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Summary: I'm glad that I read "Stones From the River;" A Great Story!
Review: Ursula Hegi, in this dark tale of a nation gone mad, explains how it was possible for the unimaginable to happen. She exposes aspects of Germany and Germans that must be understood if we, who weren't there, are to ever understand how the Nazis could have risen to power and nearly destroyed Germany and much of Europe. Hegi digs into the soul of "ordinary" Germans and finds evil and good, darkness and light, weakness and strength; she finds people like us and our friends, relatives and neighbors. I found myself asking: What would my family and I have done had we lived in post World War I Germany? Could anything like what happened there happen again? Given different times and circumstances, could it happen here? Thank you, Ursula Hegi, for telling a marvelous story that needed telling...
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Summary: We are all Trudi
Review: I found this book lyrical -- the more I read, the more I was drawn in by the writing and by the characters and story. When I finished, I was sorry that there was not more to read. To me, all of us who feel different are Trudis. Trudi kept herself separate from others because of her differences. Her real difference (size) is a metaphor for all of us who perceive that we are different from others and because of that, keep ourselves distanced from others.
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Summary: A book that touches the soul
Review: While Ursula Hegi's novel is so brilliant because of her realistic characters and gift of storytelling, it is even more so because she brings the reader to a time and place that defies the imagination. When I saw Schindler's List for the first time I was shocked at my own lack of outrage and sorrow; now I know it is because I was too far removed. No one can imagine that kind of pain unless actually experiencing it. However, Hegi forges an intimacy between her characters and the reader that is so strong that it is easy to forget they are just fictional characters. Also, Hegi does not depend on the tragedy of the subject matter to carry the story for her: She does not sentimentalize the topic and deals with it matter-of-factly and realistically. Because of these elements, this book really does touch the soul, the way an excellent book should.
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Summary: Compelling reading.
Review: Although the members of our book club found Stones from the River slow at the outset, the story captured both our minds and our hearts. Trudi the dwarf provides unique insight into the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary times. As an outsider in her own world, she observes those around her and helps us to understand how the horrors of Hitler's Germany could happen.
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Summary: A different perspective on war-time Europe.
Review: Having read many books about the holocaust and the horrors that occurred inside and outside the death camps in Europe during World War II, I found Stones from the River a breath of fresh air. Hegi manages to let the reader know that these people are living in a terrible time without focusing on the gore. I think that many readers who criticized it missed the point. I've read some of Hegi's other books and find her a mesmerizing writer. This book is actually an expansion of the characters and story in Floating in My Mother's Palm, which I read after I read Stones from the River. There are a lot of characters woven through both books but one does not get confused or lost; their lives are intertwined in a fascinating way. I think it is a book worth reading if one is willing to look beyond the surface story of a girl who wants to be something other than what she is.
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Summary: Not what you'd expect
Review: A very moving book, which describes the other view during WWII. I enjoyed the book, it wasn't what I expected, but I am glad I had the chance to read it
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Summary: Total fascination with Trudi's mind and author's insight.
Review: I found the author's insight into what would be Trudi's wall of defense between herself and others to show incredible insight. The ending of the story seemed to complete Trudi and her quest for love and happiness as she looked within to find acceptance of herself and her place in the lives of those around her. Through the struggles of Trudi, I could see the events that shaped our world and the attitudes that we still have trouble with today.
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Summary: I couldn't make up my mind...
Review: Sometimes, I liked this book. Sometimes, I thought it was dreadfully dull. Sometimes, I thought it was rather unbelievable (for example, Trudi wasn't put in a camp). Sometimes, I was touched by Trudi's kind and brave nature in the face of truely horrible circumstances. By the end of the book, I was still undecided. I would conditionally recommend this book.
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Summary: Don't believe it, this book is NOT a Tedious Read
Review: I could not put this book down. The story was so intriguing, I couldn't wait to find out what happened to the characters, especially Trudi. Hegi has brilliantly captured Trudi's essence. I feel as though I am personally acquainted with her. I hated that the book ended. I want to know about the rest of Trudi's life, and look forward to a sequel. Yes, it explores human cruelty and depressing, repressive times and events, but is also a testament to survival.
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Summary: Slow, Depressing
Review: Doggedly kept reading this book waiting for something uplifting to happen. Couldn't ALL be dark and depressing, right? Wrong. Cleaning my garage would have been more enjoyable and productive. I will never buy a book just because it is a big seller again. Leah Kantor.
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