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The Key On The Quilt (2012)

by Stephanie Grace Whitson(Favorite Author)

3.98 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

161626442X (ISBN13: 9781616264420)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Barbour Books

series

The Quilt Chronicles

review 1: I attended a talk this author gave less than two weeks ago. I had not read any of her books before but was interested because she writes about history, especially Nebraska history, and is interested in quilts. She says that she likes to know the story of a quilt, and if she cannot find the real story, she imagines a possible one and writes it. This novel takes place in and near Lincoln starting in 1876. It centers around a female prison inmate, the woman in charge of the female prisoners, the wife of the warden of the Lincoln penetentiary, a dressmaker, and a doctor. It's the first of a series of novels the author calls the Quilt Chronicles and has a nice plot. I will be reading more of her books as I want to learn more about the history of Nebr... moreaska.
review 2: You know you're in the hands of a master at historical fiction when you read a Stephanie Whitson book, but "The Key on the Quilt" goes above and beyond. First, the unique setting: the Nebraska State Penitentiary in the 1880s. The descriptions are so detailed, I could step right into the prison and know my way around, know the routine and terminology used. The author also captures the 19th century attitude toward female prisoners, reminiscent of Margaret Atwood's "Alias Grace." The roots of my profession, Occupational Therapy, are seen in the efforts to reform prison life.Second: the characters. To escape the horror of life, Jane hides in a cocoon, then must learn to break free and fly. Mamie permits no nonsense from the inmates, her coworkers, and God. Ellen dearly loves her husband, but can't understand why he'd want to be a prison warden. Third: the romances. "The Key on the Quilt" weaves together three romances. Jane is championed by Dr. Max Zimmer. Mamie falls in love with a man who appears unloveable, but is "the kindest, noblest, bravest, most compassionate, smartest man." And when Ellen becomes involved in her husband's mission… well, an afternoon delight scene towards the end shows their deepening love. Fourth: humor. A delightful surprise in a book set in a prison. The banter between Mamie and her sister is the fudge frosting of this rich Boston cream pie of a book.A standing ovation!And now, on to "The Shadow on the Quilt"! less

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