Saturday, June 6, 2020

Book Review: A Lantern In Her Hand



“Because the road was steep and long
 And through a dark and lonely land,
 God set upon my lips a song
 And put a lantern in my hand.”
- Joyce Kilmer


A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich was first published in 1928, and was very popular back in the day. Sadly, this book is not well known, much less read anymore. It makes me sad because, in my opinion, this beautiful little gem of a book, is one of the greatest books ever written.

It is a book of hope, a book of love, of self sacrifice, of courage, of friendship, and of true Christian motherhood. The heroine herself, Abbie Deal, I think could take her place among those heroines who we greatly admire, not as a lovely lily, but as one of the little flowers.

The book begins with a flash back. Abbie Deal has died, and standing around her bedside are all her children and grandchildren bemoaning the fact that their poor mother has died alone. That is, all except Laura, a granddaughter of Abbie who says: “‘I don’t think it was so dreadful. I think it was kind of nice. Maybe she didn’t miss you.’ She looked slowly around the circle of her elders. ‘When you stop to think about it, maybe she didn’t miss you at all. One time Grandma told me she was the very happiest when she was living over all her memories. Maybe. . .’ She hesitated, a little shy at expressing the thought in her heart, ‘Maybe she was doing that . . . then.’”

It is not until the very end of the book that you will understand what Laura is talking about. And oh, it will mean so, so much to you. How can you be sad at the death of one, who lived such a wonderful life?

The author takes us all on a journey of a lifetime, by telling us the story of one human life. The life of a woman, a pioneer, who gave up everything. A woman who endured many hardships, losses, and sorrows, and by them, gained many joys, blessings, and comforts.

All the events and characters in this book are drawn so beautifully and realistically, reminding one of events and people in their own life. The author has a real knack for the realistic. But by realistic, I don’t mean in the way we usually think of it, but rather in the way of the true realistic, the one where children are more important than the grass on your lawn and where the small and everyday joys of life are the best of all.

I can truly say that this book is a part of who I am today. Many thoughts and ideals that I now hold dear to my heart were inspired and taken from this book, such as my views on: femininity and motherhood, my respect for the elderly, the role of the women in the home, overcoming trials and loss, value of the things of the past, and my outlook on life in general.

Abbie Deal’s life was a triumph. And it is my hope that one day I will be able to say, that I lived my life half as well as Abbie Deal did!

I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially young women. All of us are in dire need of the light from a lantern, to help guide us safely through this, our culture of death.


“I think that love is more like a light that you carry. At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance. Then motherhood lights it and then duty . . . and maybe after that sorrow. You wouldn’t think that sorrow could be a light, would you, dearie? But it can. And then after that, service lights it. Yes. . . . I think that is what love is to a woman . . . a lantern in her hand.” - Abbie Deal


My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️     Age: 12 and up




God Bless,
Anna



Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Once Upon An August


Image result for anastasia broadway

So . . . . last August, I had the great experience of seeing my first broadway show, Anastasia! This musical has became one of my favorites, ever since the day I first came across the song: In A Crowd Of Thousands online. Getting to see this show last year, was one of the highlights of my Summer.

I thought that with all this pandemic stuff going on and with all the plays being canceled this year, that I’d share a little bit about the musical and my experience.

It has a little bit of something in it for everyone!

All the pictures in this post were taken from Google.


Family
Related image
Anastasia's Grandmother gives her a music box before leaving for Paris.


Beautiful Costumes
How Anastasia's Costume Designer Honored What Fans Loved on Screen ...
Anastasia's family poses for a picture.


Great singing
Related image
Dimitri sings “My Petersburg.”

Related image
“I'll bless my homeland till I die.”
This was actually one of my favorite moments in the show.
Something about the quiet sadness of this song is just beautiful.


Dancing
THEATER REVIEW: 'Anastasia' at PPAC is feast for eyes and ears ...
“Paris Holds The Key (To Your Heart).”

Read Reviews for Broadway-Bound Anastasia Musical (With images ...
Vlad and Dimitri, teaching Anya how to dance.
The dancing was so fun!


A Villan
Image result for anastasia broadway
Gleb and Anya


Comedy
Image result for anastasia broadway gleb
“Finally, a Russian telephone that actually works. Sir, that was a joke.”

Related image
Vlad and Countess Lily.
This is the only part of the show that I don't like.
A scandalous relationship, why?


Romance
Related image
Vlad, Anya, and Dimitri.


Amazing sets, props, and special effects.
Related image
On the train to Paris.


Ballet
Related image
Swan Lake.


A Happy Ending!
Related image
“Do you remember the last time you saw Anastasia?”

Taking bows.


Do you like or dislike this musical? Has anyone else seen this show?
Let me know what you think in the comments!

God Bless,
Anna