• Book Reviews

  
  

THE UNION QUILTERS

By Jennifer Chiaverini
Dutton / Penguin Group (2011)

I felt as though I were peeking through a kitchen window witnessing a family drama that might just as well be taking place today, as 150 years ago. This is a rich tale of a community in rural Pennsylvania which has packed off most of the men to what was referred to later as the War of the Rebellion.

Then, as today, the government that extolls the honor and patriotism of warriors, fails to provide its soldiers with the necessities of life (food and clothing then, and protective gear and mental health / medical support today). Then, as today, dissenters are excoriated in the media. Then, as today, there is discrimination (blacks who wished to serve were refused until near the end of the conflict; today gays and women are not wholly accepted). Then, as today, families are devastated by the deaths, maiming and disabling injuries of their sons, brothers, fathers and breadwinners. Women then, as today, do not dwell in self-pity, but step up life's challenges. They care for children, keep homes, hold together livelihoods. The women of Waters Ford also buck the town's powers-that-be to support the men they love.

Before I picked this up I wasn't aware it was one of a series, an Elm Creek Quilts Novel. At first the switching betweeen perspectives of several characters made the story feel disjointed. As I read further, I got better at recognizing the point of view of these diverse women, old settlers and immigrants, white and black. Motivated initially by traditional roles as sisters, wives, mothers and lovers, they inspire one another to use their craft skills, intelligence, resourcefulness and courage. In so doing they make remarkable contributions as neighbors, community leaders, financial managers and daring deal-makers. They raise money and a building; they send food, clothing, bandages to the soldiers; they take in refugees from nearby Confederate attacks.

The ambitious themes explored include the costs of war, the validity of political dissent, suffrage (woman's and blacks) and general sexism and racism. At the same time, the characters wrestle with marital discord, secrets and scandal on top of their doubts, fears, longing for love and inevitable losses. And did I mention, they quilt?

The author, Jennifer Chiaverini, has also produced books of quilt projects inspired by these novels which may be of further interest to some [more here]. For readers of historical fiction, be assured Ms. Chiaverini has created a window to a time and place you can see, hear and smell. She peopled it with well realized human beings, endowed with both virtues and flaws. You may groan over some choices, but you will still want these women and their men to prevail.