Customer Reviews

Mystic Sweet Communion

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read this book because it is about early Florida, the state in which I live. I fell in love with it because it's about characters who jumped off the page and captured my heart and my imagination.

I was inspired and uplifted by the dedication, determination and self-discipline of Ivy Stranahan. She is the purest example of an early feminist. The true story of how she struggled and fought to improve the lives of women and to increase their say in government and in everyday life is every bit as strong as the story of her determination to help the Seminole Indians.

Ms. Kirkpatrick's ability to bring to life early Florida is astounding. I felt I was there. I marveled at the hardships that faced the early settlers of South Florida. I cheered for their victories and cried at their tragedies. Completing this book was sad because I could not longer learn about those extraordinary people. Without a doubt, this book is now on my all-time favorite list!

This was the first, but certainly not the last, of Ms. Kirkpatrick's books that I will read.

In previous novels, Jane Kirkpatrick has showed the literary world that she knows people, history, faith, language and the great Northwest. But in her latest work, "Mystic Sweet Communion," the Oregon author reveals she's far from a one-region writer. Intead, she shows an impressive ability to bring to life historical characters about as far from her beloved Northwest as possible.

"Mystic Sweet Communion," the story of woman-for-all-seasons Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, not only establishes Kirkpatrick as being regionally broad but also strengthens her position as the standard setter for faith-infused historical novels.

Frankly, "Sweet Communion" surprised me. "Love to Water My Soul," "Sweetness to the Soul" and "A Gathering of Finches" all benefited from Kirkpatrick's deep understanding of the Northwest. I doubted whether she could bring to life turn-of-the-century Florida with the same realness. I was wrong. "Mystic Sweet Communion" is one of those novels so wonderfully woven with detail that you'd think Kirkpatrick and her family tree were planted there. Instead, the book reflects exhaustive research spawned by her scination with Stranahan, which makes for a wonderful blend of history and uncommon literary flair.

Kirkpatrick's lead character, Stranahan, is a tapestry of faith, ambition and ahead-of-her-time activism. The first teacher in Florida's Broward County, she and husband Frank are among the few people courageous and compassionate enough to reach out to to Seminole Indians along the New River, along which Fort Lauderdale would eventually emerge. She begins as a young woman with small dreams, and winds up being called upon by no less than the president of the United States. In the meantime, she deals with society that suppresses women, legalistic religion that often strays from the grace-filled God it purports to serve and people who, unlike Stranahan, seems content with not questioning cultural norms.

The book's plot isn't particularly deep, nor does it twist and turn with heart-stopping drama. But such constraints are a small, and necessary, price to pay for remaining true to a story about real people, whose value needn't be Hollywood-esque to be admired.

Kirkpatrick develops characters so real that, as you're reading, you get the same feeling you get in a movie theater when you forget you're watching a movie. But Kirkpatrick's greatest asset as a writer goes deeper than both plot and characters, to something even more significant: meaning.

This delightful historical fiction blends a tender love story with the real life struggles of the Seminole Indians at the turn of the last century. It's a tale of commitment to marriage vows made by two strong individuals willing to support one another in the pursuit of their altruistic goals no matter the personal cost. It's also a story of the Lord's faithfulness. Through these pages roam real characters facing real dilemmas and and living with the consequences of their choices. Memories of Ivy, the heroine, and her determination to secure justice for the Seminoles will haunt you long after you turn the last page. Added to the enticing story line and the various subplots is a unique literary style that's sure to please discriminating readers who savor delicately turned phrases.

In Mystic Sweet Communion, Jane Kirkpatrick transports the reader into the Florida frontier of the 1800's to meet Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. The reader appreciates Ivy and her husband Frank as a couple whose lives make a mark on the history of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Both have integrity, sensitivity and deep faith in God. Mrs. Kirkpatrick has developed a story which captivates the reader, a tribute to her expertise in the genre of historical fiction. Ivy's love and concern and respect for the Seminole indians turns her into an advocate for their protection. As usual with Mrs. Kirkpatrick's books, one is sorry when the story ends. Jane Kirkpatrick's stories are so encouraging that the reader realizes that his/her own life is a pioneer journey and that with faith,hope and love one can make a mark of encouragement on those around us and those who are to come.

