This book is the first in a series of three about a young woman from a German-American religious colony in Missouri in the mid 1800’s. The group migrated to Oregon in search of a place of secure separatism. They had much in common with the Amish or Mennonite societies but there were notable differences. Though they did have a desire to stay untainted and separate from the world, they made deliberate efforts to bring outsiders into their communities, encouraging others to join them, especially those with a particular skill to contribute such as coopers or teachers. This was a type of evangelistic outreach as well as a way to prosper the colony. They were unusual in that they kept a common coffer, all working to fill it and drawing out as any had need, not something you would find with the Amish. It is the most Acts-like description I have ever encountered from actual history, and I was fascinated to view their dynamic in this. I found myself thinking of communism as I read, everyone sharing all they have, none doing without and none having so much that their lust of the flesh (aka: greed) could be feed. But, the core problem of Communism is laid bare in the adage, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and sadly, this is still a temptation to those Christians in authority over such groups. I know from scripture that God will always make a way out of any temptation but we do have to avail ourselves of His escape, and this, we are not always willing to do.Another theme of great interest that the author explored was the idea of individual vs. group identity. Like the Amish, the notion of standing out in any way was strongly discouraged in this sect, the belief being that the root of such was simply the sin of pride. And though I can see that this does need to be tempered, did God really make us with such homogeneity in mind? I find that hard to believe, as does, I think the author. It is difficult for us in this current age to see things from any perspective other than the one with which we have been so thoroughly indoctrinated; in this case, the right of the individual to be just that and all such to be celebrated. I think our culture has taken it to the absurd extreme in the opposite direction as these folks, the self being the supreme idol in 21st century America. Truly, moderation leads to the greatest contentment. God did make us unique and yet, we are all One in Christ. These two ideas can coexist if we leave the progression of sanctification to the Holy Spirit and do not rely on rules of conformity to do His work (which, of course, rules can never do as St Paul so eloquently teaches us in the epistles).I would highly recommend the series as the main character, Emma Wagner, is a wonderful study in the brutal process of God breaking our own will and replacing it with His own. She endures a great deal of hardship and her example of perseverance in the face of adversity was inspiring to me. All the more interesting were the struggles within her marriage and within their community that are not too different from what we still experience in our own lives today, dissimilar as they may be in other ways. The fact that she was a real person made it all the more encouraging to me personally. I eagerly look forward to reading the next two books and others by Jane Kirkpatrick.
This historical fiction tells the story of Emma Wagner, a woman who was part of the community that evenutally founded Aurora, Oregon. The author portrays her as spunky and individualistic in a community where that is frowned upon. All the people in the book existed and were part of her world.When asked how much of the story is hitory and how much is fictional, the author responded " Between history and story lies memory. Our memories of events are retold like a story, but they claim us as history, as fact. So two people can be absolutely certain of an event but carry opposing memories of it." She tried to create an accurate account using what information was available.I found that I saw myself more in the character of Emma than I did the first time I read this book a couple of years ago. There are many wonderful little thoughts dispersed throughout the book. A couple of my favorites are:"Trouble is the needle that God uses to stitch us into finer quilts.""They follow our Lord, and yet they refuse to let HIm carry their burdens."An underlining theme through the book is the old German proverb "Begin to weave, God provides the thread."All this sounds like a religious book, yet it is never preachy. The group was a religious community that believed in living the Golden Rule and beyond. The book is really Emma's individual search for her own meaning in life.I enjoyed it more the second time than the first. I own the series and would be happy to share.
Do You like book A Clearing In The Wild (2006)?
This takes place around 1850. Emma Wagner is a member of a religious colony in Missouri. The book is based around her character and the challenges she faces as they move to the Pacific Northwest, which is my own stomping grounds. I really enjoyed this series: Change and Cherish Historical Series. Book two is A Tendering in the Storm and the last one is A Mending at the Edge. I found myself disgusted with the colony leader and wanted to verbally blast him, then wring his neck--which I guess means the author succeeded, because I think that is what we are meant to feel about him. Emma is very strong willed and outspoken. We see her mature and develop through the series. There is a part that I did NOT agree with, and you'll just have to read it to see if you know what I am talking about. I would have never ever done it. I'd wouth rather die.
—Stacy
A compelling, richly-written blend of historical fact and thoughtful storytelling, "A Clearing in the Wild" is book one in author Jane Kirkpatrick's "Change and Cherish" series. Based on real-life people and places, the story line occurs in the mid-1800's, a time of Civil War and great reform to come for women and slaves. Emma Wagner is a young teenaged girl of German descent who lives in the idealized community of Bethel, Missouri. Communal life was based on a "Golden Rule", or a "Diamond Rule", and members shared their crops and food, clothing and supplies, hand-crafted items, and, when needed, their monetary worth. The Bethel Community was founded by Wilhelm Kiel, a stern leader with a devoted following. Emma Wagner often disagreed with Kiel and his dictates of a woman's true place in life and her role in the community. Going against Kiel's wishes, Emma marries Christian Giesy, a man twice her age. Christian is the head scout for the colony, and he and Emma are often separated by his travels. When it becomes clear that a new location should be found for the security of the community, Emma maneuvers her way into accompanying Christian and the other scouts. They begin the journey with Emma keeping news of her pregnancy known only to herself. A momentous journey it is, full of wondrous discoveries and unexpected hardships. Eventually, Christian decides that the rugged territory of the land around the Willapa River in Washington Territory will make the perfect new home for the community. However, when Kiel and the colonists arrive, Kiel is quite disapproving of Christian's choice, and dissension stirs among the reunited community members. As Emma and Christian begin a new life with a growing family, will their own convictions and faith stand up to Kiel's edicts? As they adapt to a new land, and each grows as a person, will their relationship grow as well? Author Jane Kirkpatrick has shone a light on a remarkable woman and the fascinating era and settings in which her life was lived. The book contains wonderful extras for history lovers. There are maps, a roster of characters and their relationships, and a glossary of German and Chinook words. Also included is a very interesting interview with author Jane Kirkpatrick along with her acknowledgements and suggested additional reading resources. There are two additional books in this series: "A Tendering in the Storm", and "A Mending at the Edge". There is also a companion book, "Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community and Craft", which provides a history told through quilts and crafts of the actual colony in Oregon.Review Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press
—Virginia Campbell
A Clearing in the Wild receives 3 stars from me.At times I wanted to keep reading and at others times I wanted to quit reading this book, but I am glad I finished it and even want to read the next book in this series. A Clearing in the Wild is the first book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series. A Clearing in the Wild is based on actual people and events. It is written from Emma's view of her life and the changes she must make in order to insure her and her family survival and happiness.Emma is a young woman who is part of the Bethel colony,ruled by Wilhelm Keil. Emma doesn't have complete and blind trust in Kiel. Keil tries his best to keep Emma and her husband Christian apart by sending Christian and other scouts out to find her land for their colony. Emma is finally allowed to travel with the scouts and she learns to use her questions and doubts. Emma is courageous and she wasn't afraid to break a few rules to help her family and the other members of the colony. When they find a land, Kiel rejects it and Emma finds a new way to keep her family and the others who want to stay there a way. That way is how the book ends and that is why I want to read the second book in this series. “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.
—Debbie
