroken widows, acceptance and inclusion, disappointment and redemption.
Landvik's book is a pleasure to read, alternately funny and poignant. And, the recipes will propel you to the kitchen!
I received a free book from the publisher through Bookish First.
March 22, 2019
First off thank you to Bookish First for choosing me as a winner of this book in exchange for an honest review, as well as University of Minnesota Press for sending it to me.
This book, from the first impression I was allowed to read, looked interesting. Haze Evans is in her 80’s and has been a columnist for the past 50 years with the newspaper. She suffers a stroke and Susan (the publisher and a single mom struggling with her marriage) comes up with the idea to re-publish some of Haze’s work (some with “goodwill” recipes), hoping it will only be temporary until Haze recovers and can come back. The idea turns out to be a success.
In her day, Haze had some “trolls”, once such man deemed her liberal ideas as the “chronicles of a radical hag”, thus giving the book its title. It also becomes a running joke halfway through the book and on to the end when Haze’s fate is revealed.
Susan’s 14 year old son Sam is tasked with going through the articles, which he actually comes to enjoy. But, while reading the articles, parts of Haze’s secret past come to the surface – and part of that past has a connection to Susan.
Along the way, and once again with Haze’s wisdom – those in the town of Granite Greek start learning more about her and themselves.
While this novel held some promise – it went downhill fast for me before I was halfway into the novel. The writing was also disjointed – it was hard to place where/when I was in the story and how it related. I also felt there were far too many characters to keep up with and what their purpose/connection to the story or Haze was.
Another thing that slightly distracted me was the grammar. The story was told in third person as there was no one narrating it, but the verbs and descriptions were in first person (narrator-type).
Examples: “And, he is, holding under his arm a wooden box, which he sets on the iron-mesh patio tabletop” and “In downward dog, Susan’s view of Olivia Shelby is framed by her slightly bent knees”. That was another issue while reading. Who was the actual narrator of the story? Who was telling the story?
The BIGGEST issue was the not-so-subtle inclusion of “POLITICS” along with hot, divisive issues.
I get that politics are a way of life and for newspaper columnists I’m sure that is double. As one reviewer stated on another site – it’s like the writer infused her thoughts and political views as Haze and there was no attempt to disguise her views or her feelings.
Speaking honestly – I felt this novel was more of a one-sided, politically driven essay disguising itself as a non-fiction story. I would’ve liked that aspect revealed immediately or a warning somewhere in the novel’s description. There were too many agendas/statements in each chapter, which I am not going to spoil.
While I am an avid reader, and was an advanced reader as a child (I won several library contests), I struggled with trying to find the “point/plot” of this novel.
I read to escape politics, violence, and divisiveness on TV and social media. Unless the book is a “true-crime” or biography type novel; fictional stories; especially ones described as having “gob-smacking humor”, should either warn the reader or eliminate the element. That is where the book lost my attention. It seemed like every issue from recent years was crammed into the novel to supplement it, including a painful (and horrific) incident from 2017 that happened in my hometown.
One major incident that was skipped was 9/11 (2001). That was one I would’ve been interested to read about despite my own personal reactions. It had a profound impact on our country and society and I would think that Haze would’ve had something to say about it. Yet, there was nothing. It was completely excluded from the book.
With that said – if you enjoy “chronicles of a radical hag”, political views, agenda-driven stories, and recipes – this book is for you.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, escapist, non-political read – I’d likely steer clear or borrow it from a library first to test the waters.
This book, from the first impression I was allowed to read, looked interesting. Haze Evans is in her 80’s and has been a columnist for the past 50 years with the newspaper. She suffers a stroke and Susan (the publisher and a single mom struggling with her marriage) comes up with the idea to re-publish some of Haze’s work (some with “goodwill” recipes), hoping it will only be temporary until Haze recovers and can come back. The idea turns out to be a success.
