Exploring the Heart of Wisconsin: A New Novel Centers on Family and Tradition
Set against the backdrop of a small Wisconsin town by Lake Michigan, a new novel delves into the themes of motherhood and family heritage. The Baumhaus Supper Club serves as the focal point of the fictional community of Port Holcomb, where family ties and tradition are put to the test.
As the cornerstone of the community, the supper club, run by matriarch Remy, faces an uncertain future. Nearing retirement and still grieving her husband’s death from cancer, Remy decides to sell the establishment. Her children, uninterested in continuing the family legacy, are focused on their own paths.
Claire Swinarski, a Milwaukee-area author, introduces her seventh novel, “The Supper Club Saints,” which captures the spirit of her home state. “I love being from here. I love the Midwest. In my books, Wisconsin really is a character,” Swinarski shared with “Wisconsin Today.” “Wisconsin, to me, is all about food and family, and that’s really what this book is about.”
The following interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
Kate Archer Kent: What makes the Baumhaus Supper Club special in your novel?
Claire Swinarski: Supper clubs are an intriguing part of Midwestern culture. They offer a sense of home with complimentary bread baskets and relish trays, and there’s no rush to leave. It’s a hearty, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the Midwest, making it the perfect setting for a story.
KAK: Remy plans to sell the club instead of passing it to her children. How does she cope with this decision?
CS: Many parents dream of passing their legacy to their children, but Remy understands her kids have their own dreams. While it’s difficult, she chooses to cherish the memories made rather than force a legacy on her children. Her focus is on appreciating the past rather than clinging to it.
KAK: How does the departure of Remy’s daughter Cass affect the family dynamic?
CS: Cass’s decision to leave for a mom influencer community is a significant blow. It feels like a rejection, but it also helps Remy come to terms with selling the supper club. Having faced personal losses, Remy realizes that a building is not the same as family.
KAK: How does the “mommune” lifestyle impact Cass’s approach to parenting?
CS: Struggling with postpartum depression, Cass is drawn to the confidence of social media influencers like Lacey. In the chaos of early motherhood, she craves clear guidance, which she finds alluring in these online personalities.
KAK: How does invisible labor affect the characters, particularly Hilary?
CS: Hilary, a single mom and artist, juggles her career with raising three kids alone. The unseen aspects of parenting, like knowing her children’s needs and preferences, add layers of complexity to her life. Her relationship with Cass is strained by different life choices, highlighting the invisible burdens mothers carry.
