Review of Near the Danube Bridge
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Catherine Sweet
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Review of Near the Danube Bridge
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Near the Danube Bridge" by Catherine Allen-Walters.]
Near the Danube Bridge is by Catherine Allen-Walters, an award-winning author and professional violinist. The book is a true account of two families living in Serbia and includes their experiences during World War II. Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo’s parents are the two protagonists and she provided the concept and conducted research.
The two families are the Hartigs, with eight children, and the Kirchners, with six. The book starts in 1935 when Kalman Hartig was five years old, and his parents argued about their different religious beliefs. Religious arguments are a theme throughout the book and relate to the Seventh-day Adventist religion.
During World War II, Kalman applied to do medical work but was sent to a labour camp where he stayed for two years. This part of the book is harrowing and disturbing. Kalman was tortured and starved, and the living conditions were inhumane. When Kalman’s religious beliefs clashed with expectations in the labour camp, he chose torture over defying his religion.
Kalman married Minka Kirchner, and the story follows their lives after the war. The plight of immigrants and their courage in pursuing new lives is fully documented for both families.
The book has many family members, but Allen-Walters handles this well, and the reader can keep track of everyone. Family trees are supplied at the beginning of the book. The book is well-crafted with eloquent writing and a story that flows and has clarity. The story of these people’s lives is credible and well portrayed.
Many historical items are used in the book, such as old family letters. Photographs of every family member appear throughout the book. The author also watched DVDs of Kalman talking about his time in the labour camp. This historical evidence gives the story authenticity and added depth.
The atrocities described in the labour camp make this book suitable for mature readers. It would appeal to readers interested in history, religion, and other people’s lives. This story is well told, and I award it 5 out of 5 stars.
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Near the Danube Bridge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Near the Danube Bridge is by Catherine Allen-Walters, an award-winning author and professional violinist. The book is a true account of two families living in Serbia and includes their experiences during World War II. Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo’s parents are the two protagonists and she provided the concept and conducted research.
The two families are the Hartigs, with eight children, and the Kirchners, with six. The book starts in 1935 when Kalman Hartig was five years old, and his parents argued about their different religious beliefs. Religious arguments are a theme throughout the book and relate to the Seventh-day Adventist religion.
During World War II, Kalman applied to do medical work but was sent to a labour camp where he stayed for two years. This part of the book is harrowing and disturbing. Kalman was tortured and starved, and the living conditions were inhumane. When Kalman’s religious beliefs clashed with expectations in the labour camp, he chose torture over defying his religion.
Kalman married Minka Kirchner, and the story follows their lives after the war. The plight of immigrants and their courage in pursuing new lives is fully documented for both families.
The book has many family members, but Allen-Walters handles this well, and the reader can keep track of everyone. Family trees are supplied at the beginning of the book. The book is well-crafted with eloquent writing and a story that flows and has clarity. The story of these people’s lives is credible and well portrayed.
Many historical items are used in the book, such as old family letters. Photographs of every family member appear throughout the book. The author also watched DVDs of Kalman talking about his time in the labour camp. This historical evidence gives the story authenticity and added depth.
The atrocities described in the labour camp make this book suitable for mature readers. It would appeal to readers interested in history, religion, and other people’s lives. This story is well told, and I award it 5 out of 5 stars.
******
Near the Danube Bridge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: 8 IZ enough by Sim Runles
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Williams Jaden
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Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters is a poignant true account of two families in Serbia during World War II, focusing on the Hartigs and the Kirchners. The story follows Kalman Hartig, whose religious beliefs and courage in the face of unimaginable suffering in a labor camp shape his life. The book explores the themes of religious conflict, survival, and the immigrant experience, detailing the hardships and resilience of the families as they navigate the war and its aftermath. A moving narrative of faith, survival, and the pursuit of a better life.
Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles
