As I read through Katia, I kept thinking to myself, "There is no way my review will do this book justice." And it's true. So I begin with an apology and a plea to just go out and buy the book, regardless of my ramblings.
This book is pure class. I loved every minute of it. Based upon the life of Katia Mahler, a sixty-year old German invalid and her memories and experiences living in Berlin during the Cold War, Bruce Judisch weaves a remarkable tale--heart wrenching in it's history and revelations, yet simple in its execution. Never did I expect this type of story to be such a light read, so finessed. Katia is arranged in such a way that it never felt weighty. Many threads woven together to read with such simplicity is a quality only a true craftsman can pull off.
I can't recall another book that made me chuckle on one page, cry on the next, and burst out laughing moments later. Mr. Judisch has a rare gift for tugging at the heartstrings and smile muscles simultaneously (often to my own annoyance--I rather resent someone who dares take advantage of my irrational feminine emotions. :D) That said, Katia is remarkably romantic. The story felt so real, I often reminded myself that it was a piece of fiction, though I must admit, the romantic in me refuses to listen.
Above all else, Katia left me feeling humbled (in the best sense). The lessons of faith woven through this story are carried out with grace as both the writer and his characters know just how to pull the reader along with the utmost sensibility and care to kindly pull back the cobwebs of the heart in thought provoking and, I suspect, life changing ways. This book has touched my heart and I hope it will touch yours.
For more on Katia and Bruce Judisch, including photographs of his time spent in Berlin during the wall's fall, check out his website!
Katia on amazon.com
Bruce's Website
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2 comments:
Joanne,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I loved writing the story and am so glad you enjoyed it.
Lookinf forward to more of Lonnie's tale, too. ;-)
Cheers! Bruce
I just finished the book too and wow it was a lovely book. Thanks for your suggestions. I really enjoyed the story and characters especially Katia.
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