In her day, Haze had some “trolls”, once such man deemed her liberal ideas as the “chronicles of a radical hag”, thus giving the book its title. It also becomes a running joke halfway through the book and on to the end when Haze’s fate is revealed.
Susan’s 14 year old son Sam is tasked with going through the articles, which he actually comes to enjoy. But, while reading the articles, parts of Haze’s secret past come to the surface – and part of that past has a connection to Susan.
Along the way, and once again with Haze’s wisdom – those in the town of Granite Greek start learning more about her and themselves.
While this novel held some promise – it went downhill fast for me before I was halfway into the novel. The writing was also disjointed – it was hard to place where/when I was in the story and how it related. I also felt there were far too many characters to keep up with and what their purpose/connection to the story or Haze was.
Another thing that slightly distracted me was the grammar. The story was told in third person as there was no one narrating it, but the verbs and descriptions were in first person (narrator-type).
Examples: “And, he is, holding under his arm a wooden box, which he sets on the iron-mesh patio tabletop” and “In downward dog, Susan’s view of Olivia Shelby is framed by her slightly bent knees”. That was another issue while reading. Who was the actual narrator of the story? Who was telling the story?
The BIGGEST issue was the not-so-subtle inclusion of “POLITICS” along with hot, divisive issues.
I get that politics are a way of life and for newspaper columnists I’m sure that is double. As one reviewer stated on another site – it’s like the writer infused her thoughts and political views as Haze and there was no attempt to disguise her views or her feelings.
Speaking honestly – I felt this novel was more of a one-sided, politically driven essay disguising itself as a non-fiction story. I would’ve liked that aspect revealed immediately or a warning somewhere in the novel’s description. There were too many agendas/statements in each chapter, which I am not going to spoil.
While I am an avid reader, and was an advanced reader as a child (I won several library contests), I struggled with trying to find the “point/plot” of this novel.
I read to escape politics, violence, and divisiveness on TV and social media. Unless the book is a “true-crime” or biography type novel; fictional stories; especially ones described as having “gob-smacking humor”, should either warn the reader or eliminate the element. That is where the book lost my attention. It seemed like every issue from recent years was crammed into the novel to supplement it, including a painful (and horrific) incident from 2017 that happened in my hometown.
One major incident that was skipped was 9/11 (2001). That was one I would’ve been interested to read about despite my own personal reactions. It had a profound impact on our country and society and I would think that Haze would’ve had something to say about it. Yet, there was nothing. It was completely excluded from the book.
With that said – if you enjoy “chronicles of a radical hag”, political views, agenda-driven stories, and recipes – this book is for you.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, escapist, non-political read – I’d likely steer clear or borrow it from a library first to test the waters.
July 6, 2019
Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with recipes) features a beautiful cover that immediately caught my attention. It's not exactly what I was expecting but in a good way. A long time newspaper columnist for a local hometown paper suffers a stroke. She is eighty years old, so imagine how many columns she has written. In her absence, the paper decides to rerun some of her old columns. I love this premise because my local paper reruns old articles, and they ran one of me from 1996 when I was a pageant queen. It's such a bittersweet thing to see now. It's interesting and entertaining to see the reactions of the people in town. What if a column painted someone in a bad light? What if a present day terrible person was painted in a good light? Do people ever really change? The story shows how, regardless of past feelings, the community still stands strong. It's eye opening and informative for some, maybe embarrising for others. Still, the past is done, and the future holds promise. History in these columns proves that people are fundamentally survivors. It's a warm hearted read that is both sad yet inspiring. A joy to read! Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2019
I don't know why I loved this book so much... but I did. It's about an old woman who has been writing a column in the local paper for about 50 years. When she goes into a coma, her co-workers start going through her old articles, connecting with the people around them through her memories. It was beautiful.
