title: Behind the Closed Door
author: Adriaan, Trude
description: A novel of stunning power, romance and set in a milieu that evoked women of power to enter a world of great challenge, competing against the politics of male dominance. It is the humanity and compassion that the protagonist, Gertrude Stiernfeld so well demonstrated that ultimately lead to the great successes in her business career. However, a young woman has many dreams, especially dreams of falling in love. And so it was that something precious and mystical happened that was captured in the brevity after meeting her beloved Bernardt; he inspired her to live her dream. She opened her first business in the sought-after market of “Women’s Couture,” at first specializing in the corsetiere industry. A market that had been dominated by England and France during that time. But most notable and sensual are the romance and passionate feelings depicted as she experiences the ecstasy of her sexuality, described with such intensity and vigor. Later through trials and tribulations in her personal life and career she ventures into the world of fashion design and thus becomes renown for her exotic and famous evening, day and slack couture for women. But life deals her many a blow as tragedy and heartsore enters a time in her life when she least expected it. We learn about her mother’s story during this time as she brings Gertrude around to move forward and treasure the moments of sanctity that she shared with her loved one. We relive and envision the beautiful places she visited, her deep love for her companions and the struggles of the Second World War. Her creativity during this time to stay afloat and her sagacity in managing her portfolio of assets are to be admired. We live through vignettes of history during that period of time and are reminded of a war that almost brought the world to its knees through the dominance of a calculating dictator and his allies. Due to loyalty and compassion she entangles herself in a task of great humility to help her loved one. She learns from her friend, Abigail the meaning of true love and forgiveness. Throughout, the elephant in the room remains, her love for a glass of wine. And the struggle within to mask her pain. We are also introduced to other notable characters that play an important role in her life, like Emma and Jack, two doctors that go to great lengths to save the ill and comfort the poor. And then there’s William, one of my favorite characters. The conclusion is very touching and certainly deepens the tale of a woman that aspired to greatness and yet did not manage the escape of tragedy. A story well-told with ardor and delight of a time and era to be treasured. And a story of a woman who struggles for full equality and dignity in a society that denied so many women their rights.