Nora’s mission had been demanding. She wanted to find a way for women to
rediscover their true selves, denied to them throughout the centuries ‒
and to make the world a better place. When the young girl Aideen asks
Tunde if she may come to Lemuria, Ontario and learn about the beginnings
of the Norean Order founded in 1998, she agrees. Tunde’s preoccupation,
however, is with the smooth flow of the ‘Gathering’ symposium of 2066.
Women from all the Sanctuaries throughout the world are in attendance
and await the momentous event: the opening of the Portal to the
Outerworld. She has little time to spend with Aideen who unravels layers
and layers of stories found in letters, articles, diaries, newspaper
clippings and videos about the struggles and triumphs faced by Nora’s
family and by the Order itself. What Aideen also detects is something
she considers to be mystical ‒ that no one wants to acknowledge.
Innovative and positively
inspirational, a must read for every woman! The underlying messages within
the pages of The Women Gather will
entice you to keep reading. You will find yourself lost within the sanctuary of
the Norean Order. You will crave to find out the truth behind the mysteries. You
will learn that with joy, sorrow is soon to follow. You will also realize that
you must take your own path in life to discover who you are meant to be.
Writing Style:
The Women Gather
may be Katalin Kennedy’s first book,
but her writing skills are on par with a veteran novelist. This story is a work
of fiction but reads like non-fiction in some parts. The emotionally charged passages throughout
the novel really drew me in. The present time in the story reads much like any
novel, but the way the past is presented is truly unique. The past is told by
means of letters, diaries, interviews, newspaper clippings, and videos. This allows
you to identify with each of the characters on an intimate level. An absolute stunning debut!
My Opinion:
I would like to say that this book was way out of my
usual comfort zone. The synopsis caught my attention right away and I am so
pleased I had the chance to read this wonderful novel!
The Women Gather
is a book intended for women of all ages and ethnic groups. It is an
enlightening tale about women coming together through knowledge, respect, and understanding
to prosper and gain equality. Their journey is proved to be a difficult one,
but they work together towards common goals: To make the world a better place
and to be treated as equals. Aimed with their knowledge about their past, The Norean
Order is an unstoppable force!
I agree with the
idea of the right of equality for women. Sadly, in our society women tend to be
regarded as the weaker sex and normally placed below their male counterparts.
This notion has always infuriated me. I believe women to be strong and courageous
and I love that this book portrays that message. It’s refreshing to realize
that other women feel it’s important to fight for our rights! Can someone say
girl power?! (Sorry…I couldn’t resist!)
Besides women’s rights, this book also touches on many
other topics such as: religion, death, infanticide, the occult, education, and environmental
matters. (Just to name a few) Many of these are pressing issues even still
today! I also enjoyed the many different cultures that were represented in this
novel. I found it rather interesting to look up many of the topics and plan on
researching more on some of the subjects. Like the book implies, knowledge is
power!
My advice to you… if you’re a women you need to read The Women Gather. It will spark
something deep inside you that you may have never realized you had. It will
empower you to stride for something greater, to be everything you can be, and
to chase your dreams.
