Tragic history inspires author
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Rebekah Lee Jenkins launches new book in Neepawa
By Cassandra Wehrhahn
Neepawa Banner & Press
Neepawa鈥檚 Margaret Laurence 水果视频 will once again be visited by an author!
Hairdresser by trade, Souris self-publishing author Rebekah Lee Jenkins will be revisiting the home for the launch of her new book on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. The event will be a garden tea party where attendees will be able to enjoy cake and a reading from the author herself. Attendees will also be able to acquire paperback copies of the book, titled Hope in Oakland, at the launch. Set in 1904, the novel presents main character Cora Rood as a lawyer and women鈥檚 rights activists, and exposes the double standard women faced in divorce courts at the time.
鈥淲omen in that time had to prove adultery and abuse, whereas men only had to prove adultery to be divorced,鈥� Jenkins stated. 鈥淚t took until 1925 to change that.鈥� Jenkins shared her surprise, and that of her readers thus far, on the subject.
鈥淢y readers were surprised- and I was very surprised because I knew it but I didn鈥檛 know the full impact until I was reading the transcripts from that time,鈥� Jenkins elaborated. 鈥淚t鈥檚 good to remember where we come from. We can appreciate where we are, and take steps to not trample on anyone鈥檚 rights.鈥�
The author commented that the surprise was good, stating that 鈥淎 book should cause them [the readers] to be surprised and ask questions鈥�.
Jenkins wrote the first draft of the story while in residence at the home, and relayed her thoughts on the experience with a chuckle. 鈥淚 felt like it was too much of a privilege, that I didn鈥檛 feel worthy of being there,鈥� said Jenkins. 鈥淏ecause in 水果视频 I鈥檓 not considered a professional because I haven鈥檛 published with a publishing house鈥�
The author commented further, stating that the room she stayed in had a painting of Laurence on the wall. 鈥淓very day I wrote under this painting thinking to myself - I hope I鈥檓 doing your name some justice here,鈥� Jenkins divulged with a laugh. 鈥淚t was fun.鈥�
Research for the novel was gathered from archives, including divorce transcripts from the 1920s and the book 鈥淧etticoats and Prejudice鈥�. Known for writing strong female characters and accurate history, Jenkins used pieces of history regarding Clara Brett Martin, Canada鈥檚 first female lawyer, as inspiration for protagonist Cora Rood.
Jenkins was honored for the opportunity to write at the home, and is excited to return. Jenkins would like to thank Neepawa for being so supportive, and hopes to use voices of the past to inspire the next generations.