I have never heard of the author but while browsing the books in the library the cover art caught my attention. After reading the back I decided that I would give it a try and I am so glad I did. This book takes you back in time when Florida was young and makes you really feel for the indians. I truly understood the main characters reasons for not wanting a physical relationship with her husband and marvel at the depth of his love for her. Please check this one out!

Jane Kirkpatrick has done it again! MYSTIC SWEET COMMUNION is my favorite book yet by this talented author. She weaves her stories with literary grace and emotional depth, and builds worlds filled with characters that live on in your heart long after the last page is read. I am in awe of Ivy Stranahan, her compassion, honor, and perseverance. What we can learn from this woman's life journey! I highly recommend this book.

Delta Grove Book Club read and reviewed Kirkpatrick's latest work, "Mystic Sweet Communion", in February. We enjoyed the book and found it a wonderfully descriptive novel of Florida and the Seminole Indian people of that time. We especially appreciated sections of the book where Ivy describes becoming a teacher, her descriptions of Indian clothing, Seminole trading practices of alligators and other historical references. We recommend the book as a very enjoyable read!

This is a wonderful story of two amazing people--Ivy and Frank Stranahan. Ivy's dream to become a teacher turned into much more when she married Frank Stranahan. They became very important in the growth of Ft. Lauderdale and to the Seminole Indians who lived there. They were a unique couple with a very surprising relationship. As I read the book, I felt as though I knew Ivy and Frank and could visual the area. It is an inspiring book about two very real people. Jane has the ability to make you "feel a part of" what is happening in the book! Enjoy!

I, too, was captivated by the cover of this book as I browsed in the library. I had never read Kirkpatric (nor even heard of her). I was skeptical about the religious overtones the book might have but the cover and back exerpt won me over. I had just returned from a vacation in the Everglades and wanted to continue the magic of the place. This book exceeded my expectations. The natural history of the Seminoles, the Everglades, and the flora and fauna is very well-portrayed.
The book is heartbreaking, pioneering, inspiring, and an amazing account of History of the south florida area. I could see a bit of myself in Ivy and her idealism and heart. I am just venturing into the environmentalism field and wish to teach. Her quest for her "purpose" in life was very inspiring for me. The strength of Ivy and other women in this book is amazing. Even now, 100 years later we are still fighting for women's rights. I cannot even fathom the struggle 100 years ago. I admit, Initially Ivy's motives were sometimes hard to interpret as she liked to hide certain parts of herself. I think we understand her better as she learns to understand her motives and dreams. I have a hard time understanding the life-long celibacy with her husband although I do not doubt the strength of the love between her and Frank. I just believe that the strength of a relationship depends upon the commitment of the people involved - sex or no sex!
I think that Kirkpatrick did a thorough and heartfelt novel based on the history of the area. It was precisely what I needed to read after leaving the Everglades. I admit, I am heartbroken over the loss of much of the Everglades but have hope as dikes are removed, and some natural flow returned. The injustice done to the Seminoles can also not be forgotten.

Very disappointing. The author has written a fictional, in-the-first-person, autobiography. Quite a contradiction. The extremely personal details of Ivy Stranahan's life should not have been included, as the reader has no idea where fact and fiction begin and end. One cannot imagine that Mrs. Stranahan would have wanted these details, if they are true, to be available to anyone who happens to pick up the book. Perhaps speculation of this sort would be more acceptable if the main character were one who had lived centuries ago rather than a 20th century individual. The bizarre details of her private life tend to distract from Mrs. Stranahan's accomplishments. This book can vaguely be categorized as historical fiction, and there are no illustrations.