November 29, 2019
It has been a long time since I have read one of this authors book, while looking at previous reviews, someone said she reminded her of Jan Karon, another author I haven’t read in ages, but a wonderful comparison. I listened to this book while preparing Thanksgiving dinner, it was a perfect companion, it was nostalgic, passing over 50 years of historical fiction with a kinder, gentler approach to life so lacking these days. I am of an older generation and I strongly believe in being a radical Hag in todays society.
May 16, 2019
Did not enjoy, in fact gave up about half way. Too predictable, too sentimental, nothing to hold on to. Didn’t want to waste more time.
May 9, 2019
Big thanks to Bookish First and the publisher for providing me with a review copy. You da bomb-diggity y'all!
So, it looks like 2019 is proving to be the year where I read way outside of my comfort zone. This is another book that is not normally in the genre that I'm used to. What really appealed to me about this book initially was the gorgeous cover and the hilarious title. I am a lover of all things funny, so I decided to take a leap out of my safe little bubble of YA books to check this title out.
I liked it! It was fast-paced. The main character was enjoyable. The writing was easy but witty and the plot had just enough of the tiniest hint of mystery to keep me turning those pages.
All in all, this was a good time. I don't think this will be a book that will really resonate with me in the long term though. It seemed kind of forgettable. But if you're looking for something different, not like all the other typical books out there, give this one a shot if you're interested.
Also, I have not tried out any of the recipes in the book but that reminded me of the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke a bit. haha
So, it looks like 2019 is proving to be the year where I read way outside of my comfort zone. This is another book that is not normally in the genre that I'm used to. What really appealed to me about this book initially was the gorgeous cover and the hilarious title. I am a lover of all things funny, so I decided to take a leap out of my safe little bubble of YA books to check this title out.
I liked it! It was fast-paced. The main character was enjoyable. The writing was easy but witty and the plot had just enough of the tiniest hint of mystery to keep me turning those pages.
All in all, this was a good time. I don't think this will be a book that will really resonate with me in the long term though. It seemed kind of forgettable. But if you're looking for something different, not like all the other typical books out there, give this one a shot if you're interested.
Also, I have not tried out any of the recipes in the book but that reminded me of the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke a bit. haha
April 1, 2019
Soon after Haze Evans celebrates her 81st birthday, she suffers a massive stroke. Known for the column she's written for the Granite Creek Gazette since 1964, she is beloved by the readers in the small town. After Haze's stroke, Susan, the publisher of the Gazette, is worried about her dear friend's health and decides to honor Haze by reprinting some of her previous columns, along with reader responses.
What follows is a heartwarming, absorbing story filled with an entertaining cast of characters, and I had a hard time putting it down! Numerous times, I laughed out loud only to find tears in my eyes just a few pages later. Mostly, it made me happy, and I read most of it with a smile plastered on my face. Despite many of Haze's columns being written decades ago, I found them engaging, thought provoking, timely, and relevant to today's society.
I loved learning more about Haze, watching Susan's 14 year old son, Sam, mature, and discovering how Haze's columns affected the lives of her dedicated readers. This was the first book I've read by this author, and I look forward to more. Last but not least, I can't wait to try the recipes sprinkled throughout the book!
Location: Granite Creek, Minnesota
"... this morning's looney harangue was nothing more than a chronicle of a radical hag!" - Harlan Dodd in response to Haze's column questioning how a man would feel if he were expected to take his wife's last name after marriage. I loved how Haze and Bill turned it into an inside joke and their code for a controversial column.
"Your story isn't mine ... every single person has the right to have power over their own story." - from Haze's column about abortion
"We all do better when we all do better." - Author's Acknowledgements
I received an advance copy of this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.
What follows is a heartwarming, absorbing story filled with an entertaining cast of characters, and I had a hard time putting it down! Numerous times, I laughed out loud only to find tears in my eyes just a few pages later. Mostly, it made me happy, and I read most of it with a smile plastered on my face. Despite many of Haze's columns being written decades ago, I found them engaging, thought provoking, timely, and relevant to today's society.
I loved learning more about Haze, watching Susan's 14 year old son, Sam, mature, and discovering how Haze's columns affected the lives of her dedicated readers. This was the first book I've read by this author, and I look forward to more. Last but not least, I can't wait to try the recipes sprinkled throughout the book!
Location: Granite Creek, Minnesota
"... this morning's looney harangue was nothing more than a chronicle of a radical hag!" - Harlan Dodd in response to Haze's column questioning how a man would feel if he were expected to take his wife's last name after marriage. I loved how Haze and Bill turned it into an inside joke and their code for a controversial column.
"Your story isn't mine ... every single person has the right to have power over their own story." - from Haze's column about abortion
"We all do better when we all do better." - Author's Acknowledgements
I received an advance copy of this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2023
This was fantastic. “I think that’s the gift of any good writer,” says Liz. “By bringing us into their own world, they bring us into the whole world.”
Landvik certainly brought me into my world (a columnist, a teacher, a child, and a parent). So many parts of this delightful story took me back to other times in my own life. Her use of metaphors is exquisite (I underlined so many). The story moves back and forth in time a little, but never lost me. I'm going to suggest it to several of my reading friends/relatives.
Landvik certainly brought me into my world (a columnist, a teacher, a child, and a parent). So many parts of this delightful story took me back to other times in my own life. Her use of metaphors is exquisite (I underlined so many). The story moves back and forth in time a little, but never lost me. I'm going to suggest it to several of my reading friends/relatives.
August 1, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I absolutely loved this book. It had all the feels, and I felt like it was also historical fiction. I loved the characters, flaws and all. I loved that on my recent trip to Minnesota, she calls out places I visited. It was just so awesome, and I'm so glad I got this book from a local author in Stillwater, Minnesota based on teh bookshop owner's recommendation.
March 26, 2019
Thank you so much University of Minnesota Press for allowing me to review Chronicals Of A Radical Hag (With Recipes). A unique and fun read!
Chronicals Of A Radical Hag (With Recipes) is really the story of Haze, a reporter with a cherished column in a small town paper. When she suffers a stroke, the paper’s editor and friend decides to run some of her old columns and the some of the responses she got. The result is a look at the town’s history, secrets that Haze kept about her own past and the reaction of a small town on her liberal viewpoint.
Chronicals Of A Radical Hag (With Recipes) is really the story of Haze, a reporter with a cherished column in a small town paper. When she suffers a stroke, the paper’s editor and friend decides to run some of her old columns and the some of the responses she got. The result is a look at the town’s history, secrets that Haze kept about her own past and the reaction of a small town on her liberal viewpoint.
March 27, 2019
This book is amazing. It tells the story of Haze Evans who writes a column for a newspaper twice a week for 50 years. At the beginning of the book Haze goes to her birthday celebration and on the way home suffers a massive stroke.
The part I liked about this book, is that through her column, from 1964 to 2017, we get to see what her life was like from the beginning of her adult life with flashes to her childhood, up until her stroke. To say she is loved by the small town is unnecessary.
The newspaper decides to go into her archives of every column she ever wrote with letters from the readers, at the beginning mailed in and now in her emails! Susan the publisher comes up with this idea, and she quickly brings her moody, obtuse, teenager Sam, in to help read the files and see what he finds is interesting. With much resentment he goes with her to work and by the time time passes he gets to read about so many things; history, Kennedy's assassination, growing up, being in love, and he starts to make a 360* turnaround.
Susan starts publishing her old columns in the paper until she is able to come back, and all the town is in agreement of this. She gets so many visits from the townspeople, and the workers at the paper so she is not alone too often. On top of her columns, she also posted recipes, and the women loved it! She had all kinds of readers!
From the beginning she was a rebel of sorts, and she even started "Happy Tea" at work where they would all get together and drink tea and talk together. A few of the men brought liquor and homemade wine, and then it was moved to The Sundown Trap, where every friday they brewed tea for the office! Up until she went into the hospital every friday was spent this way, the brewing of tea passed on to the proprietor's daughter Chris Johnson, who still made tea on friday.
