Yerba Buena: A Novel

Yerba Buena follows Sara and Emilie in their parallel lives, until their fated meeting at the Yerba Buena restaurant. Emilie is meandering through adulthood, taking on odd jobs and changing her college major numerous times to stay a student. Sara left her old life behind in Guerneville, anxious to start afresh as a bartender and support herself after her family disappointed her. Both Emilie and Sara deal with trauma and loss, always feeling left behind. But once they connect, it’s almost as if they are the missing piece that each has been waiting for.

This book was a love story at its core, but also a deep character study of two women. I was swept up in Nina LaCour’s writing and her flawless ability to tie Yerba Buena into so much of the story. Parts of the book were depressing and melancholy, but I fell in love with the characters. This book is emotional, but its impact sneaks up on you. Though the plot isn’t fast moving, its layers are revealed in a way that is absorbing and grounding. This book was exceptional and I look forward to reading more of LaCour’s books!