The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip - A Novel

Aidyn Kelley is a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star who is given the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who has entered hospice care. However, there is more to Clara Kip than meets the eye, and she is determined to give Aidyn Kelley a story worth writing. Sara Brunsvold's debut novel is a moving story that explores the history of Kansas City's refugee resettlement efforts during the 1970s and highlights the importance of living with vivacity and dying with dignity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Aidyn Kelley is a talented, ambitious, and eager young reporter for the Kansas City Star, seeking a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she has been getting. However, her eagerness leads her to push too hard and land herself with the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who has just entered hospice care.

But there is more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she is not quite ready to give up yet. Clara is a woman who has lived a full life and has no intention of going out quietly. She is determined to make the most of her remaining time and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Aidyn Kelley, intrigued by Clara's determination, decides to take on the assignment and delve deeper into her life. What she discovers is a story of resilience, courage, and faith that is both heartwarming and inspiring.

As Aidyn works on the obituary, she becomes increasingly drawn to Clara's story. She sees that Clara has a gift for storytelling and a deep sense of spirituality that shines through even in the face of death. Clara's reflections on faith, family, and the importance of living life to the fullest inspire Aidyn to reflect on her own life and priorities.

Through their interactions, Aidyn and Clara form a bond that transcends their differences. Clara teaches Aidyn about the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the small things in life, while Aidyn brings a fresh perspective and energy to Clara's life.

As Aidyn works on the obituary, she realizes that there is more to Clara's story than just her death. She discovers that Clara was a refugee who came to the United States with her family in the 1970s, seeking a better life and escaping persecution in her home country. Clara's journey was difficult, and she faced many challenges along the way.

Through her research, Aidyn learns that Clara's community in Kansas City was instrumental in supporting her and her family during their difficult time. They provided them with housing, food, and medical care, and helped them integrate into their new home.

Aidyn is moved by the story of Clara's resilience and the kindness of her community. She decides to write a more comprehensive obituary that not only celebrates Clara's life but also highlights the history of Kansas City's refugee resettlement efforts during the 1970s.

The obituary that Aidyn writes is a tribute to Clara's life and the impact she had on the world. It tells the story of her journey as a refugee, her contributions to her community, and her unwavering faith in God.

The obituary is widely read and celebrated, and it brings attention to the history of Kansas City's refugee resettlement efforts during the 1970s. It also inspires others to reflect on the importance of compassion, empathy, and the power of community.

In the end, Aidyn Kelley's assignment to write an obituary for an unremarkable woman turns into a journey of discovery and inspiration. She learns that the best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self, and that the most important thing is to live life with passion and purpose. Clara Kip's story reminds Aidyn of the importance of cherishing every moment and leaving a lasting legacy.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 223 x 141 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780800740276