Review of Near the Danube Bridge

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Joule Mwendwa
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Review of Near the Danube Bridge

Post by Joule Mwendwa »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Near the Danube Bridge" by Catherine Allen-Walters.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Kalman Hartig was born in 1930, a time when the world was experiencing political tension. His father was an Evangelical, whereas his mother was a Seventh-day Adventist, and one of Kalman's earliest and most complex decisions was to choose between the two denominations. Unbeknownst to him, his faith would cause him difficulties, including trouble with the authorities.

Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters is a family biography researched by Elisabeth Hartig, Kalman's daughter. The story spans Europe and North America, tracing over three generations of two families from the eras of world wars. The struggles of these family members (Hartigs and Kirchners) to overcome adversities and persecution will leave you in tears and joy.

Kalman, the book's protagonist, is an exemplary figure not only to his offspring but to readers too. His resiliency and firm hold on his faith are worth being emulated. It amazed me how he didn't give up despite years of imprisonment and persecution, hoping for the best. I also loved the book's touch on history, such as WW2 and the evolution of American immigration laws. It was bone-chilling to read how WW2 soldiers walked into homes and murdered people. Another fantastic feature is the story's flow. The narration was easy to follow because life events were orderly without any confusion. Including photos and letters exchanged in different timelines added more flesh to the biography. This book made me often wipe a tear, yet it also strengthens believers to keep their faith firm and dreamers to never give up.

I couldn't see any dislikes in the book. It was also professionally edited. Only in fiction do we see characters willing to be tortured for their faith; this is rare in real life, and getting an example like Kalman restores hope. Therefore, I rate Near the Danube Bridge 5 out of 5. I recommend the book to lovers of inspiring biographies.

******
Near the Danube Bridge
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The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
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Post by Paris Kumar »

Your detailed review of "Near the Danube Bridge" by Catherine Allen-Walters is insightful and heartfelt, capturing the essence of the family biography and its impact on readers. Your appreciation for the protagonist's resilience and the book's historical context is evident, making your recommendation compelling.

Thanks for sharing your reading experience with us!
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Post by George Nduuru »

A touch on history of America and a story of resilience is a good taste of coffee to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your thoroughly written review.
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Post by Ringle Nashak »

capturing the essence of the family biography and its impact on readers. Your appreciation for the protagonist's resilience and the book's historical context is evident, making your recommendation compelling.
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Post by Alex Lynn »

The detailed background of Kalman's birth in a time of political tension, his familial background, and the early decision to choose between Evangelicalism and Seventh-day Adventism set the stage for a compelling narrative. The mention of the challenges and difficulties Kalman faced due to his faith adds a layer of complexity to the story.
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Post by Clauson Justin »

I love that other real-life events are included in the book. There seems to be of things to learn from such as the resilience of some of the persons in the book. I look forward to reading it.
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Post by Vinay Penubothu »

Thank you for your detailed review! Your insights have piqued my interest, and I'm excited to dive into the book. Your review convinced me it's a must-read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - they've inspired me to explore further.
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Post by Rohith Kumar Pakala »

Thank you for your valuable insights, your review built interest in me to read this book. Great information is given by you about the book, thank you for that.
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Post by Ajay Rudrapati »

I am very much awaited to read this book, Your review motivated me to read this book ASAP. The way you inculcated the details of the book in a very clear manner is impressive. Thank you
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Post by Leen282 »

Sounds like a tough life, with a lot of hardship. Must be very emotional to read a memoir touching upon the atrocity of WW II. I appreciate memoirs including pictures, as well as personal elements such as letters.
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Post by Chi Chiu Michael Mak »

Joule Mwendwa wrote: 24 Feb 2024, 10:55 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Near the Danube Bridge" by Catherine Allen-Walters.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Kalman Hartig was born in 1930, a time when the world was experiencing political tension. His father was an Evangelical, whereas his mother was a Seventh-day Adventist, and one of Kalman's earliest and most complex decisions was to choose between the two denominations. Unbeknownst to him, his faith would cause him difficulties, including trouble with the authorities.

Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters is a family biography researched by Elisabeth Hartig, Kalman's daughter. The story spans Europe and North America, tracing over three generations of two families from the eras of world wars. The struggles of these family members (Hartigs and Kirchners) to overcome adversities and persecution will leave you in tears and joy.

Kalman, the book's protagonist, is an exemplary figure not only to his offspring but to readers too. His resiliency and firm hold on his faith are worth being emulated. It amazed me how he didn't give up despite years of imprisonment and persecution, hoping for the best. I also loved the book's touch on history, such as WW2 and the evolution of American immigration laws. It was bone-chilling to read how WW2 soldiers walked into homes and murdered people. Another fantastic feature is the story's flow. The narration was easy to follow because life events were orderly without any confusion. Including photos and letters exchanged in different timelines added more flesh to the biography. This book made me often wipe a tear, yet it also strengthens believers to keep their faith firm and dreamers to never give up.

I couldn't see any dislikes in the book. It was also professionally edited. Only in fiction do we see characters willing to be tortured for their faith; this is rare in real life, and getting an example like Kalman restores hope. Therefore, I rate Near the Danube Bridge 5 out of 5. I recommend the book to lovers of inspiring biographies.

******
Near the Danube Bridge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
From this review, this book seems to be another "main character has their faith challenged when people who disagree get in their way" story. I am looking forward to finding out how the main character overcomes their obstacles in this story. Congratulations for winning Book of the Day!
I write the best reviews possible. :idea2:
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Post by Rukayat Zakariyah »

Your comment about the book's flow is helpful. It's great when a biography can cover multiple generations without getting confusing. And I love that they included photos and letters - those personal touches can really bring a story to life.
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Post by Isaac Ozo-okafor »

This book is a balance of history and fiction story capturing the order in which things had transpired during the time that was. It would be a cool way to spend a day relishing a well-streamlined pattern of writing, with photos.
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Post by Hamsapriya Krishnamurthy »

Appreciate the efforts of the daughter to publish the story of their father, mainly to show the world that everyone deserves freedom and to live on their will. It's quite scary going through the consequences of political tension between the countries. Hope the world becomes a better place for all.
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Post by Ajiferuke Ajibola »

Catherine Allen-Walters' work "Near the Danube Bridge" explores the test of faith. I love reading stories that impart moral principles and qualities like resilience. Congratulations on BOTD. Amazing review.
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