We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels was a pleasant surprise for me. The novel is about three generations of women who live in Detroit and rural Lapeer, Michigan, spanning from the Civil War to the 1960s to today.
I found the novel to be engaging, with interesting storylines and settings, nicely paced, and with well-drawn and sympathetic characters. As a Christian novel, Bartels message is, "God has a plan."
Elizabeth has lost her job at the Detroit Free Press. She is asked to visit her great-aunt Nora to determine if she is the rightful owner of a camera and photographs in the possession of an African American family. With nothing holding her back, Elizabeth agrees and leaves Detroit for Lapeer.
Nora is confused and reclusive. Over time, Elizabeth pieces together a family history that involves the Underground Railroad, forbidden love, and the Detroit riot.
I was interested in reading the book because of its setting. I grew up and now live in Metro Detroit and remember vividly the 1967 riot. Other connections include my husband's family roots in Lapeer and adjoining villages including a great-grandfather who married a Farnsworth, a name which appears in the novel.
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| 20th c scrap quilt, African American, Detroit MI |
A bonus for me was the quiltmaking that takes place! A 19th c. Crazy Quilt, a yellow hexagon quilt, and a contemporary crazy quilt are central to the story. I love that Nora is a fabric hoarder, her stash spilling out of the closet and filling dresser drawers!
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| Crazy Quilt |
Piecing a life, piecing the mystery of the past, piecing things whole--the book's theme could be said to be the work of taking the worn scraps life hands you and creating something of beauty out of it.
A kaleidoscope of color, it was formed from varied patches of jewel-toned velvet and silk, each piece edged with multicolored embroidery thread in a hundred different patterns. from We Hope For Better Things by Erin Bartels
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| 1903 Crazy Quilt |
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| Crazy Quilt Detail |
Historical fiction fans will enjoy the book. Women's fiction readers will respond to the challenges the women face. Plus, there is romance and heartbreak and hope. The story addresses racism throughout American history.
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| 19th c Hexagon quilt owned by Diane Little |
https://erinbartels.com/home/media/interviews-articles/
Bartel's amazing photographs of Michigan can be found at
https://erinbartels.com/home/photography/
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| Trip Around the World, late 20th c, African American, Detroit |
We Hope for Better Things
by Erin Bartels
Revell
Publication January 1, 2019
ISBN: 9780800734916
PRICE: $15.99 (USD)
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| Detroit Motto: We Hope for Better Things, It Shall Rise From the Ashes |
