Title: Abigail’s Exchange: Becoming Resilient
Author: Kathryn Den Houter
Publisher: Mission Point Press
ISBN: 9781943995875
Pages: 270
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
“Life is about choices and the exchanges or swaps you make with those choices along the way.” – Kathryn Den Houter
Abigail’s Exchange: Becoming Resilient is an affecting story which speaks to the heart and soul. Set in the late 19th century in Baltimore, Maryland, the story follows a striking young woman called Abigail Abbott. Being the middle child in a family of three girls, Abigail had long learned to face life by herself, trusting her instincts. Jealousy and family divisions tormented the parenting style of both her parents and as time passed, she had grown quite fond of her father and shared a remarkable bond with him. After a horrific carriage accident that sees her take over the family business, Abbott’s Confectionary, Abigail finds a firm resolve and is determined to be a successful businesswoman.
After her wedding to Avery Johnson in 1888, she slowly came to realize something had to change, and she grudgingly accepted the fact that she couldn’t do both, a career and a wife. Life suddenly takes an unwelcome turn when her well-meaning intentions bring unforeseen tragedy. Abigail’s Exchange: Becoming Resilient is a heartwarming story about a woman who transcended a society of strict patriarchal confines and economic inequality to fulfill a yearning desire to create a new life within her that would be even more radiant.
Powerful and inspiring, Abigail Abbott is a likable character who despite facing numerous setbacks, faces her challenges head-on. Her worries, which appear from time to time and are fully justified, spiral her into a moment of impasse but she does not allow her fears to consume her. Houter has done remarkable work by creating an embedded narrative that aids in bringing alive a historical era which examines complex relationships between, culture and freedom, love and loss, courage and liberation.
Kathryn Den Houter writes with tenderness and heart. As the story crescendos to the loss of the protagonist’s fortune and husband, readers will by then be enraptured by both the imagery and succinct exposition. This is one of the best stories I have read in many months. It’s a poignant yet hopeful tale of survival and courage and answers the question of who we become after a great loss. Good work Author Den Houter! I look forward to reading more of your books.
