If you received an authentic and anonymous letter informing you that you were changed by mistake at birth and that you biologically belong to Amish parents, would you seek to meet them? That is the premise of the new fiction book, A simple and elegant Christmas by Cynthia Keller.
Two babies were born several days apart in a Lancaster, Pennsylvania hospital thirty years ago. They were both named Rachel, a member of the Kings, a local Amish family. The other Rachel (aka Ellie) was born to Gil and Nina Lawrence of New York City. Nina had gone into labor while traveling through the city.
A neonatal nurse with whom Violet had a romantic relationship and eventually married Paul Thornton, then a fifty-year-old pediatrician. A locked up alcoholic, he dramatically changed both babies in the hospital. They were both silent for the sake of their careers.
Now, after Dr. Thornton’s death and facing her own mortality, Violet writes a cathartic letter to inform both women of what happened thirty years ago: “Two women in two different states would receive the same letter. Then, at last he was able to breathe freely, knowing that she had done what she should have done so long ago. “
By discovering her lineage, each woman confirms things about her essence. Ellie abhors clutter and disorganization, a key Amish trait. Rachel has always questioned the way her family lives, her faith, and her place in the world.
Rachel Yoder (Rachel’s husband, Jacob, died three years ago of cancer, and she and her eleven-year-old daughter Katie returned to live at the King Farm) is in awe of the revelations in the letter; however, he chooses to remain silent.
However, Ellie Lawrence is intrigued by his genealogy; and decides to continue meeting his Amish biological parents.
Rachel receives a letter from Ellie about her intentions; and is forced to expose the hospital mishap to her family.
The Kings agree to Ellie’s visit. Wanting to spend more time with the Kings afterward, Ellie requests a week-long stay at the farm. The Kings oblige. While there, she dresses more simply, uses less makeup, and participates in the daily milking of the cows at 4:30 am. She also enjoys the reprieve from her position as vice president at a Manhattan public relations firm: “No office politics, no gossip, no being nice to people you can’t stand.”
Rachel is shamefully aware of her jealousy towards Ellie; and realizes that she too is free to explore her heritage. The Lawrences welcome your midweek visit with their new and desired granddaughter, Katie.
The couple are showered with adoration by the Lawrence clan, as they enjoy tea at the Plaza Hotel and tour the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
After her week-long visit with the Kings, Ellie determines that she wants to spend more time with them. He meets Rachel and reveals his intentions, a bold act foreign to Rachel. “I wish we were friends. Ellie’s tone was melancholic. However, it doesn’t seem to be working that way. Why pretend?”
Ellie suggests that Rachel and her daughter Katie sublet their Manhattan apartment and bond with the Lawrence. After much contemplation, Rachel agrees, to the dismay of her parents, who are opposed to uprooting Katie to live in the big city.
Katie’s exposure to life in the metropolis is less than ideal. Rather, Rachel realizes her latent desire for education beyond the standard eighth grade Amish education.
Ellie’s new Amish life provides continual new experiences, including a new occupation and romance.
Many authors write fiction based on Amish culture, yet few capture the depth of the plot quite like Keller. A simple and elegant Christmas creatively combine stories to produce an enriching holiday read.
Discover the Internet radio program dedicated to Amish customs at: http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom.