In Kitchens of the Great Midwest, food is more than mere sustenance; it is a way for people to find community and express their identities. It is a link that weaves through the lives of diverse characters intersecting with Eva Thorvald. Food reflects the characters’ desires, jealousies, wishes, shame, love, desperation, and loneliness. Above all, Stradal portrays food as a unifying force, a catalyst fostering communal values and enriching relationships. Throughout the narrative, various instances highlight the transformative power of food, revealing its ability to bring people together and facilitate shared experiences.

In the opening chapter, Lars Thorvald’s preparation of traditional Nordic lutefisk for the family Christmas dinner is one example of food as a source of community and identity. Lars, influenced by his father’s teachings from a young age on curing fish, endeavors to make the dish to bring joy to his father. Here, the act of preparing and sharing lutefisk is a familial tradition, connecting generations and expressing love through a culinary heritage.

Chapter 2 introduces Braque Dragelski, who forges a unique bond with her young cousin Eva through Eva’s exceptional ability to handle very spicy food. Their camaraderie extends beyond familial ties as they take bets from strangers, not just for financial gain but also for the sheer enjoyment of each other’s company.