Saturday, May 21, 2016

Book Review: Where Lilacs Still Bloom

by Jane Kirkpatrick
 
 
 
 
A Partial Synopsis from Jane Kirkpatrick:  One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through. German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.
 
My thoughts:  For the most part, this is a lovely book about daily life in a garden.  It's really not very glamorous when you are out there weeding, mulching and watering.  Ask any gardener!  ;-)  The book is based on the life of Hulda Klager, quite an accomplished hybridizer with apples, daffodils and lilacs.  The book brings to light her struggles with family and neighbors which she seems to have met with humility and kindness.  This little read also showcases her achievements.  What a long and remarkable life Hulda led!
 
I swiped a couple of photos from the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens website.
 
 


 
 
You're welcome!  ;-)  It is located in Woodland, Washington.  I would LOVE to see it!
 
Here's a bit of blogging music for you. 
 
Always Stay Humble and Kind.  Tim McGraw.
 
 
 
 
What have you been reading?
 
;-)  -Marci

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review. So it is a true story?

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  2. Hi, Cheree - You're right! The book is based on a lovely true story. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  3. This sounds like a very interesting book, especially since she was trying to achieve something that must of us would never try to do.

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  4. You have a pretty home! I think we have been blogging for about the same time, I started in 2013 and I remember subscribing to you and you came to my Fabulous Friday Party! Good to see you again. Hugs Maria

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  5. The book sounds fascinating. The women who came before us have many strengths worth admiring. Apples and lilacs--a couple of my favorites in the garden.

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  6. Sounds like she was quite an amazing woman and accomplished some great things!

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  7. Marci, we have no idea of the hardships experienced by generations of women before ours, do we. Thanks for sharing this post at Five Star Frou-Frou. Love, Mimi xxx

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