Christian fiction, fiction

Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer is set in the post WWII years in Germany. The story begins in a noisy twin engine airplane that is transporting Betty – a twenty-year-old singer – with several soldiers on their way to Germany, but already there is drama. The plane is having engine trouble and must try to make a safe emergency landing in Nuremberg, Germany.

In Bayreuth, Germany, there is a famous opera house – Festspielhaus – where Hitler was said to enjoy operas, especially those of Richard Wagner. This opera house is where the musical entertainment is being performed for the soldiers, not far from the house where Hitler had sometimes stayed and where the ladies are now living between performances. But there is something creepy about that war damaged building, something unsettling.

When Betty, and Frank, a photographer for the military, first see one another romance is soon in the air. But Frank is not all he appears to be; he has a secret. He is not the only one with a secret, though, and when there is a murder those secrets start being revealed. Realizing her life may be in danger, Betty thinks she can trust Frank to help her.

Some scenes seemed a little stilted in this story, perhaps a bit unrealistic when dealing with human emotions in relationships, but the drama pulls one’s attention in another direction. It was easy to get interested in Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer.

Interesting facts, around which Songbird Under a German Moon was written, about Festspielhaus opera house, Wahnfried house, and Richard Wagner can be found on the Internet.

If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and a Christian flavour this may be the book for you. You can get a history lesson at the same time! ( )

SONGBIRD UNDER A GERMAN MOON represents my first real foray into reading Christian fiction. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was curious. I decided that I was most likely missing out on some well-written books, and wondered exactly what it was that was causing me to resist the genre. I think my main concern was that I didn't want to feel preached to. Then I wondered why I might feel that way. After all, I read books about a wide variety of cultures and beliefs, I usually feel more understanding and respect for those cultures and more tolerance toward different beliefs after I've read about them. When I read a book with non-Christian characters and one of them refers to their spiritual beliefs, offers up a prayer to Allah, or spends time before a Hindu shrine, I don't feel as though I am being pressured to adopt those beliefs. Rather, I take it as an opportunity to learn, to gain insight not only into the character but to another culture as well. So why couldn't I approach Christian fiction with the same attitude? I decided to read a few books, consider their literary inpact on me, and write about them here I my blog. And so, I did.

I like reading historical fiction and one of my favorite periods to read about is the WWII era. I also like mysteries and the occasional romance. In SONGBIRD UNDER A GERMAN MOON, Tricia Goyer weaves all three of those strands together and creates a WWII historical with a rather transparent mystery and a predictable romance -- but it all makes for a pleasant read. It might be hard to imagine that a story set in Germany immediately after the end of the war could be a light read, but I compared it to Hollywood movies from the same period -- the handsome and brave American hero, the beautiful spunky yet vulnerable heroine, the sinister bad guy who gets his comeuppence . . .

As I said, this was an enjoyable read. Goyer has a nice, clear writing style - the kind that looks easy but surely isn't. Her descriptions of a war-torn Germany are evocotive and transport the reader back through the decades. I learned a few things about the war that I didn't anticipate - mostly about the plight of displaced persons and the way that Hitler was influenced by Wagner's operas. I'm rather embarrassed to say that I had no idea he pretty much used Wagner's masterpieces as a sort of soundtrack for his cause. I also like that Goyer worked into the story line the fact that many soldiers were so young when they joined the military, they had not yet graduated from high school. During the course of the war, they matured from boys to men, rid the world of an unspeakable evil, and yet didn't have the education to get a decent job. After all they had been through, they still had to tackle algebra!

Both central characters, Betty and Frank, are easy to like. Betty is sensitive and empathetic, with a gift for putting others at ease. Despite her youth, she has a strong sense of self and a determination to help others and generally do the right thing. She would be a steadfast and loyal friend. Frank's work as a war photographer provides a means and a cover for his more critical job gathering intelligence for the military, and that dangerous responsibility has also aided him in shielding his heart from love. Neither Frank nor Betty are actually looking for love but, when they meet, each can't help but wonder if the time isn't right after all.

So, what did I think about the Christian aspect of the book? I think Goyer did a terrific job of creating characters whose faith is central to their lives without actually preaching to the reader. Frank and Betty each draw strength and comfort from their faith. They occasionally ask for help or offer prayers of thanks. Goyer deftly made their faith a part of their personalities but only an aspect of the story. There's no proselytizing in this book; rather, Frank and Betty are examples of good, caring people who happen to be Christian. ( )