Christmas Carol Kauffman (1901–1969)

When I was in my early teens, I remember reading several of Christmas Carol Kauffman’s books. Her writing style is gripping, and for many years, she was one of my favorite authors. I know I read almost all of her books back then, but somehow, I never got around to reading this one. So recently when I was looking for a book to fit a reading challenge, I saw this one and decided it would be a good choice.

I really enjoyed this story. The main character was someone I could relate to to some extent, and I loved how his heart for the Lord came through so much. His mother was the kind of long-suffering person I admire (although I don’t know that I agree with all her decisions), and the story was well-written and engaging. I did find it a bit moralistic, though, which was somewhat disappointing. Overall, this was a good story; it’s not my favorite of Kauffman’s titles, but it was worth reading. I came away encouraged to keep seeking the Lord no matter what, and that, I think, is worth something! Recommended, if you enjoy Christian fiction.… (mer)

This is a story to be read more for religious education than for entertainment. It tells the story of Herbe Englehardt, who grew up in a broken home in Germany between the World Wars. At first he finds acceptance in his Catholic boarding school, but becomes disillusioned with religion when he observes inequality of treatment among the school boys. He finds meaning in Hitler and the Nazi party, and is shattered by Germany's losses in World War II. He is befriended by a Christian family, and although he initially refuses to attend church with them and rejects the claims of Christianity, a crisis leads him to accept Christ as his savior. From that point on, he lives his life for God, spending time reading the Bible, praying, seeking the company of other Christians, and sharing his personal testimony with family and acquaintances.

The author wrote stories for Sunday School magazines, and the style of this book is very similar to those type of stories written primarily to illustrate Christian principles. The author is from an Anabaptist tradition (Mennonite, I think), and this book promotes pacifist ideals in addition to more evangelical beliefs. Readers used to Sunday School type stories may be encouraged and inspired by Herbe's story. Readers unfamiliar with this type of literature will probably find it an odd tale.… (mer)