Kentucky Woman: The Life of Viebie Catron Cantrell

By Mary Ellen Klatte

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0945084846
• ISBN13: 9780945084846
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Jesse Stuart Foundation
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

I wish you could have known her...

This book is about a truly remarkable woman. I have never known anyone so devoted to God, family and friends. She loved so many people and so many people loved her. The last year of her life she spent in a nursing home and although she couldn't talk (intelligibly) or move very much she had visitors all day every day. You don't receive that kind of love and devotion unless you have spent your life demonstrating that love to others. I know I am biased because I knew her very well but she has taught me so much about a life well spent. I recommend this book to keep her memory alive.

A great book about a special woman

Let me start this review by saying that I am completely biased. This book is about my grandmother. This book is a wonderful depiction of her life and shows what a strong Christian woman she was. The chapter about the courtship between her and my grandfather is the best in the book. Since he died when my father was very young, I learned things about him through reading this book that I ever knew before. A very quick read, with some great pictures and some of the best poems my grandmother wrote included.

Kentucky Woman Stirs Family Memories

Kentucky Woman, by Mary Ellen Klatte, really touched me. The book shares the life story of a strong, loving woman in a challenging time. It stirred up memories of my Grandmother, a kentucky woman born just 4 years before Viebie and from a nearby place. References to such things as apple butter, custard pie and sun-bonnet girl quilts brought back vivid scenes from my childhood experiences with my Grandmother. Even the slang terms made me smile as I remembered my Grandmother calling me "fleshy" when I put on a few pounds. Viebie's life is a testament to determination, love and making the most of your life. I highly recommend this book. It is a love story but also a keen reminder of another time and place, so different from today.

An Interesting Life of an Independent Woman

Although I thouhgi that I would only read a few pages, I was captivated by this book and didn't put it down until I finished it. Her picture on the back cover of the book reflects much of the great humor, pride, and positive nature of this fine woman. It was with great interst that I read of her life, and as a historian I am always interested to read and reflect on the lives of people who have made a contribution to their country and their community. So often people are only interested in the biography of the rich and famous, and they tend to forget the dogged hard work, perserverance and love that comes from the so called "common folks." Certainly Viebie was not the common folks, for within her determination and self sacrifice without complaint we see the real family values and real profiles in courage. Our young folks tend to think that all the modern conveniences have always been in the United States. They tend to forget that much of America was small and provincial and that gratification and desires were not instantly met and that great sacrifice was often the life of many before us. The life of Viebie Catron Cantrell is inspirational, in that it tells us of the spirit of a well reflected life, in her hopes and dreams of her community and her family told in letters and sweet poetry. We see here the small trials and tribulations of a young woman undergoing her daily tasks of getting an education, teaching, experiencing the hopes and despairs of everyday life, and seeing through her eyes the hard times of the 1930's, and her special courtship through her letters and reflections. Many of the colloquial expressions are also very interesting. This book is a fast and fun account of a proud woman and her family, and it was a joy to read despite the sad times that were met with this uncomplaining God fearing woman.

An inspiring character

"Kentucky Woman" is a book you don't often find: direct, unpretentious, and thought-provoking in its simplicity. Author Mary Ellen Klatte has captured the fortitude of Kentuckians through the true story of Viebie Lee Cantrell, who overcame great obstacles in the early 1900s to pursue her dreams, her goals...and her love, Talmage Cantrell.Through extensive research and interviews, Klatte presents a story obviously dear to her heart. Viebie is an inspiration, as a woman and as a Kentuckian, and Klatte shares with us Viebie's courage, kindness, and love of life.At times sad, other times humorous, but always with an eye to the future, Viebie is a "Kentucky Woman" you'll long remember.