Beautiful places, challenging thoughts, critical reviews
Ein verwirrendes Buch. Zunächst faszinierten mich die Enthüllungen über die dramatischen Lebensereignisse und insbesondere den geistigen Zustand der beiden einflussreichen Persönlichkeiten der Welt, Winston Churchill und Charlie Chaplin.
Continue reading “Eine alternative Geschichte”
This collection of eleven short stories fascinated me and my wife as I read them aloud evening by evening. The cocky but sensitive Giulia is always good for some unexpected twist of events. The beautiful language and delightful use of simile drew me into the scenes. But the greatest merit of these tales is the spiritual insight revealed through the heroine’s reactions to her unexpected encounters.
Continue reading “Feminine audacity and spiritual depth”
Suffering – whether it’s physical or emotional – is never easy. It’s particularly difficult to accept and understand as a Christian, when one knows God as a caring Father. Why does He let it happen? Why doesn’t He answer our prayers?
Continue reading “Brave admission”
Für Sergejitsch, einen von nur zwei verbliebenen Einwohnern des kleinen Dorfes in der grauen Zone zwischen der autonomen Volksrepublik Donezk und dem Rest der Ukraine, ist nichts wichtiger als seine Bienen.
Continue reading “Eine Kriegsgeschichte ohne Krieg”
The Complete Works of George MacDonald (Illustrated Edition) includes innumerable books, short stories, poems and sermons by this 19th century Scottish author and minister. A pioneer of fantasy literature, he strongly influenced many fellow writers, such as Lewis Carroll and C. S. Lewis.
This is a brief review of one of the books: Phantastes.
Continue reading “Soulish travels in Fairy Land”
Dies ist ein mächtiges Buch – in jedem Sinne des Wortes. Es ist meisterhaft recherchiert, mit vielen Beispielen untermauert und trotzdem sehr gut lesbar. Sehr empfehlenswert – trotz seiner Länge.
Von der frühen Antike über das Judentum und die grossen Weltreiche der Griechen und Römer mit ihren Glaubensvorstellungen und philosophischen Ansichten, führt Spieker dann in das Zeitalter des christlichen Glaubens. Durch Höhen und Tiefen, mit Hinweisen auf feindliche und freundliche Denker und Machtsucher, zeigt der Autor, wie die Anhänger Jesu meist sehr positive Auswirkungen auf die gesellschaftliche Entwicklung und das Weltgeschehen bewirkten.
Continue reading “Jesus – eine Weltgeschichte von Markus Spieker”
Is this just a humorous tale of a rich young mother with a delightful family and innumerable online followers?
Financed by her weekend-only, hedge-fund banker husband and her successful social media postings, Isabella and her wonderful children have recently moved from London to a huge ex-rectory in the countryside. She keeps fit with her morning swims and vegan snacks, and spends her days posting photos to social media. Meanwhile, her Latvian au pair cares lovingly for the children, the gardener who came with the house proves very competent, and her cleaner does all the dirty work. What more could she desire in life?
Continue reading “Ups and downs of an influencer”
What went on during the undocumented ages of our biblical forefathers’ lives? And who were the ‘other sons and daughters’ they bore? With much inspired fantasy, Natasha Woodcraft brings some of these characters to life in a very realistic manner.
Continue reading “An imaginative, deeply moving story”
Well developed, larger-than-life characters interacting in somewhat ludicrous situations. The style – many very short chapters – makes it a racing read.
Rather different from most of McCall Smith’s well-known books.
Eine unterhaltsame Geschichte über das Leben im Altersheim, die auch wichtige Themen anspricht.
Continue reading “Liebe im Alter”