The Gates Ajar

Mary Cabot is devastated after learning that her brother has been killed in the Civil War. She finds comfort in the church, her neighbors, and friends, but is unable to find the peace she seeks. When her widowed aunt and young cousin from Kansas visit her, Winnifred offers a new perspective on heaven that helps Mary heal. The Gates Ajar, first published in 1868, was a spiritualist novel that sold thousands of copies and inspired a new vision of heaven. This edition features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a modern and readable font, making it accessible to contemporary audiences while preserving the original intelligence and impact of Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Mary Cabot is devastated after hearing that her closest brother has been shot and killed while fighting in the Civil War. She is left feeling alone and helpless, having lost the majority of her family. Seeking solace in the church, her neighbors, and friends, she is unable to find the comfort she needs. As time passes, Mary becomes more reserved and loses her faith. However, her life takes a turn when her widowed aunt, Winnifred, and young cousin from Kansas decide to visit her in Massachusetts.

As the women strengthen their bond and share conversations on their trauma, Winnifred offers a new perspective, describing her understanding and vision of heaven. Despite its divergence from the traditional Christian idea of the afterlife, Mary begins to heal, unaware that more hardships are around the corner.

The Gates Ajar, first published over one-hundred and fifty years ago in 1868, established Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' career, earning her fame and recognition for her emotional and reflective spiritualist novel. Inspired by her own experience of losing loved ones to the Civil War, Phelps wrote The Gates Ajar to assuage the pain of death in ways the Christian church was not providing. The novel quickly rose to fame, selling thousands of copies and inspiring a new vision of heaven that resonated with its audience. References to The Gates Ajar can be found in music, literature, and even floral arrangements.

With sympathetic characters, a relatable plot, and gorgeous imagery, The Gates Ajar remains to stimulate modern readers and addresses timeless topics that remain approachable and relevant. This edition of The Gates Ajar by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the powerful and timeless message of The Gates Ajar.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133188