A Clearing in the Wild, Change and Cherish Series #1
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great fiction based on historical fact
Kirkpatrick is a master of historical fiction. What is especially great about her novels is that they are based on true stories.
During the mid-nineteenth century, a scouting group from a religious sect of German descent left Bethel, Missouri and headed west to find a new and more remote location for their utopian religious community. Among them was one woman, Emma Giesy, wife of the leader of the group. Feeling very suppressed by the dictatorial leader of the community in Bethel, Emma managed to get herself included in the scouting party. They initially headed to the Washington Territory. But when the rest of the community arrived, there was disagreement and they eventually ended up in the Willapa Valley in the Oregon Territory.
Kirkpatrick combines actual historical records with fictional events and dialog to give us a good sense of what life was like in the religious community and in the wild Oregon Territory. They certainly experienced hardships that had to be endured for them to survive. Of central interest is the place of women in that era. Emma rebelled against the accepted place. She desired a community where there was more equality between men and women. She was a strong woman but her exhibiting that strength came at a price for the community.
There are many issues discussed in this novel and the Discussion Questions included help make this a good choice for reading groups. There can be lively discussion about the place of women in the church and ministry and about how much authority a religious leader should have and if he should be followed without question.
I think you will find this historical novel well written and very interesting. Not only will you get a sense of pioneering in the mid-nineteenth century but also the characteristics of the religious communities that were formed during this era.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.
May 9, 2013
Love 19th c. historical fiction
A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick opens on Christmas Day, 1851, in the colony of Bethel, Missouri, an isolated community of German immigrants dedicated to their faith where all wealth was common wealth so that no one would have to be concerned about the future. They were historically known as Harmonists who tried to achieve Christian perfection beginning their colony in Pennsylvania, then moving to New Harmony Indiana, Missouri, and then west.
This life is all seventeen year old Emma remembers but yet she longs for more and begins to question the ways of the teaching of their leader, Father Wilhelm Keil. While the new thoughts within the colony are to remain single so that one can devote their time to the Lord, Emma hopes this will be her last Christmas as a single woman and she can't seem to escape the thoughts of independence and being able to speak her mind and make her own decisions, all characteristics considered undesirable for Bethel women. When the grumblings of potential war between the North and the South begin to make their way into the Bethel community, a decision must be made as to whether or not the colony can remain in Bethel or must move farther west to escape being drawn into the war that seems inevitable.
Typically, Jane Kirkpatrick takes a real historical character and weaves a believable story about their lives, filling in with fictional details that history books and biographys don't tell. She has done the same with the colony of Bethel, MO. Ms. Kirkpatrick has proven to be an author who thoroughly researches the time period she is representing and A Clearing in the Wild is no exception. I very much appreciate her attention to detail and accuracy even though it does sometimes bog down the story a bit. In reading, I tend to be more of a "let's get the story moving and let my imagination fill in some of the details" kind of reader. This isn't Ms. Kirkpatrick's style but I love historical fiction so enjoy her books as well even if they aren't ones that "grab" me.
I did receivet shi book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
April 27, 2013
A Story of Christian Maturity All-Around
"A Clearing in the Wild" by Jane Kirkpatrick is an extremely well-written novel. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I began to see where Kirkpatrick was going, I became engrossed. Then, in my opinion, the story ended perfectly. I was glad IâÂÂd kept reading!
Based on a true story, "A Clearing in the Wild" is the story of a young woman finding her grown-up place in the religious community of Bethel, Missouri. Wilhelm Keil, the leader of this community, makes all decisions for the community and holds all property in his name. When Keil announces that he is sending EmmaâÂÂs husband and eight other men west on a one to two year journey to find new land for the community, newly wed Emma finagles her way along. Readers get to watch Emma, her marriage, and her Christian life mature.
Discussion questions at the end of the book help readers process its themes. An interview with the author reveals the history and fiction of the story with a promise of a second book to come in this series.
I thank Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for sending a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and to those concerned with womenâÂÂs issues.
March 25, 2013
Great characters!
I love Jane Kirkpatrick's books. A Clearing in the Wild is a great story with exceptional characters (I especially liked Emma). A tale of German pioneers searching for a new home and the many hardships they endured. Similar to Amish life, the community wants to get away from crowded Bethel, MO. and find a place where they can live their lives without others interference. Emma accompanies her scout leader husband in this long journey , she is having a hard time accepting the fact that women are to obey their husbands, raise their children, etc. She isn't in agreement with this belief.
Kirkpatrick has written another wonderful novel, the plot is engaging. It really makes you appreciate the way we live today.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2013
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