Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick ~ Tracy's Take

What is it about?

‘Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft’ details the communal society of Dr Wilhelm Keil, from its early beginnings in Bethel, Missouri to its move to Aurora, Oregon. Dr Keil founded his community based on the fundamental truth of Christianity to “love one another” and to make another’s life better than one’s own. Jane Kirkpatrick artfully describes the early days of the Aurora colonists, from the initial scouting trip to the challenges of beginning a new settlement. Throughout the book are stunning photographs of the hand-pieced and hand-quilted quilts, early tools and implements, furniture and buildings. Jane allows the quilts and other hand-hewn artifacts to tell the stories of those who created them and put them to use.

What I thought:

Jane Kirkpatrick has created a true object of beauty with ‘Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft’. The story of the Aurora colonists is fascinating and Jane encompasses the many facets of colony life as though piecing a quilt, herself. Throughout the book, readers will learn about the gifted artisans of Aurora and how their relationships with one another, their faith and with their work enabled them to live harmoniously for so long. True tales of individuals interwoven with photographs of early life in the colony and their stunning quilts will delight and inspire a yearning for personally creating useful objects that incorporate true beauty.

Throughout this stunning book I was reminded that hard work has great value and that the results can be impressive and long lasting. Long lasting enough to be passed down to generations, providing a legacy that will inspire into the future.


Guest reviewer:~ my friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence


Rel:~ Now Tracy knows quilts, having almost finished one herself ~ check it out here! Quilting is way beyond me so I am very proud of my friend :)

The sister book to Aurora is Jane Kirkpatrick's novel, A Flickering Light. You can read about it below but check back next week for Tracy's review and an Aussie giveaway ~ I know Jane is one of her favourite authors!

Returning to her Midwest roots, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick draws a page from her grandmother’s photo album to capture the interplay between shadow and light, temptation and faith that marks a woman’s pursuit of her dreams.

She took exquisite photographs,

but her heart was the true image exposed.

Fifteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele loves nothing more than capturing a gorgeous Minnesota landscape when the sunlight casts its most mesmerizing shadows. So when F.J. Bauer hires her in 1907 to assist in his studio and darkroom, her dreams for a career in photography appear to find root in reality.

With the infamous hazards of the explosive powder used for lighting and the toxic darkroom chemicals, photography is considered a man’s profession. Yet Jessie shows remarkable talent in both the artistry and business of running a studio. She proves less skillful, however, at managing her growing attraction to the very married Mr. Bauer.

This luminous coming-of-age tale deftly exposes the intricate shadows that play across every dream worth pursuing—and the irresistible light that beckons the dreamer on.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Jane's website and blog

Buy Aurora or A Flickering Light

Check back next week for Tracy's review of A Flickering Light