Blog Archives
It Was Time to Tell His Story
Near the Danube Bridge introduces readers to the life of Kalman Hartig, a man of deep faith and conviction in Yugoslavia during World War II. What inspired you to tell his story?
Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo and I have been good friends for a long time. Before he died, her father asked her to write his story. A year after his passing, and the same year Russia invaded Ukraine, Elisabeth felt it was time to include her father’s experience with other stories of persecution. She’d read some of my academic writing and descriptive writing and asked me to write the story. The more information she gave me, the more inspired I became to also tell the world what had happened to him.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Equally important to me were:
1. Including the effects of religious differences within families as well as countries.
2. How music calms the soul and provides peace and sustenance even in the direst of situations.
3. How one’s faith provides strength to endure.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Elisabeth provided the information obtained from her father’s recorded talks, diaries, and letters. She also interviewed cousins and shared her own memories.
I listened to two DVDs of her father speaking to an audience about his incarceration, torture, and two years of hard labor. I organized the stories Elisabeth provided. I did my own research on the history behind the entire life of Kalman Hartig and his wife Hermina Kirchner. I also researched the countries’ customs to make sure all information was included correctly within the story.
It took me 14 months to complete.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Near the Danube Bridge?
I want lovers of biographies and memoirs, historians, and scholars to gain a greater understanding of what occurred in the Balkan area before and after WWI and II. By including the horror of the Pancevo Massacre, I hope to help awaken a desire to learn more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Book Review
Near the Danube Bridge: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Endurance
Near the Danube Bridge is a deeply moving and richly detailed biography that explores the lives of two intertwined families during the tumultuous events of World War II and its aftermath. The book centers around Kalman Hartig, a man of deep faith and conviction whose experiences in wartime Yugoslavia test the limits of human endurance and the power of belief. This is not just a tale of survival; it’s a poignant exploration of faith, resilience, and the complexities of human nature in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The author skillfully explores themes of transformation, hope, and perseverance that Kalman and his family endured. The book is filled with visual elements that enrich the reader’s experience and understanding of the tribulations that Kalman experienced. These strategically placed descriptions amplify the emotional impact and the reader’s ability to empathize with Kalman and his family. Catherine Allen-Walter’s writing style is undoubtedly one of the book’s strengths. Her language flows effortlessly, and her concise yet meaningful prose creates powerful images without overwhelming the reader. The descriptive passages are particularly noteworthy, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind.
Kalman is a remarkable man displaying unwavering faith and moral courage, which makes him both admirable and relatable to readers. His touching relationship with his family, especially his mother, Anna, provides insight into his personal development. The conflict between Anna’s newfound Seventh-day Adventist faith and the family’s traditional beliefs is a recurring theme, showcasing the family’s struggles within historical conflicts. This internal family tension adds depth to the book, making it more than just a biography but also an enlightening exploration of Yugoslavian history.
Near the Danube Bridge is a powerful and evocative historical biography that will appeal to readers interested in faith, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. Catherine Allen-Walter’s meticulous research and ability to bring Kalman Hartig’s story to life for readers is admirable and inspiring.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0CT4Z62PM
LITERARY TITAN 