Pink Chimneys: A Novel of Nineteenth Century Maine

by Ardeana Hamlin Knowles

Set in nineteenth century Bangor, Maine, follows midwife Maude as she delivers Elizabeth to sixteen-year-old, unmarried Fanny, who years later hires her daughter as a seamstress to work for the brothel she runs.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Jane Mclean]

Had to take a break from Goodreads during our move. Now I have a new library card and I'm baaack. This is the first of a trilogy set in the area of Maine we just moved to. A good read for learning about local history.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book! It's a fictional story, but with elements about real Maine history brought in.
It's all about women's struggle in 19th century Maine and is set around three, awesome female characters over the course of their lifetimes.
Every character was unique and apparently they were all based off of real women who lived in Maine in the 19th century.
I especially loved the first woman, Maude. She was studying to become a mid-wife and was so smart and so outspoken she just made my feminist heart happy.
Definitely a good read if you live in the Bangor area and are interested in history and feminism.
I read this for a book club and the author actually came in and did a talk about the book and her inspiration.

[Elise Ozarowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pretty big surprise for me. I didn't expect much from it because it was written in the 80's about nineteenth century Bangor. Those things didn't interest me terribly, but I have to say I feel really connected to every single character. The writing style reminded me of an updated Jane Austen, and it really gave the environment a vividness that I appreciated. Still, with that more restrained, telling style, I rarely feel like the characters are human. Women are often far too formal (not too formal for the time, just too formal for my taste), and I never feel as though you really get to know the characters intimately. In Pink Chimneys, Ardeana Hamlin managed to maintain the style that lent itself to historical fiction, yet made me feel as though I had known each character for years. Each woman, beautifully flawed, was a feminist in her own way, and I absolutely loved how Ardeana Hamlin wove feminism into the narrative. It was neither subtle nor preachy. I think the structure of the novel worked especially well, although I felt a bit of sadness at the end of each section because that meant I was leaving one woman's perspective for another. I really did enjoy this novel, and I think it stands out as a "new classic," something that is incredibly hard to achieve. I have to say, the only thing I don't like about the book was the physical book--the two sequels are much prettier and better quality, so I wish Pink Chimneys could go through a redesign or something so that it fits in with the rest of the series.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.0 of 5

1800's, Bangor, Maine. Three women struggle to survive and thrive in a male-dominated world.
Maude Richmond is bright young girl who wants to become a doctor like her father, but, because she's female, it won't be possible. So she does the next best thing - she becomes a midwife and by choice she elects to help the 'fallen' girls.

Fanny Abbott is one of Maude's patients. A young girl who has been completely taken advantage of - seduced and abandoned. She gives birth to a daughter, Elizabeth.

Fanny knows that she needs to find work, but the prospect is made doubly hard with a baby in tow, so she asks her sister to look after the child while she looks for work in the city. She'll send for the baby as soon as possible. But that good time never seems to arrive as Fanny flounders about trying to find work. Finally she manages to get a job ... running the day-to-day business of a brothel ("Pink Chimneys") - and sends for her daughter, now a young woman, to work there with her, as a seamstress.

Author Ardeana Hamlin has clearly put in a great deal of time researching the location and the era and the book manages to feel like a 19th Century romance tale, rather than the 1980's historical fiction that it truly is.

I didn't mind the read, though I struggled to maintain an interest through the middle sections of the book. Fanny's plight was certainly real and something the history books don't spend much time on, but other than showing a determination to keep moving forward she doesn't actually bring much to the story. Maude is much more interesting but not featured enough.

A fair number of reviewers mention the historical aspects, and again, it did read like a book from this period, but I have no personal knowledge of Maine history and other than a couple of visits to the state, I don't know much about it.

This was a fine but not terribly memorable read. Perhaps the local (Bangor, Maine) angle will appeal to some. I understand that the book is loosely based on an actual Madam who ran a brothel known as the "Blue House". But I suspect that many cities had their bawdy houses and stories of the area have lingered through the decades.

Looking for a good book? Pink Chimneys by Ardeana Hamlin is a feminist, historical fiction novel set in 19th century Maine.

[Sarah Brasslett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a native Mainer, and I've lived in Bangor for the past 2 decades. Reading a book about the lives of 3 women in my town 100 years ago was mesmerizing. Knowing the streets, rivers, towns, and many of the historical figures referenced in this book added even more color to Hamlin Knowles well-crafted narrative.

Early in the novel, Maude travels to Orrington from Bangor. A neighbor child feels she will never see Maude again. Maude must take a carriage to the river, a boat across the river, and then a lengthy carriage ride to her destination. I regularly drive to Orrington from Bangor - about 5 minutes in my car. At that point I was struck by the little things we take for granted - like bridges and cars and roads and how transportation has progressed in our rural state.

Aside from the local connection, I was struck by the struggles of women and of childbirth. Birth control was and is truly a miracle. When women have the power to control reproduction, they have the power to control their own lives.

Sometimes the best way to understand history is by looking at the everyday lives of "ordinary" people.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical fiction. It was definitely a palette cleanser after some heavier reads. The author’s primary work was that of a journalist which is obvious in the way she gathered the historical information and turned it into a narrative. The book was originally published in 1987, re-published in 2007 for the 20th anniversary and now has been reissued for its thirtieth anniversary. That is quite a record for a simple fiction book. I enjoyed the historical perspective on 19th century Bangor, Maine as it developed into a lumber capitol and the story line about women’s choices, or lack thereof, for work, medical care, birth control and general lifestyle. The main characters were strong female personas with satisfying roles to inhabit.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book had rave reviews, I would probably give this a 3 1/2 stars. I happened to pick up Abbott's Reach, the second book in the series, and read that first, mainly for the historical content of the area where I live. Abbott's Reach contained a lot of interesting history, and I enjoyed the story enough to want to go back and read Pink Chimneys. Although I found the history concerning Bangor interesting, the story itself I found to be somewhat lacking and disappointing. The ending seemed rushed and a little detached, as if the author was trying to wrap everything up in a neat little summary just to finish the book. If you're more interested in the historical aspects of a historical novel, you may be disappointed in what you get here.

