In the world of fiction, a novel by Cathy Gohlke is pure gold. Whether it's set during the Civil War times like the most excellent William Henry Is a Fine Name, or during World War II as in her later novels, Gohlke's characters envelop you into another era and help you see things in a different and fresh way. When it comes to what Christian fiction strives to be, Cathy Gohlke is simply one of the very best of authors.
There's no way any words of mine can do justice to The Medallion in a review, so I'll just express some of my feelings. First of all, the basics ⦠Gohlke's writing is exquisite; historical detail is beyond impressive; characters are multilayered and complex; the story flows steadily and is hard impossible to put down. The Holocaust setting in Warsaw doesn't make for an easy read, but it is compelling. Nothing is predictable and there are some fascinating twists. The Medallion earns top scores on an entertainment level alone.
Now for some subjective thoughts. The Medallion is basically the story of two couples â Sophie and Janek, Rosa and Itzhak â trying to survive during the Nazi occupation of Poland, but a lot of stories have been written with a similar theme. What elevates and sets this one apart? There's rich historical detail, but it's not primarily a historical novel. There's tons of suspense, but it isn't really a suspense novel. The Medallion doesn't fit into any box that I can think of. Rather, it's a story of people â their courage, motivations, willingness to risk everything, and faith during one of the darkest times in history. In other words, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
âFear is an ungainly enemy. Give it a foothold and it will control your life.â â Pan Gadomski
I confess to not buying into society's concept of âcelebrity.â If things like Hollywood magazines and talk shows depended on people like me, they would disappear due to lack of interest. Rather, the true celebrities and stars are people like the characters in this story â people with the strength and grit to make impossibly heart wrenching decisions and sacrifice regarding the safety of a child; people with a courage they never dreamed they possessed and a willingness to risk their lives in order to help the helpless; people of faith who never lost sight of God's presence during the darkest and hopeless times of Hitler's reign. The Medallion may be fiction, but it is inspired by factual accounts and we know the characters are drawn from real heroes during this devastating time.
No one can read The Medallion without being changed for the better. It will challenge you, make you look deep inside yourself. This a story that everyone should read. I'll end with quote from Pan Bukowski that should minister to all of us ⦠âRemember the Red Sea ⦠Adonai makes a way when there is no way.â
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Tyndale Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There's no way any words of mine can do justice to The Medallion in a review, so I'll just express some of my feelings. First of all, the basics ⦠Gohlke's writing is exquisite; historical detail is beyond impressive; characters are multilayered and complex; the story flows steadily and is hard impossible to put down. The Holocaust setting in Warsaw doesn't make for an easy read, but it is compelling. Nothing is predictable and there are some fascinating twists. The Medallion earns top scores on an entertainment level alone.
Now for some subjective thoughts. The Medallion is basically the story of two couples â Sophie and Janek, Rosa and Itzhak â trying to survive during the Nazi occupation of Poland, but a lot of stories have been written with a similar theme. What elevates and sets this one apart? There's rich historical detail, but it's not primarily a historical novel. There's tons of suspense, but it isn't really a suspense novel. The Medallion doesn't fit into any box that I can think of. Rather, it's a story of people â their courage, motivations, willingness to risk everything, and faith during one of the darkest times in history. In other words, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
âFear is an ungainly enemy. Give it a foothold and it will control your life.â â Pan Gadomski
I confess to not buying into society's concept of âcelebrity.â If things like Hollywood magazines and talk shows depended on people like me, they would disappear due to lack of interest. Rather, the true celebrities and stars are people like the characters in this story â people with the strength and grit to make impossibly heart wrenching decisions and sacrifice regarding the safety of a child; people with a courage they never dreamed they possessed and a willingness to risk their lives in order to help the helpless; people of faith who never lost sight of God's presence during the darkest and hopeless times of Hitler's reign. The Medallion may be fiction, but it is inspired by factual accounts and we know the characters are drawn from real heroes during this devastating time.
No one can read The Medallion without being changed for the better. It will challenge you, make you look deep inside yourself. This a story that everyone should read. I'll end with quote from Pan Bukowski that should minister to all of us ⦠âRemember the Red Sea ⦠Adonai makes a way when there is no way.â
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Tyndale Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
