Tragic history inspires author
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- Published on Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Rebekah Lee Jenkins launches new book in Neepawa
By Cassandra Wehrhahn
Neepawa Banner & Press
Neepawa’s Margaret Laurence Home 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’s rights activists, and exposes the double standard women faced in divorce courts at the time.
“Women in that time had to prove adultery and abuse, whereas men only had to prove adultery to be divorced,” Jenkins stated. “It took until 1925 to change that.” Jenkins shared her surprise, and that of her readers thus far, on the subject.
“My readers were surprised- and I was very surprised because I knew it but I didn’t know the full impact until I was reading the transcripts from that time,” Jenkins elaborated. “It’s good to remember where we come from. We can appreciate where we are, and take steps to not trample on anyone’s rights.”
The author commented that the surprise was good, stating that “A book should cause them [the readers] to be surprised and ask questions”.
Jenkins wrote the first draft of the story while in residence at the home, and relayed her thoughts on the experience with a chuckle. “I felt like it was too much of a privilege, that I didn’t feel worthy of being there,” said Jenkins. “Because in Manitoba I’m not considered a professional because I haven’t published with a publishing house”
The author commented further, stating that the room she stayed in had a painting of Laurence on the wall. “Every day I wrote under this painting thinking to myself - I hope I’m doing your name some justice here,” Jenkins divulged with a laugh. “It was fun.”
Research for the novel was gathered from archives, including divorce transcripts from the 1920s and the book “Petticoats and Prejudice”. Known for writing strong female characters and accurate history, Jenkins used pieces of history regarding Clara Brett Martin, Canada’s 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.
