An Umbrella Made for a Man
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About
In 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.
Even 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.
As 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.
An 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.
"Whenever I talk with people about what’s going on in the country and in the world, my thoughts always come back to Katherine Elberfeld’s novel An Umbrella Made for a Man which confronts many of the issues we’re facing now."
"Your book already has the hallmarks of a breakout literary work: a strong, relatable protagonist, emotionally resonant storytelling, and a narrative that tackles complex social and personal issues with poetic precision."
"In a series of connected vignettes that, at times, metamorphose into prose poems, Katherine Elberfeld treats her readers to a plethora of existential dilemmas in a unique voice laced with rich metaphors and repeated imagery. Elberfeld’s work, reminiscent of such diverse authors as Flannery O’Connor, Marcel Proust, and Marilynne Robinson, explores topics ranging from childhood influences and adult companionship to male-female relationships in the workplace and beyond, and, ultimately, to love and God, illness and death. If you are looking for a book with stellar prose that skirts the boundaries of creativity, An Umbrella Made for a Man is the book for you."
"The umbrella that was made for a man appears early in the
novel and encompasses Irene’s struggle to survive the
patriarchal reality that permeates every aspect of her life as
an Episcopal priest. Friends, family, life, and death
culminate in confusion first and then razor-sharp clarity
revealing to Irene that love, after all, never goes away and is
the fiercest of all forces pulsing through the universe.
Elberfeld assures us that we need only to remember our
dreams. I’ll see you in my dreams."
"An 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. The novel refuses neat resolutions, instead presenting a protagonist whose intelligence and integrity are consistently met with condescension, dismissal, or boundary violations. The writing maintains a steady, grounded rhythm, even when describing moments of subtle humiliation or private despair. Irene’s story unfolds organically, and as readers, we get a front row pew to the accumulation of incidents that ultimately shape Irene in a massive decision. Moments of sharply drawn conversations and sensory memory add texture and flesh the whole story out. Overall, this is a quietly assertive book, and one that takes its subject seriously without ever insisting on its own importance. Very highly recommended."
"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."
"Through memories, dreams, experiences, losses and joys, the author invites the reader to remember how experiences affect our voice - our ability to identify our needs and express them, often in a world where patriarchy discounts the feminine. Through short stories about a female with grown children, the author interweaves a spiritual journey of lifelong faith in God. Exquisite descriptions of both family life and loneliness keep the reader engaged to the final pages."
"Katherine Elberfeld’s An Umbrella Made for a Man is a tender, raw, and quietly furious excavation of one woman’s spiritual calling—and the institutional and intimate betrayals that nearly silence it. With poetic precision and a fierce commitment to emotional truth, Elberfeld offers a story that feels less like fiction and more like revelation."
"Elberfeld stirs the soul through Irene’s journey, nudging readers toward an intense awakening that will leave them wary but hopeful."
"In An Umbrella Made for a Man, Elberfeld crafts a rich and often infuriating storyline, a fictionalized account of her own entry into the sexist world of the church. What her protagonist undergoes vacillates from problematic to alarming, but her story is also marked with a determination, grit, and inner strength that readers will find inspiring.
The author is a strong writer and storyteller, employing clear, accessible language that is also hard-hitting and impactful.
This is an original work with a surprising and enlightening storyline. Elberfeld brings authenticity to the narrative by drawing from her own experiences. The result is a wholly unique chronicle of an under-explored topic.
The author capably handles characterization, not only for her protagonist but also for the many male colleagues who purposely or inadvertently patronize or discount her."
Please note: When attributing quotes from this Critic’s Report, you must credit The BookLife Prize.
The author is a strong writer and storyteller, employing clear, accessible language that is also hard-hitting and impactful.
This is an original work with a surprising and enlightening storyline. Elberfeld brings authenticity to the narrative by drawing from her own experiences. The result is a wholly unique chronicle of an under-explored topic.
The author capably handles characterization, not only for her protagonist but also for the many male colleagues who purposely or inadvertently patronize or discount her."
Please note: When attributing quotes from this Critic’s Report, you must credit The BookLife Prize.