A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is currently touring with The Write Reads book tours. My review was originally published on April 15, 2020. I freshened it up and am re-publishing it today as a part of the tour. I’ll also have a review of Ms. Eichmann’s latest novel, Muskrat Ramble available soon.
A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann Published by Living Springs Publishers Llp on 04/15/2020
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Literature
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 312
1890's Colorado. Desperate following her mother's sudden death, thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens apprentices as domestic help with 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 vortex 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, 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, the first of two historical fiction novels by debut author Mim Eichmann -- a tribute to the women who set the stage for women's rights.
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Source: iRead Book Tours, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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A Sparrow AloneShop on Amazon Kindle 
A Sparrow AloneShop on Amazon Paperback 
Muskrat RambleShop on Amazon Pre-order
Also available on Barnes & Noble and The Book Depository.
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My thoughts on A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann
A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is a highly entertaining historical fiction novel.
Taking place in the 1890s world of Colorado mining, we learn the story of young Hannah Owens. After the death of her mother, she is sent to live and work with a wealthy family. Her life continues to be one disaster after another. But, this beautiful sparrow works to rise above everything life throws at her. From false accusations, beatings, rape, and more, this songbird keeps her steadfast loyalty and finds the bits that make life worth living.
Through the richly described setting, we are carried away to the rough and tumble mining towns. We can almost taste the desperation of miners hoping for a big strike. We feel buried by the despair of many characters. Yet, the good-heartedness of so many people rises to the top under challenging times.
The author tackles the subjects of racism, prejudice, poverty, and prostitution in a straight-forward manner without it becoming the focus of the story.
I feel like I made this sound like a rather depressing book, and that is far from the truth. A Sparrow Alone is an entertaining fictional novel that is truly not to be missed. It’s incredibly well-written. Hannah’s story will stay in your heart & thoughts for a long time.
A Sparrow Alone has a beautiful cover that should entice you to pick this book up, and then you will be swept away by the words between the covers.
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A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann
About Mim Eichmann
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.
Always captivated by the writings, diaries, and journals of late 19th century women, as well as that era’s economic, social and political upheavals, Ms. Eichmann has now put pen to paper and the historical fiction novel she has been passionately researching, its rich synopsis gradually evolving over many years, has finally become a reality. We hope you’ll enjoy “A Sparrow Alone” and its sequel, “Muskrat Ramble.”
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Author Interview:
What inspired you to write in this genre?
For over two decades I’ve been mesmerized reading and researching the diaries, journals, short stories and letters of late 19th Century women homesteaders, prostitutes and authors. And, I love reading informative historical fiction!
If an author fictionalized your life, in which genre would the story belong?
My arts’ experiences include that of ballet choreographer/artistic director, folk musician and children’s songwriter, but am also a mother of three, grandmother of six and became a widow at a young age — so rather a mixed bag.
Do you have a set writing schedule?
I usually write in the evenings, but can’t say that it’s set in stone exactly.
Do you need silence to write, or can you work in any environment?
Silence or as close to it as possible. How anyone can concentrate while sitting at a Starbucks thoroughly baffles me! I’m obviously of the wrong generation!
What is your favorite type of music?
As a musician I love all kinds of music — playing it as well as listening: Celtic, Americana, bluegrass, ragtime, Gypsy Jazz, classical and, most importantly, New Orleans style early jazz — prominently featured in “Muskrat Ramble” the sequel to “A Sparrow Alone”.
If you could set up your perfect writing scenario, what would it involve?
I’m feeling very isolated right now after this month of quarantine. It’s been rough for everyone I’m well aware. I confess that my thoughts right now run towards the romantic. Anything that doesn’t involve hand sanitizer, face masks and a distance of 6-12 feet…we’ll just let it go at that…
How do you choose the names of your characters?
In “A Sparrow Alone” the two historic characters, Pearl DeVere and Winfield Scott Stratton were obviously already named. Other characters’ names are those that were popular during that time period. In the book I actually joke about the plethora of Sadies since many prostitutes back then hid under pseudonyms such as Mary or Sadie. For my lead fictional character, Hannah Owens, my maternal grandmother’s maiden name was Owens. I like to think she would have enjoyed my work.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
More of a who: Julie Andrews
What is your most unusual writing quirk?
I doubt if it’s particularly unusual, but I talk back to my characters when I’m typing dialog.
Do you have a hobby you would like to share with us?
I play hammered dulcimer and am a vocalist with Trillium, www.trilliumtheband.com — an acoustic folk quartet now in its 16th year that performs throughout the Midwest and has recorded four CDs. Like most groups, our performance schedule is currently peppered with cancellations these days. Our music is available on Spotify
What do you read for pleasure?
Primarily historical fiction, mysteries, literary non-fiction and biographies
Do you have a favorite snack or beverage while you are writing?
As mentioned earlier, I prefer writing in the evenings, so very often will treat myself to a glass of cabernet at some point.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
I’m enamored with classic female writers such as Edith Wharton, Kate Chopin, Katharine Anne Porter, Eudora Welty, Flannery O’Connor and Grace King among others.
Is there anything you would like my readers to know about you and your book?
I would love to hear from you if you have any questions!
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A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann
A Sparrow AloneShop on Amazon Kindle A Sparrow AloneShop on Amazon Paperback
Also available on Barnes & Noble and The Book Depository.
Similar posts:
- The Pearl of York: Treason and Plot by Tony Morgan
- Engaging Sir Isaac by Sally Britton
- Then Came Darkness by D. H. Schleicher
I also share many of my reviews on the following websites:
Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up
The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda
What a beautiful review Gina, I am so glad you enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading your review of Muskrat Ramble as I really want to read that one as well!
Oh wow this post has so much info! Did you come up with the questions for the interview or were they provided?
Thanks, Jenny. The questions are mine and Mim kindly took the time to answer them for me.