The roads life take you on are unpredictable. You think things are going to go one way, but choices and circumstances end up taking you places you've never dreamed would be possible. When you look back on your life you see the intricate paths that led you to the place you are now, and you realize you are exactly where you need to be. It is amazing.
I love reading stories about those that lived before me. Hearing about life in a certain era and realizing they struggled with the same things that we struggle with now is fascinating.
One amazing life's journey is the story of Jennie Pickett in All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick. When the story begins, Jennie is living with her sister's family and her husband and son in Oregon, shortly after the Civil War ended. Her husband works at a jail with her brother-in-law and is secretly addicted to drugs and alcohol. He is becoming more and more verbally and physically abusive with her. Jennie dreams of being a doctor but has struggled with reading and writing her entire life so she quenches her hunger for healing by using herbs to heal with naturopathy and hopes to one day be able to cure her husband's addiction.
When Charles secretly divorces her, and leaves her and their son for the "vile, enticing siren," that is drugs and alcohol, Jennie and her son move in with her parents and Jennie feels like her life is over. Little does she know that this choice by her addicted husband sets her on the path to her dreams.
At times, Jennie's story is slow and seems to drag in parts but isn't that life? It was a slower read for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I felt such emotions as Jennie had to deal with quite a bit of loss in her life but I also rejoiced as I saw her dreams become reality. Being based on a true story, I enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the book that give even more details about Jennie and those she shared her life with as well as where the author found her sources.
Another treat was "Jennie's Herbs and Oils," which lists out what homeopathic physicians used in Jennie's day. Many of them are familiar and are still used to this day. There is also a short reader's guide which several questions that would be perfect for book clubs.
Though this story is a little on the slow side, I feel like it is worth the read. It is an inspiration to see a woman that is able to rise above her circumstances and fulfill her dreams despite the obstacles she faces.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell in exchange for an honest, unbiased review
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