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The People of Schwarzenfeld
The Sower of Black Field follows an American priest in Nazi Germany as he defies oppression to protect his parish and wrestles with the moral challenges of faith in a time of unimaginable darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 2004 (about 20 years ago), I discovered that Fr. Viktor Koch, C.P., my paternal great-granduncle, witnessed the rise and fall of Nazi Germany behind enemy lines. He was credited for saving Schwarzenfeld from Patton’s Third Army. This story was not passed down through the generations. In fact, Fr. Viktor visited the US only once after WWII, and he never revealed any of his wartime experiences to his family. We learned his story through a series of fateful coincidences.
To piece together fragments of Fr. Viktor’s story, I traveled to Schwarzenfeld in 2005 and spoke with eyewitnesses who remembered him. Some were the very people he saved. Once I realized the profound impact he had on the local population—both as an American and a Passionist—I knew this novel had to immerse readers in the experiences of German characters enduring oppression and hardship under their own government. In the narrative, they’ll witness how Fr. Viktor’s ministry and counsel insulated his followers from the predatory ideology of National Socialism. Only then is it clear why he risked everything to defend the people of Schwarzenfeld from his fellow Americans under the most harrowing circumstances.
How did you approach balancing historical accuracy with the fictional narrative?
Aside from being a novelist, I’m also an academic and an independent historian. From the start, I knew I was dealing with historical factors that were highly unlikely in the broader context of WWII history. I don’t think many novelists write peer-reviewed journal papers and present at history conferences to support their novels, but I do—and for good reason. This story contained so many controversial aspects that historians were bound to scrutinize it for perceived historical inaccuracies.
The facts themselves were extraordinary enough to make an emotive storyline. I injected fiction only to streamline the narrative (inventing characters who reenacted real-life stories and gave the novel a cohesive flow), fill holes where the facts were forever lost to history, and apply fictitious names to people who historically played a negative role. I was dealing with sensitive history on the German side, and it’s not my intention to impugn anyone or point out whose father did what in the war.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
While researching and writing this story, I gained a nuanced perspective on what life was like for the Germans in Schwarzenfeld—and for anyone unfortunate enough to live under an authoritarian regime. Think of the five freedoms granted to American citizens in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: press, petition, assembly, speech, and religion. Can you imagine living in a time and place where you had none of those? Even the smallest act of dissent or resistance could have devastating consequences. I wanted American readers to experience that oppression through the thoughts and senses of a character born on free soil, just as they are. In the process, I hope they will gain an appreciation for the courage of the Schwarzenfelders as they attempt to live a life of conscience and faith.
Clearly, faith was another vital theme in the story. The theology of Fr. Viktor’s order—the Passionists—served as my guiding light throughout the writing process. The Passionists believe that suffering is the great and terrible equalizer of humanity. In their words, “Christ is present in all who suffer.” This is a profound message—one that calls on us to perceive the divine in every living person, regardless of nation, race, or creed, and challenges us to see beyond divisions created by culture and society. In times of war and oppression, suffering is never far from one’s mind. Perhaps this is why his followers found solace and strength in his message.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing about faith in such a harrowing historical context?
When I began writing this story, I grappled with many of the questions that frequently arise when we contemplate the horrors of Nazi Germany. If there is a God, how can He permit such horrors? Why does He do nothing to intervene? In the novel, Fr. Viktor accepts that his presence in Schwarzenfeld is tantamount to a miracle—a higher power wanted an American there to prevent his fellow countrymen from committing an atrocity. If that is true, how could God intervene to save one small village in such an extraordinary way while millions perished in concentration camps?
As a writer, I’m aware that saints, theologians, and people of faith have contemplated questions like these for decades—even centuries. I don’t claim to be a theologian (and I’m certainly not a saint!) However, I did attempt to offer answers. I pored over Fr. Viktor’s historical letters in detail, trying to glean his insights on faith, good, evil, free will, and God’s will—and I did my best to integrate them into his dialogue. Regardless of whether readers accept the perspectives presented in the novel, I figured they would respect the work if I tackled these thorny questions head-on, and let the characters ponder and debate them. Based on reader comments and editorial reviews, many people turn the last page with plenty of food for thought.
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Winner of 6 Major Awards for Religious and Historical Fiction!
Category Winner – 2025 Independent Press Awards
Gold Medal – 2024 Readers’ Favorite Awards
Category Winner – 2024 American Writing Awards
Moral Courage in the Shadow of the Third Reich.
In a Bavarian village gripped by Nazi tyranny, an American priest’s faith will be tested like never before.
Father Viktor Koch has spent the war quietly ministering to his parish, keeping their faith alive under the watchful eyes of Nazi authorities. But as Germany crumbles in 1945, a shocking discovery thrusts the village into a moral crisis.
A mass grave of concentration camp victims lies on the village’s border. When American liberators demand justice, the commander gives the villagers an impossible choice: unearth and bury the dead within 24 hours—or face mass execution.
With time running out, Father Viktor must summon extraordinary courage to protect his people. But can he convince the Americans of the villagers’ humanity, or will the legacy of Nazi atrocities condemn them all?
The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany
Katherine Koch’s The Sower of Black Field is a gripping historical novel that plunges the reader into the chaos of Nazi Germany, following the extraordinary story of Father Viktor Koch, an American priest navigating his mission in a hostile land. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel explores themes of faith, resistance, and moral conviction. The story is anchored in Schwarzenfeld, a Bavarian village that becomes a battleground for human decency amidst political tyranny. Father Viktor’s efforts to protect his monastery and his parishioners from Nazi oppression while adhering to his beliefs make for an intensely emotional and thought-provoking journey.
Koch’s writing captures the stark contrasts of life under the Third Reich with vividness. The opening scene, where Fr. Viktor confronts Nazi officials invading his monastery, is particularly striking. The tension is palpable as the priest’s calm defiance is pitted against the oppressive force of the regime. Koch uses simple yet evocative prose to transport readers to the heart of the conflict, and I couldn’t help but feel admiration for Viktor’s unwavering courage.
The depth of Koch’s storytelling is evident in her exploration of faith as a source of both solace and struggle. Through Viktor, the novel asks questions about the nature of suffering and the role of religion in confronting evil. I was particularly moved by the sermon on Sorrowful Friday, where Viktor ties human suffering to the Passion of Christ, challenging the congregation to see divinity in their shared pain. It’s moments like these that elevate the book from a historical narrative to a spiritual meditation, and they left me reflecting on my own beliefs.
At times, the pacing slows, particularly in passages heavy with historical detail. While the context enriches the story, there were moments I wished for more focus on the characters’ interpersonal dynamics. For example, Viktor’s relationship with Fr. Paul is touching. Their mutual respect and camaraderie add warmth to the otherwise grim narrative, and I found myself craving more insight into their bond.
The Sower of Black Field is a poignant and inspiring tale of resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness. Koch has crafted a story that resonates with both historical gravity and timeless moral questions. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate historical fiction with a strong ethical backbone and those interested in stories of quiet heroism. It’s a novel that will challenge you, move you, and ultimately leave you with a renewed faith in the enduring power of good.
Pages: 360 | ASIN: B0DPKWBCYL
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