Mom recently called me after finishing The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart, and what followed was one of those conversations I wish I could bottle up and revisit. I asked her a few questions about the story, and she shared reflections that stayed with me—some of which I’ve included below.
The Outsider introduced Mom to the Shaker community, a world she had known almost nothing about before. Like many people, she had only associated the Shakers with their beautifully simple furniture, so discovering the depth of their beliefs and way of life was eye-opening for her.
She was especially struck by the story of Mother Ann. Mother Ann Lee was the founder of the Shaker movement.
What fascinated Mom most was how strongly Mother Ann’s followers believed in her divine connection, and how that belief translated into a way of life centered on celibacy, confession, equality between men and women, and a separation from the outside world. The group’s journey to New York in 1774 to escape persecution—and the spread of their movement across America—was history Mom had never encountered before.
Mom stated she was both amazed and unsettled by the strictness of the community. One detail that stayed with her was how closely Gabby was monitored after breaking a rule—so much so that Sister Helen ties herself to her for weeks to ensure obedience. That image really lingered with Mom, highlighting just how intense the expectations were and how easily someone could feel isolated or judged.
Another part that deeply moved her was the story of Brice Scott, the young outsider doctor who arrives to help the injured. His decision to serve in the War of 1812—despite the Shakers’ belief in nonviolence—created a powerful tension. Mom was struck by the hardships he endured: losing comrades, being taken captive, and ultimately facing a moment where he had to take a life to survive. Knowing he was a doctor made his journey feel even more poignant to her.
In the end, Mom expressed that she found The Outsider both educational and deeply moving. It gave her a new understanding of Shaker life, the influence of Mother Ann Lee, and the emotional weight of living within a structured community. More than anything, she said it made her reflect on belonging, individuality, and the delicate balance between faith and freedom—insights she hadn’t expected when she first picked up the book.
Of note: Some of the settings in the novel primarily serve to anchor the doctor’s experience during the War of 1812 and are presented as historically plausible backdrops for the events that shape his journey.
About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she's published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers' Choice Women's Fiction Book of the Year.
