An Umbrella Made for a Man
by Katherine Elberfeld
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Pub Date 8 Jul 2025 | Archive Date 15 Aug 2025
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Description
In the 1990s, strong-willed Irene Maxwell embarks on her path toward ordination as an Episcopal priest, confident in her calling but unprepared for the hidden obstacles she’ll face. During a job interview with the dean of a cathedral—conducted uncomfortably in his car—he asks Irene questions, only to interrupt her responses by poking her leg, forcing her into silence.
Even though women in the priesthood had become more acceptable by then, Irene soon discovers that gender biases haven’t disappeared—they’ve simply gone underground, devolving into a form of guerilla warfare. Microaggressions, sexual innuendos, and dismissive attitudes from her male colleagues are constant reminders of the unspoken resistance she faces.
As Irene navigates this challenging environment, she asks herself: What can I do? Who will protect me in this world? Her journey of self-discovery ultimately leads her to create a groundbreaking safe place for other women with similar experiences.
An Umbrella Made for a Man not only follows Irene’s personal struggles but also explores the broader question of why human beings inflict harm on each other. From acknowledging the darker sides of our nature to seeking paths toward peace, Irene’s story is one of transformation as she moves from frustration and pain toward hope, joy, and love.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"An Umbrella Made for a Man by Katherine Elberfeld is an unflinching, gracefully written account of a woman navigating the institutional and personal costs of leadership in a male-dominated church. Elberfeld’s prose is confident and observant, bringing Irene’s experiences into sharp focus without overstatement. The novel refuses neat resolutions, instead presenting a protagonist whose intelligence and integrity are consistently met with condescension, dismissal, or boundary violations. The writing maintains a steady, grounded rhythm, even when describing moments of subtle humiliation or private despair. Irene’s story unfolds organically, and as readers, we get a front row pew to the accumulation of incidents that ultimately shape Irene in a massive decision. Moments of sharply drawn conversations and sensory memory add texture and flesh the whole story out. Overall, this is a quietly assertive book, and one that takes its subject seriously without ever insisting on its own importance. Very highly recommended." - Readers' Favorite
"Readers of An Umbrella Made for a Man by Katherine Elberfeld will find themselves cheering for Irene regarding how she handled her unfortunate circumstances while fulfilling her ministry. You’ll develop feelings for her as if she was a real person you might know and become friends with." - Feathered Quill
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798891326910 |
| PRICE | US$15.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 248 |
