An Absence So Great

"JESSIE GAEBELE’S THOUGHTS AT TIMES behaved like a toddler’s: one moment they stayed safely hidden in the pump organ’s shadow, and the next minute they popped up to pull out all the stops, increasing in volume, shouting in her head, underscoring the aching loneliness that defined her days.

Today, as she stood in this men’s refuge permeated by the scent of oil and grease and gasoline, she flicked away those toddler voices. She had good reasons to be here. She was eighteen years old, it was 1910, and young women alone were going places they’d never gone before. She didn’t need to be embarrassed or afraid. Why had she come to Milwaukee if not to prove to herself and others that she could make wise choices and pursue a dream? One day she’d have her own photographic studio back in Winona, Minnesota, where her family lived. Her future beckoned, but she would return only when she’d proven to herself that she was in control of her heart.

“It might be best if you had your father look at it, Fräulein,” the proprietor cautioned.

“I’m not purchasing it for my father,” Jessie told him, a man her father’s age she guessed.

“Ach, I’m sorry. You look so young. Your husband then.”

Jessie took a deep breath. “It’s for my own use.”

The proprietor’s eyes widened. “Ah, well, do you have”—he looked over her small frame—“the stamina to make such a purchase? Riding an Emblem’s not like riding a bicycle or a horse, if you know what I mean.”

She didn’t know how to ride an Emblem or a Pierce or any other kind of motorcycle. She didn’t know where she’d learn or practice, or where she’d keep it once she figured out a way to afford the gas. But it was the perfect accoutrement, so much more distinctive than a certain kind of hat or a new pair of shoes. Jessie needed inspiration with fall closing in on her, the days soon shortening into long, lonely nights. Winter always made her dreary, and this first one away from her family promised to weigh her down like the pile of wool quilts on the bed that she no longer shared with her sisters." (Excerpt from Setting Things Right, Chapter 1)

I was completely lost in this historical fiction written by Jane Kirkpatrick set in the 1900's. Jessie Gaebele's a photographer who envisions herself as working for herself one day but until then is learning life can be very difficult for women in this period of time. I can envision everything from the dresses of the time, to the mannerisms and even the places and business mentioned. Ms. Kirkpatrick does an exceptional job at getting us acquainted with Jessie and her desire to become a self employed woman of the time, when that just simply wasn't done.

The book is laced with pictures that Jessie takes throughout her journey to discovering who she wants to be in life and that further draws you, the reader, into the story!

I was provided with the opportunity to review the book, An Absence So Great, compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and must say I highly recommend this historical fiction book from Jane Kirkpatrick. If you would love to read more about this book and where to order it, please click on the link below.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781578569816