A Visit with Author Cathy Gohlke

Happy Labor Day!

            I'm thrilled to have Christy Award winning author Cathy Gohlke along this week. Band of Sisters, Cathy's newest book, was just released. Cathy's sharing a copy for a giveaway, too, so be sure and check out the details below. 

KL: Welcome, Cathy, it's great to have you back! Band of Sisters differs a bit from your previous books. What motivated you to write it? 

CG: Thank you, Karen, it's great to be back! I’ve always been fascinated by the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement.  But I was horrified to learn that there are more than twice as many men, women and children enslaved today than at the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.  This book was born of a passion to end modern-day slavery, and most of all, to ask, “What can I do to help in a need so desperate?”

KL: Why did you choose New York City 1910-1911 as the setting? Does human trafficking in that era compare to human trafficking today?

CG: I was inspired by an article I read by Alma Matthews.  Alma was a small but determined woman who, armed with her umbrella and a hefty dose of fury, stood against dangerous men bent on exploiting immigrant women as they entered the U.S. through Castle Gardens, in old New York City.  Alma ushered young women to her home, prepared them for employment, and helped them begin a safe new life in the city.  It became a full time ministry involving many—all in the early days of the settlement house movement.  

But my editor suggested that I set the story later, when immigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.  As I researched that possibility, I found that the problem of exploitation and human trafficking had not only grown during those years, but that the strikes of NYC shirtwaist factory workers had made public the desperate need for women to make a living wage in safe circumstances.  Necessary elements for the story and high drama were all a matter of public record—everything from the passing of the Mann Act to address the fear of white slavery to the Triangle Waist Factory fire. 

            Even though our technology, transportation, communication, etc., is different from the story’s era, many countries today are no further in providing rights and safeguards for women than the U.S. was in 1910.  Some are further behind.

            KL: It is a horrific epidemic, Band of Sisters opened my eyes to certain practices I was unaware of. 

            CG: Raising awareness is a great start. Many of the same ruses are used by traffickers to lure women into their snare now as they were then:  better paying jobs for themselves and/or money for their families, flirtation, pretense of emotional caring and support, marriage, offers specifically for modeling jobs, offers for education, appeals for help of various kinds, plays on sympathies, etc.  

 

In some cases, after gaining victim's trust, women or children are/were blackmailed.  Fearful that their families will not believe them or will accuse them of promiscuity and reject them, they are afraid and feel compelled to sneak out and “service” men when called.  Some are sold to traffickers or users by members of their own family, or by someone they trust.

            Once trapped—sometimes after being unwittingly drugged and/or blackmailed—women are often transported far from their home (crossing borders to other states or  countries).  Held against their will through abuse, enforced poverty, lack of ID, lack of language skills, lack of visas or passports, they may simply not know who to trust or where to go for help in the country in which they find themselves.  Isolation, threats to their person or their family, repeated brain washing that they are dirty, worthless, unwanted, unloved, and good for nothing but sex with paying customers are all tools that traffickers use to intimidate and control their victims.

            Fear of what will happen if they try to escape, fear that they have ruined their lives and will have no other way to live, fear for themselves and loved ones, resulting health problems, feelings of hopelessness and a constantly reinforced sense of self-worthlessness all form formidable prisons for victims of trafficking.  Even if it seems they can physically escape, they may not be able to break the emotional or mental chains that bind them.

All those things happened then, and they continue to happen to victims today.

KL: Yes, and the reality is sickening.  Band of Sisters illuminates the hearts and souls behind the issue. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing this info. We'll finish this discussion on Thursday, okay?

CG: Sounds good, looking forward to it!

My Review    


            After their mother‘s death, Maureen O’Reilly and her sister Katie Rose flee Ireland under cover of darkness. Childhood friend Joshua Keeton aids their escape, and they land on Ellis Island with grand hopes of a better life in America. Their arrival is less than joyous, however, as thirteen-year-old Katie Rose is ill. To make matters worse, Maureen learns that their stateside benefactor has passed away. Fearful of deportation, a desperate Maureen lands a job at a department store under false pretenses.

            Olivia Wakefield, the daughter of the O’Reilly’s late benefactor, struggles in the wake of her father’s death. She resists the pressure to marry well and maintain a façade of happiness among the upper echelon of 1910 society. Keeping up appearances pales in comparison to what she believes God has called her to do. Upon discovering her father’s connection to the O’Reilly family, Olivia sets out to help Maureen and Katie Rose.

            Maureen and Olivia inadvertently discover that the department store where Maureen works is a front for illegal activity. Concerned for Katie Rose’s safety, and unsure of Olivia’s motives, Maureen turns to Joshua for help. Olivia, frustrated with Maureen’s distrust, seeks help from Curtis Morrow, her brother in law’s new business partner. An elaborate plan unfolds, and loyalties are tested beyond what Maureen and Olivia ever imagined. 

            Will Maureen and Olivia successfully battle the illegal underground network that has spread into New York’s polite society? Can either trust the men set in their path, and perhaps find a future with them? I won’t say any more, lest I spoil this wonderful story of adventure and redemption. 

            Band of Sisters addresses social injustice that was not only common during the early 20^th century, but also one that plagues us today. Cathy discreetly brings light and life to the issue through this suspenseful and compelling tale. Her stirring and heartwarming story had me from beginning to end – I give Band of Sisters, her fourth novel, two thumbs up.


Giveaway Details

• You must be a follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include link with your comment where applicable.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is midnight EST Friday September 7, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, September 10, 2012.

For more info on Cathy and her books, visit her website.

Do you have any questions for Cathy? Have you heard any family stories about relatives who entered the United States through Ellis Island?

Please join Cathy and me for Thursday's post, where Cathy shares more about her writing journey.  Hope you can join us!



Happy reading and writing,
 Karen