Where Lilacs Still Bloom

February 20, 2012
Kirkpatrick's (The Daughter's Walk) latest work, a fictional account of real-life gardener Hulda Klager, was inspired by the German immigrant who came to be known as the Lilac Lady from Woodland, Wash. Beginning with her pursuit of a better baking apple, the book chronologically follows Klager's horticultural enterprises, most notably her creation of more than 250 distinct varieties of lilacs. Kirkpatrick's research ferreted out a woman who worked diligently, and in relative obscurity, simply for the love of her craft. Sadly, Klager's accomplishments were entwined with deeply personal tragedies, told with as much historical accuracy as possible. Her family's misfortunes and heartbreaks serve to reinforce Klager's belief in the value of ornamentals, but some readers may not sympathize with a woman who seems to care more for plants than for her family or their finances. In addition to Hulda's family members, additional characters join the story at random intervals, making the character listing at the front of the book most helpful in reminding readers who is who. Told primarily in Hulda's voice, the book meticulously explains her means and methods; however, the horticultural detail might tire those readers who are not flower fanatics..