Originally published in the Christian Library Journal in March/May 1998

==

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 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. ( )

Kinda slow and I skimmed most of it ( )

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. ( )