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Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo is a true story that spans multiple generations, capturing the history of families living in the Balkans during the 20th century. It follows Kalman Hartig, a gifted musician and survivor of a labor camp, and Hermina "Minka" Kirchner, a strong-willed girl haunted by childhood trauma. Hartig discovered a passion for music at a very young age and eventually joined the Seventh-day Adventist movement, facing persecution under the communist regime, which sentenced him to hard labor for his religious beliefs. Using his knowledge of Bible stories and classical music, he built strength and survived the brutal camps, believing he had proven his faith, only to face new challenges afterward. Alongside his wife Minka, who endured her own childhood hardships, Kalman and their family escaped the regime, facing challenges to start a new life.
Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo captured my heart with their vivid portrayal of war-torn Yugoslavia and the descriptions of the experiences and struggles of Hartig and Hermina. I also enjoyed the stylistic approach that blends meticulous historical research with heartfelt personal anecdotes, delivering an exposé of the diverse cultural landscape of southeastern Europe. Themes of religious faith, perseverance, and moral integrity underpin the narrative, and I marveled at how spiritual conviction sustains individuals through suffering and loss. The detailed descriptions, authentic dialogue, and touching family memories create an intimate and immersive narrative. Near the Danube Bridge is a great read, and the exquisite writing captivated me. This book perfectly combines a family’s journey and an interesting exploration of a historical period.
