Loving Luther
By Allison Pittman
The Story
Germany, 1505
In the dark of night, Katharina von Bora says the bravest good-bye a six-year-old can muster and walks away as the heavy convent gate closes behind her.
Though the cold walls offer no comfort, Katharina soon finds herself calling the convent her home. God, her father. This, her life. She takes her vows—a choice more practical than pious—but in time, a seed of discontent is planted by the smuggled writings of a rebellious excommunicated priest named Martin Luther. Their message? That Katharina is subject to God, and no one else. Could the Lord truly desire more for her than this life of servitude?
In her first true step of faith, Katharina leaves the only life she has ever known. But the freedom she has craved comes with a price, and she finds she has traded one life of isolation for another. Without the security of the convent walls or a family of her own, Katharina must trust in both the God who saved her and the man who paved a way for rescue. Luther’s friends are quick to offer shelter, but Katharina longs for all Luther has promised: a home, a husband, perhaps even the chance to fall in love.
(Back cover summary from Tyndale Publishers)
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I developed an interest in Katharina von Bora’s life while I was in college. As I casually researched more about her, I realized that I’d stumbled upon a treasure. I even ended up writing a paper on her. So when I saw that a novel was being written about her specifically, I was intrigued. Would it stay somewhat close to the story? What sort of liberties would the author take—and would I agree? After all, it’s a great challenge to take the story of a notable person like this, who really has little information to draw on, and respectfully and as truthfully as possible, tell her story in an interesting way. The saying is true, that behind every great man, is a great woman. And Katharina von Bora was just such a woman.
Allisson Pittman wove her way through what we know of Katharina’s story, adding some here, drawing on imagination there, in a way that read like history, but didn’t feel like a dusty old history tome. Katharina was a remarkable, though flawed, woman, just as her husband, Martin Luther, was. But these two flawed people were instrumental in drawing the Protestant church to where it is today.
With the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation coming up in less than a month, I would recommend Loving Luther for those who wish to know a little more about these movers and shakers in an interesting, somewhat imaginative way.
About the Author
Allison Pittman is the author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed novels and a three-time Christy finalist—twice for her Sister Wife series and once for All for a Story from her take on the Roaring Twenties. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, blissfully sharing an empty nest with her husband, Mike. Connect with her on Facebook (Allison Pittman Author), Twitter (@allisonkpittman) or her website, allisonkpittman.com
(Biography from Tyndale Publishers)
I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
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