Stones From the River

Rating:
Summary: Simply superb
Review: This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story is woven into a rich and vibrant fabric. There are those who would criticize it as an apology for German attrocities and compare that time in history to our VietNam war. Not the same. VietNam was brought to us in living color every night on every TV in every home. Telecommunication in Europe in the '40s was a lot slower and during that time in Germany news was sifted, sanitized and doled out in small portions via press and radio. Never mind that. Other critics complain that 3 year old Trudi could never have been so "knowing". Ha. This is ... hello ... FICTION! That notwithstanding this is a wonderful book. I thought Trudi was a brilliant character, full of pathos and humor, and very, very human. It is not perfect literature. It's not an accurate historical account of pre- and post-war Germany. It is a very readable, thought-provoking book; an interpretation of history by a gifted writer. I particularly enjoyed the metaphor of the "stones" and the river: ever changing, always the same. Doesn't make sense? Oh well, that's life. I would wholeheartedly recommed this book to anyone who appreciates a good story.

Rating:
Summary: It's not easy being Zwerg
Review: This is the story of an extraordinary person growing up in an extraordinary time. Trudi Montag is a Zwerg- dwarf- living in Germany during the Holocaust. Being different helps shape who she is and how she reacts to the horror around her, where differences have become the justification for persecution. This is a wonderful story that combines history and fiction and would be particularly appropriate for high school students who need an compelling storyline and characters in order to get interested in learning about one of the most horrible times in history.

Rating:
Summary: Stones from the River = Pearls of Wisdom
Review: Ursula Hegi writes a compelling novel set in Germany before and after the rise of Hitler. The main character Trudi, acquaints you personally with all of the people in her life -- German, Jew, Catholic and Protestant. You get a first-hand account from Trudi of how fragile the fabric of community can be -- in this case ripped apart by the ideals of a madman (Hitler). It's been a while since I've read a book that endeavored to bring me face to face with atrocities accepted for ages -- things WE'VE accepted for ages -- which human nature tells us to gloss over. Trudi is the story teller in us all. We all record day to day events and use or discard that knowledge as we see fit. Some spread rumors, some keep secrets. Some live with the torment of the truth. What I walked away with from this book is that we can't change what we see, even after the fact. It is up to us to accept the good and the bad that comes from each of us -- to appreciate that we are indeed human and fallible

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Ursula Hegi's "Stones from the River" is a very touching novel about a zwerge (dwarf) girl, Trudi, who lives in Burgdorf, Germany. She has many difficulties living in a small town, with many people isolating her because of her physical differences, and has only her father for support. As she grows up, she makes it her job to know everyone in the town's business. Trudi uses the power of gossip to help herself be noticed and accepted in her town. Hegi can therefore weave the stories of the people in Burgdorf around the central story of the maturing Trudi. With the help of some other misfit, yet lovable, friends, Trudi is able to expand and grow during the second World War. Through all of Hegi's perfect literary usage, one can become completely submerged in the time and life of a young girl, desperately trying to fit in. I recommend this book to anyone who understands how it is to want to be "normal".

Rating:
Summary: A Touching Novel
Review: Ursula Hegi's "Stones from the River" is a very touching novel about a zwerge (dwarf) girl, Trudi, who lives in Burgdorf, Germany. She has many difficulties living in a small town, with many people isolating her because of her physical differences, and has only her father for support. As she grows up, she makes it her job to know everyone in the town's business. Trudi uses the power of gossip to help herself be noticed and accepted in her town. Hegi can therefore weave the stories of the people in Burgdorf around the central story of the maturing Trudi. With the help of some other misfit, yet lovable, friends, Trudi is able to expand and grow during the second World War. Through all of Hegi's perfect literary usage, one can become completely submerged in the time and life of a young girl, desperately trying to fit in. I recommend this book to anyone who understands how it is to want to be "normal".