An Umbrella Made for a Man - Katherine Elberfeld

nLimited time special offer! With the purchase of any book on Amazon by Katherine Elberfeld - winner of a place at the 2025 Playa Flamingo Writing Residency - get a free copy of her meditations collection In the Midst of Sunflowers! Just click kaewrites.com and provide your mailing address on the Contact form.n nn nIn the 1990s, strong-willed Irene Maxwell embarks on her path toward ordination as an Episcopal priest, confident in her calling but unprepared for the hidden obstacles she'll face. During a job interview with the dean of a cathedral-conducted uncomfortably in his car-he asks Irene questions, only to interrupt her responses by poking her leg, forcing her into silence.n nn nEven though women in the priesthood had become more acceptable by then, Irene soon discovers that gender biases haven't disappeared-they've simply gone underground, devolving into a form of guerilla warfare. Microaggressions, sexual innuendos, and dismissive attitudes from her male colleagues are constant reminders of the unspoken resistance she faces.n nAs Irene navigates this challenging environment, she asks herself: What can I do? Who will protect me in this world? Her journey of self-discovery ultimately leads her to create a groundbreaking safe place for other women with similar experiences.n nn nAn Umbrella Made for a Man not only follows Irene's personal struggles but also explores the broader question of why human beings inflict harm on each other. From acknowledging the darker sides of our nature to seeking paths toward peace, Irene's story is one of transformation as she moves from frustration and pain toward hope, joy, and love.n nn n--n nn nAn Umbrella Made for a Man by Katherine Elberfeld is an unflinching, gracefully written account of a woman navigating the institutional and personal costs of leadership in a male-dominated church. Elberfeld's prose is confident and observant, bringing Irene's experiences into sharp focus without overstatement. - Asher Syed for Readers' Favoriten nn nQuill says: Readers of An Umbrella Made for a Man by Katherine Elberfeld will find themselves cheering for Irene regarding how she handled her unfortunate circumstances while fulfilling her ministry. You'll develop feelings for her as if she was a real person you might know and become friends with. - Diana Coyle for Feathered Quilln