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Based on historical characters and events, A Gathering of Finches tells the story of a turn-of-the-century Oregon coastal couple and the consequences of their choices, as seen through the eyes of the wife, her sister, and her Indian maid. Along the way, the reader will discover reasons to trust that money and possessions can't buy happiness or forgiveness, nor permit us to escape the consequences of our choices. The story emphasizes the message that real meaning is found in the relationships show more we nurture and in living our lives in obedience to God. show lessTags
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Originally published in the Christian Library Journal in March/May 1998
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A Gathering of Finches tells of Cassie Hendrick Stearns Simpson’s pursuit to fill her soul with worldly things. Unsatisfied with her life, she leaves her marriage of convenience to Josiah Stearns to live with madcap Louis Simpson. They lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Simpson for a few years before marrying. Both live fast, luxurious lives on the Simpson wealth. Near the end of her life, Cassie finds meaning in giving to others.
Jane Kirkpatrick used the lives of Cassie and Louis Simpson, a powerful Oregon Coast couple at the turn of the century, to illustrate the emptiness of worldly pursuits. It rings with the truths of Ecclesiastes: all is vanity and striving show more after wind. Seeking fulfillment, Cassie pursues pleasure and philosophy, exploring ideas from Freud, Christian Science, Russian novelists, and the women’s suffrage movement. Her guilt echoes that of Crime and Punishment’s Raskolnikov, and Louis’s deception shares similarities to Mr. Rochester’s in "Jane Eyre."
Through Cassie’s eyes, readers discover this multifaceted character, both her vivacious, daring public life and the inner torment of her soul from the bad choices she has made. The themes of guilt and choices, however, seemed overemphasized. Moreover, unlike Kirkpatrick’s previous novels, the Christian characters in this book seem more perfect and outspoken and more direct with the truth.
Evidence of the author’s meticulous historical research appears throughout the book in the minute details. Readers will find the enclosed maps helpful in following the characters’ travels. The book closes with an author’s note explaining what was fact and fiction in the story. show less
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A Gathering of Finches tells of Cassie Hendrick Stearns Simpson’s pursuit to fill her soul with worldly things. Unsatisfied with her life, she leaves her marriage of convenience to Josiah Stearns to live with madcap Louis Simpson. They lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Simpson for a few years before marrying. Both live fast, luxurious lives on the Simpson wealth. Near the end of her life, Cassie finds meaning in giving to others.
Jane Kirkpatrick used the lives of Cassie and Louis Simpson, a powerful Oregon Coast couple at the turn of the century, to illustrate the emptiness of worldly pursuits. It rings with the truths of Ecclesiastes: all is vanity and striving show more after wind. Seeking fulfillment, Cassie pursues pleasure and philosophy, exploring ideas from Freud, Christian Science, Russian novelists, and the women’s suffrage movement. Her guilt echoes that of Crime and Punishment’s Raskolnikov, and Louis’s deception shares similarities to Mr. Rochester’s in "Jane Eyre."
Through Cassie’s eyes, readers discover this multifaceted character, both her vivacious, daring public life and the inner torment of her soul from the bad choices she has made. The themes of guilt and choices, however, seemed overemphasized. Moreover, unlike Kirkpatrick’s previous novels, the Christian characters in this book seem more perfect and outspoken and more direct with the truth.
Evidence of the author’s meticulous historical research appears throughout the book in the minute details. Readers will find the enclosed maps helpful in following the characters’ travels. The book closes with an author’s note explaining what was fact and fiction in the story. show less
This is the story of the life of Cassie Hendrick Stearns Simpson. The wonderfully written tale details the challenges, struggles and the victories of her accomplishments throughout her life. This story details much of the early history of Oregon also. I highly recommend this book.
The life of Cassie Hendrick Strearns Simson who crossed the Oregon waters in 1899 & begin her life on the Oregan wild & rugged coast. A story of North Bend & Coo's Bay & a woman that couldn't find her happiness & her struggle to search.
Kinda slow and I skimmed most of it
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ThingScore 75
A Gathering of Finches is based on the life of Cassandra Hendrick Stearns Simpson. It’s a wrenching tale of a lifetime of questionable choices, a life lived almost wholly without purpose, devoted to self-satisfaction, and a heart that longs for something more. Yet Cassie has many friends, many people who genuinely love her and long to see her find herself…to find God.
Perhaps in the end, show more she does.
Jane Kirkpatrick weaves a heartbreaking tale of love and loss, of pain and betrayal. Well-written, laced with authentic historical tidbits that lend richness and reality to the storyline. This one won’t be easily forgotten. show less
Perhaps in the end, show more she does.
Jane Kirkpatrick weaves a heartbreaking tale of love and loss, of pain and betrayal. Well-written, laced with authentic historical tidbits that lend richness and reality to the storyline. This one won’t be easily forgotten. show less
added by DeliaLatham
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Garden-fiction
67 works; 20 members
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59+ Works 6,582 Members
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- Canonical title
- A Gathering of Finches
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