Monday, March 29, 2010

AN ABSENCE SO GREAT by Jane Kirkpatrick

Jessie Gaebele has a passion for photography and life. The book begins with the phrase, "A photograph like life, often reveals as much about who's absent as who's there." This statement carries you through this entire book. In all of the characters, including Jessie, there is an absence in their hearts. And we learn that with absence we carry on learning to fill that void with gifts that are given to us. This book holds beautiful photos taken that give a glimpse into the lives of those in the photos. Through Jessie's life we learn whats behind the lens, the shadows, and the light. We see how some things are hidden, while others are brought out in beauty. We have love, forgiveness and grace captured in this story of Jessie's life. Jessie, Mr. Fred Bauer, and Mrs. Bower are the main characters before us. We see how their lives are weaved together forever. Jessie leaves her home to make a new life, leavining behind her feelings for Fred. But while she is deeply trying to forget her feelings for him she finds herself in his presence again when he comes to her town to visit. We see Mrs. Bauer, and the life she has dwindle before her, a life with her husband Fred. Fred divorces his wife, still providing for her and their children and marries Jessie, the woman his heart desires. This setting is in the early 1900's. Jane Kirkpatrick brings to light all things we carry in our hearts. This was a slow, quiet read for me. Although the cover beautiful, the words told in third person grab your heart with reality, and learning of a photographer's trade and passion, we see a marriage breaking, and one that is torn apart in the absence of love. I did enjoy the book as far as learning the beauty of photography, the images and passion of Jessie, but this book lost me in the infidelity of ones heart.
This book was a gift by Multnomah WaterBrook Press for its review.


Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.
REMEMBER THIS IS A BOOK GIVE A WAY. YOU CAN STILL ENTER BY PLACING A COMMENT UNDER THIS POST. I WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER ON APRIL 2.

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