Decorah native new novel features local setting

Posted: June 10, 2024

Brenda K. Massman, of Northfield, Minn., and formerly of Decorah, has recently published her first novel, Yet, Here We Are (Koehler Books). The story is based, in part, in the rural area outside of Decorah.

Set in 1948, the novel tells the story of Elizabeth, a woman who leaves for Chicago in search of a reprieve from Iowa farm life, and while there is met with profound love and tragic loss. Several years later in 1975, an unexpected visitor from her past upends Elizabeth’s quiet life. Meanwhile, her daughters Sage and Louse find themselves caught up in the Twin Cities’ food co-op battles during the emerging environmental movement, and Sage experiences mysterious visions that lead to astonishing discoveries.

Several events are planned throughout northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota and can be found online at brendakmassman.com. Books are available at Dragonfly Bookstore in Decorah.

For more information, visit brendakmassman.com.