On October 29th, 2018 the newspaper reported that she had passed away. Everyone is saddened and she has a huge funeral, because the whole town attended, even Sam, the boy whose life she changed and now finally had the girlfriend he had been dreaming about in school for years!
There is so much hilarity and also a bit of melancholy on occasion in her columns, but she was real, and honest about her feelings and this made the book so awesome! I gave this book 5 stars!
The part I liked about this book, is that through her column, from 1964 to 2017, we get to see what her life was like from the beginning of her adult life with flashes to her childhood, up until her stroke. To say she is loved by the small town is unnecessary.
The newspaper decides to go into her archives of every column she ever wrote with letters from the readers, at the beginning mailed in and now in her emails! Susan the publisher comes up with this idea, and she quickly brings her moody, obtuse, teenager Sam, in to help read the files and see what he finds is interesting. With much resentment he goes with her to work and by the time time passes he gets to read about so many things; history, Kennedy's assassination, growing up, being in love, and he starts to make a 360* turnaround.
Susan starts publishing her old columns in the paper until she is able to come back, and all the town is in agreement of this. She gets so many visits from the townspeople, and the workers at the paper so she is not alone too often. On top of her columns, she also posted recipes, and the women loved it! She had all kinds of readers!
From the beginning she was a rebel of sorts, and she even started "Happy Tea" at work where they would all get together and drink tea and talk together. A few of the men brought liquor and homemade wine, and then it was moved to The Sundown Trap, where every friday they brewed tea for the office! Up until she went into the hospital every friday was spent this way, the brewing of tea passed on to the proprietor's daughter Chris Johnson, who still made tea on friday.
On October 29th, 2018 the newspaper reported that she had passed away. Everyone is saddened and she has a huge funeral, because the whole town attended, even Sam, the boy whose life she changed and now finally had the girlfriend he had been dreaming about in school for years!
There is so much hilarity and also a bit of melancholy on occasion in her columns, but she was real, and honest about her feelings and this made the book so awesome! I gave this book 5 stars!
January 25, 2019
I am so grateful to University of Minnesota Press and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this novel. I was not familiar with the author but the title intrigued me enough to request the ARC. What a great new find. If you have ever been a fan of the Jan Karon Mitford series or of Garrison Keillor, you will love this. It centers on a long time columnist for a local newspaper and the way her columns have impacted and are impacting the other characters in the book. It’s a beautiful and optimistic story and I wish I could meet some of these characters and make them friends. Highly recommend this title.
January 31, 2021
I loved this book so much. The writing, especially in Haze's 'pen', was absolutely exceptional. I cried and laughed, especially touched by her description of her dog. While I'm fortunate enough that I've not had to live through my own Mother's passing, I was touched all the same at her descriptions of her Mom. Just a wonderful read!
April 9, 2019
Lorna Landvik hits a home run with this book set in a community in northern Minnesota. The characters are realistic and multi-faceted. I laughed. I cried. Laughed out loud again. Shed a few more tears. Believable. Enduring. Fabulous. READ THIS BOOK!
March 27, 2019
Haze Evans is a seasoned newspaper columnist who has a stroke and falls into a coma. The paper she works for decides to re-run some of her older columns from her illustrious decades-long career, until Haze is able to return to her job.
Haze's columns are thought-provoking. She has a way of bringing a big picture topic into focus. Politics, health, friendship, so many things are discussed in her work. And as she lays in a coma, her words are able to gap the divide between a mother and her teenage son, and many more relationships.
There was something so heartwarming about this book. I enjoyed getting to know her through her writing. The topics she wrote about were topical and extremely fascinating.
A wonderful book. With lots of yummy recipes inside! Plus, look at that gorgeous cover!
