"Sourdough" is a novel by Robin Sloan that revolves around the life of a software engineer named Lois Clary. After becoming enamored with a unique sourdough bread from a mysterious duo of bakers, her life takes a turn when they suddenly leave the country. Lois inherits their sourdough starter and is drawn into the world of baking, where she discovers a connection to her own creativity and identity. As she experiments with the starter, baking becomes a form of self-expression and innovation for her.
Throughout her journey, Lois faces challenges that reflect her feelings of alienation and her struggle to find her place in the bustling tech-driven world of San Francisco. The novel beautifully intertwines the concepts of food, tradition, and the humanness behind craftsmanship. Loisβs baking serves as a metaphor for her exploration of deeper connections, not just with her surroundings but also with her inner self.