Stones from the River
By Ursula Hegi
Published: 1997
Genre: Historical fiction novel
Info: Stones from the River takes place during the two World Wars. Hegi's novels usually involve some German perspective, and this one is no different. It is told from the viewpoint of Trudi, a German dwarf. ('Dwarf' as in differently statured, not mythical being.)
Synopsis: Trudi lives in Burgdorf, Germany, and the novel spans about 30 years in her life. We find that Trudi is defensive about her short stature and different looks, and she desperately wants to be like everyone else. As she grows older, she begins to see that everyone around her has their own secret shames, and many of her townspeople confide in her. Also, Trudi seems to have a sort of sixth sense that allows her to see visions of the future. This book is more like several mini-stories of the generations that grow in Burgdorf. Of course, Trudi has interaction in these stories, from her near-rape to the hiding of Jews in her basement.
Analysis: At times, this novel was confusing because of the numerous characters. I had a hard time remembering who was who and who their children were. Also, the book would switch from past tense to present tense to future tense in a jarring fashion. Also, the shift from third person to second person was, at times, disconcerting. Mechanics aside, Stones from the River tells an indispensible story. We can get a better idea of what the Germans went through during the wars and the Holocaust. We see how many Germans were against Hitler and the Socialist Party, yet they conformed due to fear for their own lives. The contrast between their pre-war and post-war lives is heartbreaking, and one wonders how close we are to letting it happen again.
Recommendation: This book would be interesting to those who take an interest in German history. There is some German used in the book, so some previous knowledge of the German language might be advisable. Well, it is translated, but some people might consider the language an intrusion. There is some sexual content in this book, and several people commit suicide while having delusions.
