“Things were pretty decent where she was, and she didn’t ever see the point of bellyaching about the things she couldn’t change, especially in a world that never once ran a want ad looking for a complainer.”

Edith Magnusson embodies the people from America’s heartland. She is practical, realistic, hardworking, and keeps things in perspective. Edith appreciates what little she has while rarely wanting more, and she feels grateful for her ability to help others.

“When you see a man falling off a ladder above you, Edith believed, you don’t envision your arms breaking. You just hold them out.”

Edith takes pride in making sacrifices to support her family and community. She values interpersonal relationships over financial success. This value contrasts greatly with Helen Blotz, Edith’s sister, who values her ambition and competitive spirit.

“If it were up to her, the people in this building would at least have the texture, the taste, or even just the smells of homemade pie once or twice a week, as heaven weaned them from the senses of this world. It’s the least a dang person can do.”

Edith introduces The Lager Queen of Minnesota as a work of food literature by serving her award-winning pies. Edith insists on creating her pies with quality ingredients and uses a family recipe to craft her desserts. Edith and the rest of the characters appreciate food not just for survival but for how it enhances the quality of life.