*Thank you BookishFirst and for providing this ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the book*
Haze's columns are thought-provoking. She has a way of bringing a big picture topic into focus. Politics, health, friendship, so many things are discussed in her work. And as she lays in a coma, her words are able to gap the divide between a mother and her teenage son, and many more relationships.
There was something so heartwarming about this book. I enjoyed getting to know her through her writing. The topics she wrote about were topical and extremely fascinating.
A wonderful book. With lots of yummy recipes inside! Plus, look at that gorgeous cover!
*Thank you BookishFirst and for providing this ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the book*
October 28, 2019
While a columnist is in the hospital after suffering a serious stroke, her newspaper prints articles that she wrote over her 50-year career. The articles are heartfelt with memories of her and her husband's courtship, her brother who joined the military and went off to war, and various events that took place over the years in our country. It inspired many in a high school class to read one or two columns each week and discuss the topic of the article. The cast of characters in this small town added to the charm of the story.
March 15, 2019
This one ranged between 3 and 5 stars for me throughout the book, so I'm settling on 4. As a Minnesotan, I'm a long-time fan of Lorna Landvik and her heartwarming Minnesota stories. This one was great, but it started out VERY slow for me. The first half of this book was nice, but for some reason didn't especially engage me, but somewhere around the halfway mark I got really invested in the story and it gave me a ton of feels.
Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with Recipes) is the story of small-town Minnesota newspaper columnist Haze Evans, who is in a coma in the present day sections of the book. The newspaper decides to rerun some of her 50+ years of columns, and we get to read her columns as we see how they affect the lives of people in the town. There are also some flashbacks to earlier periods in Haze's life at some of its most pivotal moments.
Haze was a lovable character, and the people of the town were a delightful cast of characters, especially Sam. This was heartwarming without crossing the line into schmaltzy and I would recommend it to anyone who likes life-affirming small town tales. The book is bittersweet in multiple ways, and I loved the political messages Haze expressed in her column as well--she falls into a coma shortly before the 2016 election, and the excitement she felt over the prospect of voting for the first woman president is poignant and painful in light of the current state of affairs
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with Recipes) is the story of small-town Minnesota newspaper columnist Haze Evans, who is in a coma in the present day sections of the book. The newspaper decides to rerun some of her 50+ years of columns, and we get to read her columns as we see how they affect the lives of people in the town. There are also some flashbacks to earlier periods in Haze's life at some of its most pivotal moments.
Haze was a lovable character, and the people of the town were a delightful cast of characters, especially Sam. This was heartwarming without crossing the line into schmaltzy and I would recommend it to anyone who likes life-affirming small town tales. The book is bittersweet in multiple ways, and I loved the political messages Haze expressed in her column as well--she falls into a coma shortly before the 2016 election, and the excitement she felt over the prospect of voting for the first woman president is poignant and painful in light of the current state of affairs
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2019
The story starts off with the radical hag herself, Haze Evans, having a stroke! How can the story continue when the person it's about is in a coma? Good question. While Haze is always present in the book, we only ever get to hear her voice or get to know her life through her past columns. Once news gets out that Haze is in the hospital, the newspaper she works at, the Granite Creek Gazette) decides to post her old columns. That's how we get to know and love Haze. But she is not the only character here. We also learn more about the woman running the newspaper, Susan McGrath, her teenage son, Sam, and the receptionist at the Gazette, Shelly.
Through reading all her old columns, her old letters, and the responses sent to the newspaper, these three characters (although there are many more) have a chance to reevaluate their lives. Susan looks into the problems in her troubled marriage, Sam matures and becomes more understanding, and Shelly regains a joy she lost many years ago.
Haze's life is filled with historical events and wonderful people, and Haze has thoughts on all of it. Through her words, she is able to change lives even from her hospital bed. This is a hard book to describe because of the various elements working together but it is done effortlessly (or it is written so well that it seems effortless).
