I had to laugh as I talked on the phone with my dear friend yesterday. Before I tell you our conversation, I have to tell you about my friend Tara. We met seven years ago when our husband’s worked together, and we have boys the same age. If her son isn’t here, than mine is at her house. (Actually, my son has been at her house far more this summer due to the numerous trips I’ve been on lately!) Tara is a smart and caring woman . . . no wonder she’s my friend!
Anyway, Tara just started reading my newest novel, Arms of Deliverance.
“Well, how do you like it?” I asked, eager for her praise.
“I don’t understand,” she said softly. “You’re such a sweet and kind person. Why do you write about such horrible things?”
All I could do was to laugh . . . and to wonder if she’s still going to allow her son to come to play!?
Of course, the “horrible things” Tara spoke about in the novel deals with racial purification in Nazi Germany. The book includes an “inside look” at Lebensborn homes where young German women were sent to bear children for the Reich. It also includes a POV from a Nazi racial purification officer–whose job is to “Germanize” any children stolen from places like Poland that fit the Aryan model.
I am a nice person, and I can’t explain why I am drawn to these horrific times in history. Actually, I take that back. I do know.
My ALL TIME FAVORITE book, besides the Bible, is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. I was so excited recently to discover it was recently released as a dramatized cd by Focus on the Family. I purchased it and listened to it during my four-hour drive to my fiction retreat last weekend. (Although there were a few times I almost had to pull to the side of the road to wipe my tears!) And, I liked the story so much . . . I listened to the whole thing again on the drive home.
I think the reason I love the story is because it shows that God can meet us in even the darkest places. In fact, one of the things Betsy says in the book is, “There is no dark pit, Corrie, that God is not deeper still. You can tell people and they will believe us, because we have been there.”
Amen!
I also think the reason I write about “horrible things” . . . is because God is found in my novels–not in the triumphs and joys of life, but in the dark places and hard times. Very hard times.
So, I’m afraid I had to tell my friend, Tara that I’m writing about “horrible things” once again. I’m writing about The Spanish Civil War . . . which usually draws a “huh?” from those I talk to. So now I loving refer to it as “The Spanish Civil What?”
If you aren’t aware of this time in history, you can read one man’s experience here.
Also, be sure to read about my friend Alun who was helping me with my story. Alun recently passed away.
So, yes, I’m again writing about hard circumstances (pray I finish soon!), but I’m also able to share that God’s hope can be found in even the darkest nights, wars, and places–even in the Spanish Civil What?
Hi I am back again, I just got back from church and wanted to see if you posted anything new and lo and behold you did, lol!
I remember reading “The Hiding Place” and cried so many many times.
I also have a fascination with tragic stories, the Titanic for one has kept me enthralled and of course the precious Jews and those imprisoned in those wretched camps, how can people not be affected by it all? We must never ever forget.
One quote stuck with me from a writing on the walls at Mauthausen, “If there is a God He will have to beg for my forgiveness.” That was powerful and showed the despair.
Leticia,
Welcome back!
If you would like to read more about Mauthausen, go to:
http://www.thegoyers.com/dustandashes/
This is my website for my first novel, From Dust and Ashes, which is also about Mauthausen.
On this website are photos of the veterans I interviewed and ACTUAL photos they gave me. I’m awed how they opened up to me and shared their hearts.
Oh man, The Hiding Place is one of my all-time favorite books. I had the opportunity when studying abroad in college to go to Amsterdam and visit the ten Boom watch shop and go up into the living quarters of the ten Boom family. They do tours and let you crawl into the tiny room where they hid people. Amazing story. It was other-worldly to be there and think, “This isn’t a movie set or a re-creation–this is where these people actually lived.”
-Alison
blog.alisonstrobel.com
Tricia thank you for that very informative web site! I went ahead and bookmarked it.
I had never even heard of Mauthausen until I read your book. I am telling everyone that will listen to me learn more about this place.
I’ve been to Mauthausen twice. The second time I was there for the celebration of the liberation of the camp. They have the ceremony every May, and hundreds of survivors attend as well as veterans. It was a very moving experience.