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Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion
by Jody Hedlund
Release date: October 6, 2015
Although I love history, I admit I knew little about Martin Luther's wife other than her name before reading this novel based on her story. Jody Hedlund brings Luther and Katharina to life in a compelling novel that begins with Katharina's daring escape from the convent where she'd lived since she was a little girl. She and some of the other nuns had been able to read some of Martin Luther's writings and took to heart his admonishment for monks and nuns to leave the cloisters, marry, and have families. More than anything, Katharina wants the love and sense of belonging of a family. She and the other nuns flee to Luther and he helps arrange marriages and homes for each of them except Katharina, who wants a nobleman in keeping with her own status. Luther and Katharina are drawn to each other from the start, and their friendship is by turns tender and contentious. Luther needs to admit his love for her and take the risk of proposing marriage, allowing Katharina to decide if she is willing to accept him despite their differences and the constant threats to his life. Katharina must lay aside her pride in order to find the love and family she has always wanted.
I was surprised at how much of the story really was fact, and it gave me a new appreciation for the courage and character of Luther and the other reformers who took so many risks to live out what the read in God's Word and encourage others to do the same. The story highlights the challenges faced by nuns and monks who left the cloisters and had little experience of the outside world. Former nuns were at a great disadvantage, especially if their families would not accept them back, because without dowries their marriage prospects were bleak and they had few choices or opportunities to support themselves. Katharina's situation was probably not unusual - she was of noble birth, but her family had abandoned her to the abbey, so she no longer had a dowry or connections, and she was older than many brides of the time. It was her knowledge of herbal remedies and nursing that brought her and Luther together, as he suffered from several physical ailments. I enjoyed their fiery relationship, and the growth in both their characters as they dealt with the realities of their situations and the depth of their love for each other. Despite their clash of personalities and pride, Katharina compassionately cared for Luther whenever he became ill; and Luther never failed to go to Katharina's rescue when she was in danger.
by Jody HedlundRelease date: October 6, 2015
Although I love history, I admit I knew little about Martin Luther's wife other than her name before reading this novel based on her story. Jody Hedlund brings Luther and Katharina to life in a compelling novel that begins with Katharina's daring escape from the convent where she'd lived since she was a little girl. She and some of the other nuns had been able to read some of Martin Luther's writings and took to heart his admonishment for monks and nuns to leave the cloisters, marry, and have families. More than anything, Katharina wants the love and sense of belonging of a family. She and the other nuns flee to Luther and he helps arrange marriages and homes for each of them except Katharina, who wants a nobleman in keeping with her own status. Luther and Katharina are drawn to each other from the start, and their friendship is by turns tender and contentious. Luther needs to admit his love for her and take the risk of proposing marriage, allowing Katharina to decide if she is willing to accept him despite their differences and the constant threats to his life. Katharina must lay aside her pride in order to find the love and family she has always wanted.
I was surprised at how much of the story really was fact, and it gave me a new appreciation for the courage and character of Luther and the other reformers who took so many risks to live out what the read in God's Word and encourage others to do the same. The story highlights the challenges faced by nuns and monks who left the cloisters and had little experience of the outside world. Former nuns were at a great disadvantage, especially if their families would not accept them back, because without dowries their marriage prospects were bleak and they had few choices or opportunities to support themselves. Katharina's situation was probably not unusual - she was of noble birth, but her family had abandoned her to the abbey, so she no longer had a dowry or connections, and she was older than many brides of the time. It was her knowledge of herbal remedies and nursing that brought her and Luther together, as he suffered from several physical ailments. I enjoyed their fiery relationship, and the growth in both their characters as they dealt with the realities of their situations and the depth of their love for each other. Despite their clash of personalities and pride, Katharina compassionately cared for Luther whenever he became ill; and Luther never failed to go to Katharina's rescue when she was in danger.
From the publisher:
In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora's fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
His sweeping Catholic church reformation-- condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage -- awakened her desire for everything she'd been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone's life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn't be more different.
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther's threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love.
Together they will alter the religious landscape forever.
By the same author: Hearts Made Whole, Love Unexpected
Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling author of ten books. Her first novel, The Preacher's Bride, won the Reader's Choice Award as part of the RWA Faith, Hope, and Love contest. Hedlund revels in bringing forgotten historic women to life and can usually be found with a book, a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate. She lives in Midland, Michigan with her husband and five children.
For more information, visit the publisher's website, WaterBrook Multnomah.
I received an ARC from Blogging For Books for this review.
