Luther and Katharina, by Jody Hedlund

REVIEW:  One thing I liked about this novel was the historical perspective.  I felt I gained information and insight into that particular Biblical period and Martin Luther.  Also, I thought the author did an interesting job of showing how difficult it was for nuns who grew up in a convent to get used to being in control of their own time and thoughts, but given the time period and that Luther arranged marriages for them I wondered if they really were free.  I got a little bored with Katharina and Luther sparing and always being confrontational.  I wanted them to say what was in their hearts and get along with each other.  (But then the story would have been very short!)  I would recommend this book to someone who likes historical fiction and romances.   I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

People/Characters
Martin Luther – Black Cloister	Katharina von Bora – Marienthron Convent
Hans – father – mine owner Jacob – younger brother Wolfgang – manservant   Elector Frederick – benefactor and protector   Duke George – archenemy Brother Gabriel – spying on Luther for Duke George Karlstodt – professor – enemy   Melanchthon – friend Jonas - friend	Greta – maidservant Thomas – Greta’s lover Merchant Koppe – Thomas’ uncle – helped nuns escape   Aunt Lena – nun – helped nuns escape   Margaret Schonfeld – nun and friend Eva   Fronica and Etta Zeschau – circulated Luther’s letters among nuns   Abbot Baltazar   Jerome Baumgartner – suitor   Reichenbach family – took Katharina in as a servant Elsa – wife Husband – mayor   Lucas Cranach – apothecary,  printer Barbara – wife Took in Margaret and Eva, eventually Katharina

For discussion:
NOTE: The page numbers refer to the paperback preview edition of the novel.
1. Discuss the women in the book, particularly Katharina, Greta and Barbara Cranach - all strong women.  Were they typical of women at that time?  Why or why not?
2. The book describes Katharina's struggles letting go of her pride.  Did you think she was too proud or was there a more positive way to describe her personality?
3. In one sense the nuns went from one form of control (the Abbot) to another (Luther who arranged marriages for them).  Do you think any may have wished for the cloistered life again albeit without the abuse?  Why?
4. Discuss Luther and Katharina's "courtship" and road to marital harmony.  Were their struggles realistic?  Did you enjoy reading about their struggles to understand each other or did you just want them to get over it?
5. Discuss Luther burning Katharina's indulgence from her mother, the only thing she had of hers.  Did she treasure it more for a religious or sentimental reason?
6. When the nuns were settled in the Black Cloister, how did you evaluate their transition to a "normal life?"  Was it realistic, too fast, too slow or something else?
7. The one topic of the book - nuns and monks forsaking their vow of chastity and cloistered life - is quite timely.  What do you think about priests marrying? 
8. Did you understand Martin Luther's father's disappointment with him?  Was it disappointment, fear for him, or both?
9. As you were reading, did you wonder what was true and what was fiction?  Did the author's notes satisfy your curiosity?
*****
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