I am giving Chronicles of a Radical Hag 4 out of 5 stars. It made me cry profusely and had me thinking about my own life which I always appreciate. If you are looking for a quirky, emotional read, I highly recommend this.
Chronicles of a Radical Hag is out now!
Thank you to BookishFirst and University of Minnesota Press for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Through reading all her old columns, her old letters, and the responses sent to the newspaper, these three characters (although there are many more) have a chance to reevaluate their lives. Susan looks into the problems in her troubled marriage, Sam matures and becomes more understanding, and Shelly regains a joy she lost many years ago.
Haze's life is filled with historical events and wonderful people, and Haze has thoughts on all of it. Through her words, she is able to change lives even from her hospital bed. This is a hard book to describe because of the various elements working together but it is done effortlessly (or it is written so well that it seems effortless).
I am giving Chronicles of a Radical Hag 4 out of 5 stars. It made me cry profusely and had me thinking about my own life which I always appreciate. If you are looking for a quirky, emotional read, I highly recommend this.
Chronicles of a Radical Hag is out now!
Thank you to BookishFirst and University of Minnesota Press for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2018
It was the great cover that caught my eyes first. Then I saw the name of the author and I just knew I was in for a treat. Earlier I had read Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons and I loved it. (I thought it was even better than The Ya-Ya Sisterhood although much less well known and talked about). So I had high hopes for the Chronicles and I was not disappointed.
The story runs along two parallel lines. One is the past in the form of Haze the main character's columns, diary entries etc. and the other one is the events of the here and now. Funnily enough we never meet Haze in the present as she is lying in hospital after a massive stroke. However, we get to know her from her reprinted columns and we can't but love her.
The reprinted columns change a lot of people's life. They have to face and revaluate certain things in their lives. These columns act as a catalyst for a lot of the characters around Haze. None of them are flawless, but still very loveable. By the end of the book I felt as if I had become part of a community in this small town. I can recommend this book to anyone who loves to immerse themselves into a good story beautifully written. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
The story runs along two parallel lines. One is the past in the form of Haze the main character's columns, diary entries etc. and the other one is the events of the here and now. Funnily enough we never meet Haze in the present as she is lying in hospital after a massive stroke. However, we get to know her from her reprinted columns and we can't but love her.
The reprinted columns change a lot of people's life. They have to face and revaluate certain things in their lives. These columns act as a catalyst for a lot of the characters around Haze. None of them are flawless, but still very loveable. By the end of the book I felt as if I had become part of a community in this small town. I can recommend this book to anyone who loves to immerse themselves into a good story beautifully written. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
April 17, 2020
4.5 stars and .5 for the unique cover and fun title.
I loved this novel, but I really don't have a concrete reason. It just resonated with me. The main character, Haze, is an 80-year-old feminist who speaks her mind in a daily newspaper column for decades. While this is not historical fiction, the columns cover 50 years of life in America. There is not a plot with high climaxes or suspense, but it is rather a gentle, kind character driven story.
When I get through more of my To Read list, I will read this again.
"The reason I don't seem to age at all is because you're so vain about not wearing your bifocals, and you're on your second Bloody Mary."
"Don't we love our pets for their unending love of us? We provide them food and shelter, sure, but they provide us with an excuse to believe we're worthy of their big loyal love."
"Yesterday I spent an hour at Bonomo Records, flipping through racks of albums and 45s. Needing cheered up, I was in the rock 'n' roll section looking at the black-and-white photo on the Meet the Beatles! album."
"I, myself, try to have a good laugh at least once a day, although in these trying times we're living through, I wish there were a product, a 'laffative' of sorts, I could take to ensure mirthful regularity."
I loved this novel, but I really don't have a concrete reason. It just resonated with me. The main character, Haze, is an 80-year-old feminist who speaks her mind in a daily newspaper column for decades. While this is not historical fiction, the columns cover 50 years of life in America. There is not a plot with high climaxes or suspense, but it is rather a gentle, kind character driven story.
