Shall We Gather at the River?

Résumé du livre

Five years after the turbulent events depicted in Sierra Summer, 1874, Debbie Whitney is plunged into severe new trials and tribulations as her mother struggles with mortal illness. Not always with good grace, Debbie assumes the mantle of primary care-giver. She has never truly accepted moving in from the family's sawmill at Shady Flat to live in the closest small Sierra village-the county seat, Downieville. Now, being cooped up at home as Eliza Whitney's nurse brings on a series of existential crises.At that time (1879-80), radical changes were taking place in the community and in American culture generally, and Debbie reflects upon these changes with her friends, neighbors, and especially her father, David. They often don't agree with her position. She is a bit of an eccentric, sometimes lagging behind, sometimes boldly out in front of the controversial transition to "modernity." This is seen in her attitudes toward religion, deportment for females, clothing, marriage, the vote for women, racism, and environmental concerns-just to name a few. In her wish to be freer than women had been in the past, she draws the ire of some influential people and support from others, both in and outside of her family.This is a "coming of age" novel, depicting how young persons of that particular era struggled to negotiate the pressures to conform, meanwhile trying to figure out who they were uniquely destined to be. It is a tale of love and friendships, embedded in a strong love of the land, and an abiding sense of place.