[Jim Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline of Pink Chimneys is sprinkled with descriptive images of farms along the Penobscot as well as 19th-century city life in Bangor, Maine with its large stately homes on Broadway as well as the seedy underside of the city in the waterfront area called Joppa. The real strength of the book (and likely its enduring appeal) lies in the story's turns as well as its likeable characters and their abilities to endure and cope with life's adversities and the consequences of the choices they have made. However, Pink Chimneys is not a hard, gritty novel, nor is it a romance novel either. Ms Hamlin manages to craft a good story, firmly based in history without resorting to detailed descriptions of what goes on up on the second floor at Pink Chimneys. Nor does she resort to affected wordings of love and romance. In doing so, she has written a timeless novel that was entertaining to read.
Full review is here: http://bit.ly/pinkchimneys

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about 3 women whose story are told one by one and all merge predictably at the end. I didn't really like any if the women. One is a midwife who delivers the "bastard" child of the second one and the 3rd is the grown child. Not a spoiler because you can figure it our in the first paragraph. It is mostly narrative with a little conversation mixed in. I only finished because it was a book for my book club.

[Alice Frati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second read. I love this book. There are books you read where the characters leave the pages and travel with you through the days and enter your dreams. The characters in Pink Chimneys do this. The author endears the characters to you and entwines them in your lives. They become real and you want what is best for them. The historical nature of the book lends to what is was like to live in Bangor, Maine during the early 1800’s. For me, this is a cherished book.

[Judy Aulik · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's difficult to realize this masterpiece existed 33 years before I found it. It's a tale of a midwife, forbidden by law to use forceps while her doctor father can; a baby she delivers and her coming of age; and a madam trapped in a small house of prostitution. There are tales of early attempts at contraception, doctoring for the shipping trade, political corruption and hypocrisy. In short, it's American with all its warts and triumphs.

[David H. Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough times

It's no secret that life in the 19th century was quite difficult. Difficult is an understatement for the travails of Fanny and so many like her. I suppose as a resident of the greater Bangor area this story is of particular interest as I can imagine the various locations mentioned. No matter where you live, though, the story will come alive for you. Enjoy the book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I love this book, can’t wait to read the next in the series. It broke my heart and gave me hope. I love the strength and vulnerability in the characters and Sam and Maude’s love. “All I want Maude,” Sam went on, “is to be your ballast, not your anchor. How do I make you understand that?” ...”I don’t want you with barnacles on your beam, my love. I want you in full sail.”

[Deb White · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the mid 1800's, Fanny runs a bordello in Bangor, Maine. She had a baby (Elizabeth) out of wedlock, gave her to her sister to rear, and then moved to Bangor. Her mid-wife was Maude, an independent woman and married to a doctor. 20 years later, Elizabeth comes to Fanny's Pink Chimneys as a seamstress.
Story of the growth of Maine as a state - shipping, lumber, rum industries

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about 3 women who end up all being connected . I loved all three characters but when their section ended I missed learning more about them. This was also of interest to me because of its historical setting in Maine where I live. I’m not sure who proofread the book but there were many grammatical errors that hindered my enjoyment of the book (yes, I’m that kind of reader).

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but a predictable story. Worth reading for the history and atmosphere of Bangor and the immediate area in the early 19th century. The three main characters are interesting and fairly well-drawn but I felt like they weren’t allowed to lead full lives—we skirt over the surface of melodramatic events. Good overall but could have been a lot better with more depth.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book because you really get a sense of rural Maine life in the emerging statehood. The story switches to Bangor and this setting is vivid as well.
The three main characters are so well developed you are routing for them!
Great read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story about the lives of these 3 women: Maude, Fanny and Elizabeth was engaging. I felt joy and sadness for each of them for different reasons. I wish there was more about Mercy, Fanny’s sister and aunt to Elizabeth, in the book. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Abbot’s Reach.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read but simple writing. Good story about Maine and the place of women. My favorite character was a spunky midwife who did not care what people thought. I'm assuming the historical background presented was accurate so those of you who love Maine will find that interesting.

[Karli Eller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable historical fiction novel set in 19th century Maine told in three parts. Each part follows the life of a separate female character, each from different circumstances, that ultimately become tied together in the end.

[Laura Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Being from Maine it really was fun to know the places she wrote about. I really enjoy reading books about the days when things were simpler and how people survived wars and how they can rise up even with the hardest upbringings.

[Randee-Sue Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book overflowed with Maine history. The plight of women was clearly depicted. Characters were well developed and the plot unraveled skillfully. The author was excellent and I plan to seek out her next book. This is a must read for all Maine women!

[Cynthia J · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread, actually.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5. I did like Part 2 quite a lot!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting. It takes place in Bangor with some Portland in the mid 1800's, following a midwife and a madam. Liked the characters and Maine, of course. Interesting book, and quick fun read.

[Alicia Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a vacation read. Fun to think about the history of Bangor/Maine. Sweet characters.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Living close to Bangor it was interesting to read and think about Bangor in the 1800s.

[Candis Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story of women in Maine at the turn of the 19th century. Well worth reading if you haven't already. I'm looking forward to reading Ardeana's other books.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed it.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the life of Madam Fan Jones and her brothel in Bangor, Maine. Good read; a predictable ending.