An Absence So Great

When I started reading this book, I was a little reluctant. First of all, I discovered that it was #2 in a book series. I hadn't read the first book. I worried that I wouldn't know enough `history' to enjoy the second book. Second, I didn't like the subject matter - a young woman attracted to a married man, even if she was resisting the feelings she had. However, I continued reading. The book gave enough detail from the first book to not leave me clueless as to what I needed to know to enjoy reading this season of Jessie's life. My opinion of the book changed. No, I do not condone the thought or act of extra-marital affairs. Yet, this book deals with real life; it's a re-telling of a story based on the author's grandmother. I'm glad that I finished the book. It turns out to be a book I would share with a friend. This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. As always, I give my honest opinion of the book.

The story of a single young woman struggling to prove to herself that she can accomplish what is not acceptable in 1910. Jessie has moved from Minnesota to help out a couple that owns a photography studio. They have mercury poisoning and are not able to see to the studio. She struggles with the problems of proving to herself that she can be a photographer in a "man's world" and own her own studio one day. Set in 1910, the struggles are so majestically written that you feel as if you are also going through these same emotional woes of a young woman. A forbidden love comes back around and causes much distress in her mind and life. The emotional struggles felt by Jessie and the other characters in the book are portrayed in a way that you truly feel the pain of what it must've been like in those days. Kirkpatrick has based this story on her grandmother. She does a great job with research by interviewing her grandmother and recalling those great memories. She also documents actual photographs that were taken by her grandmother in the book. Looking at these old photos and feeling that you are seeing into the life and souls of these people is very intriguing. I did not realize that there was a book before this one in a series. I do believe I could have followed along a little better if I would have read the first book and known a little more background. All in all, I do believe this story can still stand on its own and I would recommend reading this book.

AN ABSENCE SO GREAT First off I have to say that I am not a writer. I cannot write as elegantly as Jane Kirkpatrick does, or possibly even other reviewers of this book. What I do want to express is my appreciation for this story. I loved the way Jessie Ann Gaebele's story was written (told to us) by Ms. Kirkpatrick. Although the events of this book took place a hundred years ago, I found it to be extremely relevant and representative of present day life. Although Jessie Gaebele didn't have the opportunities afforded women today professionally, she perservered despite that. In today's unfortunate economic climate, how many of us women find ourselves looking for a way to make a living - just like Jessie? This book, through Jessie's story, shows me that we, too, should have the strength to achieve our goals. She worked herself up from someone with an interest in photography to an accomplished professional business woman. She achieved all of this in a time when women were told that they weren't capable or smart enough to do what men did. This was also a story of a woman with high moral character. A woman who did things on her own terms. She worked hard to achieve her dreams and remained true to herself while doing it. Jessie Ann Gaebele's story is a lesson on never giving up. Even though I just finished this book, I am eagerly awaiting Jane Kirkpatrick's next one.

One of my joys in life as I age is waiting to see what Jane will write about next. She is one of the greats. I think I have read most everything she has written. Jane if by some chance you read this/ I loved this book and will be waiting for the next one. Thank you/ Mary in Sequim Washington.

In 1910 eighteen years old Jessie Ann Gaebele is proof that single young women are going places no one dreamed possible just a few years ago. She has demonstrated skill as a photographer in Milwaukee though gender bias is rampant even when she is buying supplies or obtaining customers. Jessie Ann dreams of one day returning to her hometown of Winona, Minnesota to open up her own photography studio as currently she fills in for those ailing from mercury poisoning. When she triumphantly opens that studio in Winona she will prove to herself that she has not just come a long way, she had made it. However, she also knows her broken heart was an enabler to get her to leave Minnesota for the eastern side of Wisconsin. Still as she struggles with male proprietors thinking they can accost a single woman, she also misses her home like the annual boat race, but especially Fred Gottlieb. When he arrives in Milwaukee for the photographic conference to receive an award, Jessie Ann wants to flee, but her time alone taking care of herself has given her courage. She will be polite and congratulate him, but keep her feelings hidden while keeping a distance. However, Jessie is unaware that Fred has an agenda of his own. Reaching back once again to her family tree for the sequel of her grandmother Jessie Ann as a late teen (see The Flickering Light for the earlier years), historical novelist Jane Kirkpatrick provides readers with a terrific "biographical fiction". The story line is fast-paced but owned by the lead couple especially the brave heroine who as a pioneer makes it in an era when single young women did not hang out shingles as craftsmen. The support cast like Marie Harms, daughter of the boarding house owner where Jessie Ann stays, enhances the profound look at how far women have come in a century. Harriet Klausner