All that Makes Life Bright



When Harriet Beecher marries Calvin Stowe on January 6, 1836, she is sure her future will be filled romance, eventually a family, and continued opportunities to develop as a writer. Her husband Calvin is completely supportive and said she must be a literary woman. Harriet's sister, Catharine, worries she will lose her identity in marriage, but she is determined to preserve her independent spirit. Deeply religious, she strongly believes God has called her to fulfill the roles of wife and writer and will help her accomplish everything she was born to do.
 
Two months after her wedding Harriet discovers she is pregnant just as Calvin prepares to leave for a European business trip. Alone, Harriet is overwhelmed-being a wife has been harder than she thought and being an expectant mother feels like living another woman's life. Knowing that part of Calvin still cherishes the memory of his first wife, Harriet begins to question her place in her husband's heart and yearns for his return; his letters are no substitute for having him home. When Calvin returns, however, nothing seems to have turned out as planned.
 
Struggling to balance the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing and her desire to be a part of the social change in Ohio, Harriet works to build a life with her beloved Calvin despite differing temperaments and expectations.
 
Can their love endure, especially after "I do"? Can she recapture the first blush of new love and find the true beauty in her marriage?

My Review

I am not familiar with the name Harriet Beecher Stowe. Although, after reading this book, I had to go learn more about this woman. Harriet showed a lot of courage and backbone to stand up and lend her voice to the injustice of slavery. The world can not have enough of strong women; who are smart and not afraid to speak up.  

Another reader commented and said that she did not like how in the beginning of the story, Harriet acted like a spoiled brat by not doing any house chores. I agree that Harriet did come off that way and it was not fair as she did make a commitment when she married to honor, cherish, love her husband. Part of marriage is making an effort. Yet, I was not put off so much by Harriet's attitude as I was her husband, Calvin. He was too demanding, whiny, and not very supportive of Harriet. So, I really had no lost love when he went away.

Yet, after he came back, it took a little while for me to warm up to him but I did warm up to him. In fact, as the story progressed, I found Calvin and Harriet to be a good couple. The things they did together to help abolish slavery was great. This is a lovely read.


 

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