A Flickering Light (Portraits of the Heart, Book 1)

by: Jane Kirkpatrick

Published by: WaterBrook Press

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

Jessie Ann Gaebele has an obligation to help support her family, but she loves photography enough to risk her parents’ rage when she sneaks out early one morning to take a picture of the sunrise. But the picture is never taken. Instead, Jessie finds a man needing medical attention and she provides it, then she rushes off to a job interview. Despite her less-than-stellar appearance, the man hires Jessie, and she is thrilled to learn that she will be working in all aspects of a photography studio, learning all parts of the job. The only catch—she has to give up her beloved camera and work without wages for six months.

Jessie’s family is not thrilled with the job offer. But they do eventually agree because the promised wages, once she finishes the six months, are more than Jessie would make anywhere else. Photography is considered a man’s business since it involves the dangerous handling of chemicals.

Jessie’s new boss is married, though unhappily, so Jessie isn’t quite sure how to handle it when she becomes infatuated with her new boss. She is only fifteen years of age, and still has a lot of growing up to do. Will Jessie continue to pursue her dream, or will she run for safety?

Kirkpatrick’s newest historical novel, A Flickering Light, has been loosely based on a true story, set around the life of Ms. Kirkpatrick’s grandmother, a woman who was a pioneer in the world of photography. I enjoyed reading about a young woman who was infatuated with a career in a male-dominated field enough to buck to system and try to find work in, and actually learn the trade. Jessie was plucky, and didn’t take setbacks sitting down, instead she fought to raise up again and keep going.

A Flickering Light was very well done and held my interest. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, the setting, their circumstances, and the reasons behind their actions.

I am looking forward to the second book in this new series, coming in 2010, Shimmering Grasses.

Armchair Interview says: A discussion guide is included at the end of the book–great for book clubs.

Author’s Web site: http://www.JKBooks.com