When I get through more of my To Read list, I will read this again.
"The reason I don't seem to age at all is because you're so vain about not wearing your bifocals, and you're on your second Bloody Mary."
"Don't we love our pets for their unending love of us? We provide them food and shelter, sure, but they provide us with an excuse to believe we're worthy of their big loyal love."
"Yesterday I spent an hour at Bonomo Records, flipping through racks of albums and 45s. Needing cheered up, I was in the rock 'n' roll section looking at the black-and-white photo on the Meet the Beatles! album."
"I, myself, try to have a good laugh at least once a day, although in these trying times we're living through, I wish there were a product, a 'laffative' of sorts, I could take to ensure mirthful regularity."
September 2, 2019
3.5 stars
this book is under the category of i wasn't sure where it was going, whether i'd like it but when i finished, i was glad i'd read it.
the premise sounded interesting but it wasn't a priority for me then someone in my bookgroup recommended it. after the first few pages, i wasn't sure i'd like it.
but once i'd read a few chapters i became engrossed in the narrative which is especially amazing considering the main character Hazel is in a coma. but we do hear her voice thru her newspapers reprints of her columns. what i thought was smart was the way the writer fused those "archived columns" w/the present day. most of the topics were relevant & relatable no matter what time period it was discussed. (some of it was very political)
for me this quote summed up the book:
"I think that's the gift of any good writer," says Liz. "By bringing us into their own world, they bring us into the whole world."
this book is under the category of i wasn't sure where it was going, whether i'd like it but when i finished, i was glad i'd read it.
the premise sounded interesting but it wasn't a priority for me then someone in my bookgroup recommended it. after the first few pages, i wasn't sure i'd like it.
but once i'd read a few chapters i became engrossed in the narrative which is especially amazing considering the main character Hazel is in a coma. but we do hear her voice thru her newspapers reprints of her columns. what i thought was smart was the way the writer fused those "archived columns" w/the present day. most of the topics were relevant & relatable no matter what time period it was discussed. (some of it was very political)
for me this quote summed up the book:
"I think that's the gift of any good writer," says Liz. "By bringing us into their own world, they bring us into the whole world."
June 26, 2019
Just lovely. Like a warm cup of tea with honey. There’s a lightness in Landvik’s writing but it’s not “light-weight” ... themes of love, aging, community and feminism — and even the recipes — gave me much to think about.
February 3, 2021
4.5 stars
As I began to read this book, I struggled to follow the story--there are a lot of characters and I wasn't getting the connections between them all. But about half-way thru, something clicked & I really started enjoying the tale the author was weaving. When I finished, I actually went back and reread the first half again! The "radical hag's" newspaper columns are a treat to read and provide real insight into the life of the lady who faithfully wrote them.
As I began to read this book, I struggled to follow the story--there are a lot of characters and I wasn't getting the connections between them all. But about half-way thru, something clicked & I really started enjoying the tale the author was weaving. When I finished, I actually went back and reread the first half again! The "radical hag's" newspaper columns are a treat to read and provide real insight into the life of the lady who faithfully wrote them.
October 25, 2020
I really loved this book. Pure entertainment and plenty of rethinking historical moments through Haze Evans’ perspective. Just the kind of book I needed in this political climate and I will also try some of the recipes. On the eve of another presidential election, I hope we do better this time, Haze.
“We all do better when we all do better.” - the late Sen. Paul Wellstone
“We all do better when we all do better.” - the late Sen. Paul Wellstone
December 30, 2019
Loved ❤️
It’s a tribute to small town newspapers, journalists, well behaved feminists, smart women and the power of the written word.
It’s a tribute to small town newspapers, journalists, well behaved feminists, smart women and the power of the written word.
January 22, 2020
Landvik always satisfies my taste for historical fiction combined with everyday (and modern) truths. The story behind what we think we know about people in our lives is never short of amazing!
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