Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

About the book

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a 19-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When financial mistakes and an injury force Ben to stop working, Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family. What she sees as a working woman appalls her, and she devotes her life to fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Following Abigail as she bears six children, runs a millinery and a private school, helps on the farm, writes novels, gives speeches, and eventually runs a newspaper supporting women's suffrage, Something Worth Doing explores issues that will resonate strongly with modern women: the pull between career and family, finding one's place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices women encounter when they compete in male-dominated spaces. Based on a true story of a pioneer for women's rights from award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick will inspire you to believe that some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great. 

My thoughts:

I have been reading a lot of historical fiction lately which makes sense because it’s one of my favorite genres. This one was different due to the fact that it is based on a woman who worked for women’s suffrage which I really appreciated as another elections draws near.  It’s been some time since I have read a novel like this one and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Abigail and her husband, Ben.  Their lives weren’t always easy given the losses they suffered but Abigail showed such strength as she worked tirelessly for her own family but for women in general.

I admired her for her strength and perseverance as she tackled everything head on, no matter how hard it was, she faces it and fought for what she believed in. I also liked Ben who was supportive of his wife, he stayed home to take care of their family and home when needed.  Something Worth Doing is definitely a novel worth reading which is why I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are completely my own.