Author Jane Pejsa has written a heart-felt portrayal of a strong, independent woman who advocated for the rights of women and the less fortunate in Gratia Countryman: Her Life, Her Loves and Her Library. Pejsa states in her Preface to this biography that Gratia Countryman had been extensively researched and documented by others and “felt [she] had nothing to add” (pg. 12) to their works. However, Pejsa has a personal connection to this remarkable lady – her mother, Irene Melgaard Hauser, was a friend and protégé.
Yet, Pejsa readily admits that “family lore” would not be enough to tell this story (pg 12). She knew she would need access to the private documents, diaries and personal letters, that may have been saved by Gratia’s own family
Yet, Pejsa readily admits that “family lore” would not be enough to tell this story (pg 12). She knew she would need access to the private documents, diaries and personal letters, that may have been saved by Gratia’s own family