Ponderings by Andrea: Jane Kirkpatrick

Set in 1910 and thereafter, 'An Absence So Great' picks up from ‘A Flickering Light,’ the first book in the ‘Portrait of the Heart’ series, and follows the continuing saga of Jessie Ann Gaebele, an eighteen year old photographer, who was born and raised in Winona Minnesota. The story is based on the life of Jane Kirkpatrick’s own grandmother.

Here is the book trailer for this fascinating novel:

The main character, Jessie Ann Gaebele, was an astute businesswoman who had her own business in the fairly new field of photography. Her belief was that a woman needed to be able to take care of herself – to not rely on men to take care of them. She had a strong sense of wanderlust – and she lived a very adventurous life.

Jessie worked for a gentleman named Fred Bauer, a German immigrant who owned a photography studio. Their relationship began in ‘A Flickering Light’ and continues here. Although I have not read ‘A Flickering Light’ (yet!), it is clear from reading ‘An Absence So Great’ that they were attracted to each other (Fred was a married man), and Jessie needed to get away from the situation. She did so by moving to Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Jane provided a handy ‘Cast of Characters’ list and a map of Winona Minnesota circa 1900 at the beginning of the book. I found that list and that map to be of great value in order to more easily follow along and to get a better perspective on the story.

I was totally captivated by this book. I made the mistake of starting to read it late in the evening; fortunately, I did not have any early engagements the next morning, or I would not have made them! I read the book in just a couple of sittings. Jane’s writing style is entertaining and very creative.

And I was finding myself admiring Jessie for her strong sense of self and amazing resilience and work ethic. She had a wonderful artistic sense, and always had her eyes open to the possibilities and to the future (with the occasional regret for past mistakes). She ultimately realized that she was missing out on the important things in life by dwelling on the past and on her shortcomings. I was also attracted to Jessie’s character because she was attracted to a man named Fred of German descent (that’s my husband’s name)!

I was also intrigued by the fact that Jane often mentioned the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who had a studio near where Jessie lived, in her book. Although he often had a tumultuous personal life, I have always been interested in his work.

I found Jane to have a wonderful way with words. Here is an example – both for its lovely writing and for its helpful words of wisdom:

Today atop those hills looking west, she affirmed that she might never marry, but she could be part of something good if she set aside regrets, if she ceased demeaning and instead admitted that her self-pity, jealousy, and hopelessness were as offensive as her part in [edited by me – spoiler]. Perhaps then she could be available for….love, for the good God intended for everyone. That’s what her pastor assured. She decided that self-pity was an even greater transgression than going to a movie theater or attending a sporting dance…. (p. 327)

Here’s one more wonderful passage:

When I’m feeling low, I pull out my photo album and remember as I did that day that photography was my life only until I discovered what life is really made of: the settings, props, and poses we encounter, then put aside so we can cherish family and faith, live fully, and abide until we go…. His caring eye behind the lens captured a love that now helps fill an absence so great I could not have prepared for it on my own. God remains my guide. (p. 367)

Some neat facts in the Author Interview at the back of the book:

· The photos included in the book were taken by Jessie; several are those of her family.

· Jessie passed away in 1990 at age 98.

· Jane learned that she and her grandmother had a lot in common:

“Like Jessie, I tend to deal with disappointment by first avoiding then acknowledging the truth. I struggle with unworthiness, distancing myself at times from spiritual support, and have to work at seeing what’s past become water under the bridge. How I deal with absences of the heart gained dimension in the writing of this book.” (p. 374)

There is also a Reader’s Guide with questions for personal reflection or group discussion. This would be a fascinating book for a book club, and Jane offers phone interviews for book groups.

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning, best-selling author of sixteen historical novel and three non-fiction title, including ‘A Flickering Light,’ the first part of Jessie Gaebele’s story. She is a native of Wisconsin; for the past twenty-five years, she and her husband Jerry have lived on a ranch in Oregon.

You can order this book here.

This book was provided to me by Waterbrook Press for review and giveaway purposes.

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