A Sparrow Alone
Mim Eichmann
Title A Sparrow Alone
Author Mim Eichmann
Publisher Living Springs Publishers, 2020
ISBN 0965711390, 9780965711395
Length 312 pages
Subjects Fiction › Historical › General
Description
1890s. Colorado. Following her mother's sudden death, thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens is hired as domestic help by a wealthy doctor's family in Colorado Springs. When the doctor declares bankruptcy and abandons his family to finance his mistress Pearl DeVere's brothel, however, Hannah is thrown into a world of gold mining bonanzas and busts, rampant prostitution, and the economic, political, and cultural upheavals of the era.
Two of Cripple Creek's most colorful historic characters, Winfield Scott Stratton, the eccentric owner of the richest gold mine in Cripple Creek, and Pearl DeVere, the beautiful madam of The Old Homestead come to life as this old-fashioned, coming-of-age saga unfolds, a tribute to the women who set the stage for women's rights.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Review: A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann
The Gilded Age began after the American Civil War and ended at the turn of the century. I have read a lot about this period but one thing I have shied away from, till now, was the gold mining that took place during this era.
I did consider population expansion and of course, had the thought of deforestation would change the habitat. I was aware miners were injured in explosions or may fall resulting in injury and also was aware of the dangers of contamination posed by them inhaling dust or mercury, lead, or arsenic poisoning. But I am not sure I had the forethought that an area may become a pleasure district or that clean drinkable water would be hard to find.
This story is set in 1890's Cripple Creek, Colorado. Cripple Creek is a former gold mining camp near the base of Pikes Peak.
Along with the gold rush was much lawlessness so it's interesting learning some of this historical context.
In this story, we see how this time has an effect on thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens. We learned of the conditions in the late 19th and early 20th century and meet the minings district's first millionaire.
Many coming-of-age stories talk about the journey to adulthood and included tales of love and loss and this one includes prosperity and tragedy.
About the Author
Mim Eichmann has found that her creative journey has taken her down many exciting, interwoven pathways. For well over two decades she was known primarily in the Chicago area as the artistic director and choreographer of Midwest Ballet Theatre and director of its home, Midwest Ballet Academy, bringing full-length professional ballet performances to thousands of dance lovers every year and was the recipient of many arts’ programming grants. A desire to become involved again in the folk music world brought about the creation of her acoustic quartet Trillium, now in its 15th year, a folk band well known for its eclectic repertoire performing throughout the Midwest that has also released four cds. She’s also written the lyrics and music for two award-winning original children’s cds, “Why Do Ducks Have Webby Toes?” and “Wander Down Beyond the Rainbow” and occasionally schedules concerts of her children’s music and movement programs.