Review of Katarina's Dark Shadow

[Susan Kihleng]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Katarina's Dark Shadow" by MJ Krause-Chivers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Katarina lives a comfortable, though somewhat sheltered, life as a Russian Ukrainian Mennonite in the early 1900s. Katarina has her life planned out, filled with dreams of an independent lifestyle, writing, traveling, and seeing the world. As rumors of revolts and war linger in the air, the Mennonite community attempts to continue living a life in peace and harmony. All that begins to change as the rumors become reality, and terror arrives in their own sleepy, quiet villages. With war looming in her path, Katarina struggles to see if her dreams will ever be fulfilled, or will they crumble just like the rubble of the war-torn cities in the wake of the attacking rebels?

In the aftermath of World War II, Peter is desperate to find his missing mother, Katarina. He spends his days struggling to put his mother’s journal entries into book form, his consuming desire to share her story and give her life a greater meaning. As Peter works to piece together his mother’s traumatic story, he finds more questions than answers.

Katarina’s Dark Shadow by MJ Krause-Chivers is a historical fiction novel but is based on actual events. The author alternates between telling Katarina’s story and her son Peter’s story, nearly three decades apart. Katarina’s Dark Shadow, book one of the Russian Mennonite Chronicles, is a story of tragedy and hope, demonstrating the utter brutality of war and the trauma it leaves behind.

I absolutely loved this book. It held my attention captive from beginning to end. I appreciated the author’s footnotes at the end of many chapters, containing a further explanation of the political climate during the era. It helped to clarify the events and cultural aspects mentioned. One thing that stood out to me in the story was how much the women and young people of the era were sheltered from the news of the political situation and war. As a result, when the war arrived on their doorsteps, they were unprepared for the horrors of what was happening. The author managed to portray the emotions these people experienced as they realized their way of life was about to be altered forever.

There was nothing to dislike about this book. I found it enlightening to understand more of the Russian Mennonite’s beliefs. At times I was frustrated and irritated with Katarina’s way of thinking, but I reflected on the time period and the fact that Katarina was only thinking and outwardly portraying a lifestyle and mentality of her culture. As Katarina began to question some of the ways of her people, her limited worldview was evident. For example, at one point in the book, she mentioned that, according to her father, “all were not created equally. He’d explained that each was born into their particular position for a specific reason that only God knew. One should therefore be content with their lot in life.” Statements such as this shed some light on the Mennonite’s worldview.

I selected this book because of the current political situation in the Ukrainian region, and I wanted to know more about its history. I am so glad that I did. Katarina’s Dark Shadow is a beautifully-written account of a young girl and her rich culture and heritage. I was pleasantly surprised to find no errors throughout the book, demonstrating an excellent level of editing. There was also no profanity or erotic scenes. Without hesitation, I give this book four out of four stars. I wholeheartedly recommend Katarina’s Dark Shadow to readers who enjoy historical fiction and would enjoy learning more about Eastern Europe during the World War I era and its aftermath.

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Katarina's Dark Shadow
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[TheGayOne12]

Footnotes are indeed very important for such novels, so I'm glad the author decided to include them. Great review!

[Essy Nma]

War experience most times can scatter a plan. I am curious to know how Katarina emerged. Thanks for the review.

[Aisha Yakub]

I like to read fictional book that trace actual events. They're entertaining and insightful at the same time. Great review.

[Ruth Frances A]

I love this review because it demonstrates that women and children suffer the most during the war. They are also the least prepared in most cases. The love that Peter has for his mother is a touching tribute to the relationship between children and parents. No one is an island so small communities must strive to keep communication open. I am intrigued by this book.