Pig Killing and Family Gathering

In 1906 Kentucky, young Bertie Winslow witnesses a family pig slaughter, a significant event that unites her family. Her father, Albert, leads the task, while her mother, Polly, manages the household. Bertie, only six, is tasked with caring for her younger brother Timmy, showcasing her early maturity. This gathering highlights the importance of community and tradition, setting the stage for the family dynamics that will shape Bertie's life.

Timmy's Tragic Disappearance

During a family gathering, Bertie loses sight of Timmy, who tragically drowns in a creek. This event shatters the family, embedding a deep sense of guilt in Bertie, who blames herself for his death. Her father's harsh reaction and the family's grief underscore the emotional weight of the loss, marking a turning point in Bertie's life and setting the stage for her lifelong struggle with guilt and responsibility.

Bertie's Burden and Resilience

As the eldest daughter, Bertie takes on significant responsibilities, caring for her siblings and managing household chores as her mother's health declines. Despite her young age, she demonstrates resilience and maturity, balancing her duties with her desire for education and personal growth. Her father's absence and drinking exacerbate the family's struggles, forcing Bertie to grow up quickly and navigate the challenges of her new role.

A New Life in Missouri

Seeking a new beginning away from the memories of Timmy's death, the Winslow family moves to Missouri. Bertie adapts to a new environment and community, befriending Alta Bea, a neighbor who introduces her to new ideas. Despite the change in scenery, the family's struggles persist, with financial difficulties and Bertie's increasing responsibilities. The move symbolizes a chance for renewal but also highlights the enduring challenges the family faces.

Mama's Decline and Dacia's Defiance

Polly's health continues to deteriorate, confining her to bed and leaving Bertie to manage the household. Dacia, now older, becomes increasingly defiant, challenging Bertie's authority. The tension between the sisters reflects the broader family dynamics, with Bertie struggling to maintain control and provide for her siblings. Polly's decline and eventual death leave a void in the family, deepening the siblings' reliance on each other but also straining their relationships.

A Marriage Proposal and New Beginnings

Faced with the prospect of breaking up the family, Bertie contemplates marriage as a means of providing stability for her siblings. She meets Bernard, a schoolteacher, who offers her a chance at a new life. However, Bertie realizes she desires a partner who shares her values and dreams. Her relationship with Sam, a fiddler, blossoms, offering her the love and companionship she seeks. The decision to marry Sam represents a turning point, as Bertie embraces the possibility of happiness and a future of her own making.

Family Fractures and New Roles

As Bertie and Sam marry, the family begins to fracture, with her brothers taking on new roles and responsibilities. William and Buck plan to take the twins, while Bertie focuses on her new life with Sam. The separation is bittersweet, as Bertie grapples with the loss of her childhood home and the weight of her new responsibilities. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to create a loving and stable environment for her remaining siblings, reflecting the broader themes of resilience and adaptation.

Sam's Musical Passion and Struggles

Sam, Bertie's husband, is deeply passionate about music, spending every spare moment playing or thinking about it. His talent as a fiddler and singer is well-known, bringing joy to those around him, including Bertie. Despite the challenges they face, Sam's music creates a sense of warmth and happiness in their home, making it a special place for Bertie and their family.

Financial Strain and Hidden Debts

Despite Sam's hard work, the family struggles financially, with debts piling up. Bertie discovers that Sam has been too soft-hearted to collect debts owed to him, leading to financial strain. This revelation causes tension between them, as Bertie grapples with the reality of their situation and the pressure to provide for their family.

Dreams of Kansas Oil Fields

Sam becomes captivated by the prospect of working in the Kansas oil fields, where he believes they can earn a better living. He envisions a future where they can escape their financial struggles and provide a stable life for their family. Bertie is hesitant, fearing the unknown and the potential loss of their current life, but Sam's determination is unwavering.

A New Beginning in Wiley, Kansas

The family relocates to Wiley, Kansas, seeking a fresh start in the oil fields. The move symbolizes hope and the possibility of a better future, but also brings challenges as they adapt to their new environment. Bertie and Sam work hard to establish themselves, while their children adjust to the changes and find their place in the community.

Unexpected Arrival of Dacia's Children

Bertie's sister Dacia sends her three children to live with Bertie, claiming she is too ill to care for them. The arrival of the children is a shock, bringing both joy and challenges as Bertie and Sam adjust to their expanded family. The children's presence forces Bertie to confront her past with Dacia and the unresolved issues between them.

Characters

Bertie Winslow

Bertie is the heart of the family, balancing the challenges of motherhood, financial strain, and unresolved family issues. Her journey is marked by resilience and a deep desire to provide a loving home for her children, both biological and adopted. Bertie's growth is evident as she learns to forgive herself and others, embracing the complexities of family life.

Polly Winslow

Polly is Bertie's mother, whose health deteriorates over time, leaving Bertie to manage the household. Her decline and eventual death leave a void in the family, forcing Bertie to confront her fears and insecurities. Polly's influence is felt throughout the story, as her teachings and values guide Bertie in her new role.

Albert Winslow

Albert is Bertie's father, whose drinking and absence exacerbate the family's struggles. His harsh reaction to Timmy's death and inability to provide stability highlight his flaws. Despite his shortcomings, Albert's presence looms large in Bertie's life, shaping her perceptions of responsibility and family.

Dacia Winslow

Dacia's decision to send her children to Bertie reflects her struggles and inability to care for them. Her absence looms large, forcing Bertie to confront their shared past and the unresolved issues between them. Dacia's story is one of complexity and pain, underscoring the themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Sam Frownfelter

Sam's love for music is central to his identity, providing joy and solace amidst life's challenges. His determination to provide for his family leads him to the Kansas oil fields, where he hopes to secure a better future. Sam's unwavering support for Bertie and their children highlights his deep commitment to family and love.

William Winslow

William is Bertie's older brother, who takes on a protective role within the family. His decision to take the twins reflects his sense of responsibility and desire to provide stability. William's relationship with Bertie is marked by mutual respect and understanding, as they navigate the challenges of their new roles.

Buck Winslow

Buck is Bertie's brother, who supports her in her efforts to keep the family together. His aspirations to become a barber reflect his desire for independence and a better life. Buck's relationship with Bertie is characterized by loyalty and a shared commitment to their family's well-being.

Alta Bea Snedeker

Alta Bea is Bertie's friend, whose intelligence and unconventional views challenge Bertie's perceptions. Her friendship with Bertie provides a source of support and inspiration, despite their differences. Alta Bea's journey towards independence and self-discovery mirrors Bertie's own struggles with identity and belonging.

Bernard Whitson

Bernard is a schoolteacher who offers Bertie a chance at a new life through marriage. His kindness and stability contrast with Bertie's previous experiences, providing her with a sense of hope and possibility. Despite his offer, Bertie realizes she desires a partner who shares her values and dreams.

Trouble (Travis)

Trouble, one of Dacia's children, initially struggles to communicate and connect with others. His hidden talent for music becomes a revelation, transforming his relationship with the family and offering a glimpse of hope and potential. Trouble's journey highlights the power of music to heal and connect.

Plot Devices

Family Dynamics and Responsibility

The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the burden of responsibility placed on Bertie as the eldest daughter. Her struggle to balance her duties with her desire for personal growth highlights the challenges faced by young caregivers. The evolving roles within the family, particularly after Polly's decline, underscore the themes of resilience and adaptation.

Guilt and Redemption

Bertie's guilt over Timmy's death serves as a central plot device, driving her actions and decisions throughout the story. Her journey towards forgiveness and redemption is marked by her efforts to protect and provide for her siblings. The theme of guilt and redemption underscores the broader narrative of healing and growth.

Marriage and Independence

The prospect of marriage serves as a plot device, offering Bertie a path to stability and independence. Her relationships with Bernard and Sam highlight her desire for love and companionship, as well as her determination to create a better life for her siblings. The theme of marriage and independence reflects the broader narrative of self-discovery and empowerment.

Music as a Healing Force

Music plays a central role in the story, serving as a source of joy, connection, and healing for the family. Sam's passion for music and Trouble's hidden talent highlight the transformative power of music to bridge gaps and bring people together, underscoring the themes of hope and resilience.

Analysis

"All the Forgivenesses" by Elizabeth Hardinger is a poignant exploration of resilience, family dynamics, and the journey towards forgiveness. Through Bertie's story, the novel delves into the complexities of familial responsibility, the burden of guilt, and the search for identity and belonging. The narrative highlights the transformative power of love, music, and forgiveness in healing and connecting individuals. Bertie's growth and determination to create a loving home for her family underscore the themes of resilience and adaptation, offering a powerful message of hope and redemption.

Last updated: April 13, 2025