Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo joined forces, as author and researcher respectively, to tell the story of Lentulo’s family in Yugoslavia over the course of the 20th century. The result is a fascinating, heartfelt work of personal history.

Both Lentulo’s father, Kalman Hartig, and mother, Hermina nee Kirchner, belonged to the Danube Swabians, an ethnically German population within the then-ethnic patchwork quilt of southeastern Europe. Even more important as a bond between them was their shared Seventh-day Adventist faith.

At the start of the 1950s, Kalman was a church youth leader avidly courting Hermina after meeting her at an Adventist assembly. Meanwhile, he hoped to honor his pacifist principles and avoid combat duty by registering as a conscientious objector. Instead, the unsympathetic Communist authorities arrested, tortured, and sentenced him to two years hard labor.

His letters and later recollections record a hellish odyssey through labor camps. They also testify to his steadfastness—refusing to work on Adventism’s Sabbath day of Saturday, for instance, despite incurring further punishment—and to the grudging respect he won from his persecutors.

The narrative also traces the Hartigs’ and Kirchners’ harrowing WWII experiences and Kalman and Hermina’s marriage, the path that eventually took them to the U.S., and their efforts to overcome past traumas and repair sometimes fractious relations with their families, as Kalman’s righteousness and attempts to convert his siblings could be hard to bear.

Allen-Walters makes skillful use of Lentulo’s obviously extensive research, deftly handling a story that sprawls over almost a century and numerous countries and historical events, while juggling the primary story of Kalman and Hermina with those of their families. Tastefully reconstructed dialogue brings the characters and their experiences alive, as does well-chosen period detail, such as a particularly vivid description of how Kalman experienced the Christmas season growing up.

This sweeping chronicle ultimately leaves readers with an inspiring sense of hard-won endurance, while bearing eloquent witness to some of 20th-century Europe’s greatest historical tragedies.

Also available as an ebook.

A family experiences persecution for their Seventh-day Adventism in communist Yugoslavia in Allen-Walters’ biography.

Religious oppression in 20th-century communist regimes is well documented; however, the story of the treatment of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—whose observance of Saturday as the Sabbath, vegetarianism, and abstinence from alcohol make them stand out among their fellow Christians—has been understudied. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo was compelled to share her own family’s history with violent autocracies. She possessed recordings made by her deceased father, Kalman Hartig, who talked to church audiences about his upbringing in an affluent Yugoslavian family, his conversion to the Seventh-day Adventist movement, and his later hardship under the nation’s nascent communist government; she solicited the help of writer Allen-Walters to write a book detailing this history. Together, the duo gathered and translated primary source documents and letters, interviewed family members, and researched the historical record. Imprisoned as a conscientious objector in post-World War II Yugoslavia, Hartig described himself as a “shrink-wrapped skeleton.” Prison leaders targeted him for his distinctive religious beliefs, and specifically beat him for refusing to work on the Sabbath. Allen-Walters, a professional violinist, also highlights how music powerfully lifted Hartig’s spirits, as his own background with the violin and church music sustained his faith. The stories of Hartig and his wife, Hermina, whose winding path of migration across Europe eventually took them to the United States, give the book its driving force. The author also effectively places the narratives within a larger genealogical history of their extended families, as well as the historical context of Eastern Europe. Scholars may lament the book’s lack of formal citations, as it’s based primarily on family documents and oral histories; however, these provide a firsthand look at communist Yugoslavia from the perspective of a religious minority, and many documents are helpfully reprinted throughout. The harrowing, engaging narrative is also complemented by a wealth of other visual aids, including maps, family trees, and a plethora of black-and-white photographs.

A poignant story of survival, faith, and family.

Near the Danube Bridge is a deeply moving and richly detailed biography that explores the lives of two intertwined families during the tumultuous events of World War II and its aftermath. The book centers around Kalman Hartig, a man of deep faith and conviction whose experiences in wartime Yugoslavia test the limits of human endurance and the power of belief. This is not just a tale of survival; it’s a poignant exploration of faith, resilience, and the complexities of human nature in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The author skillfully explores themes of transformation, hope, and perseverance that Kalman and his family endured. The book is filled with visual elements that enrich the reader’s experience and understanding of the tribulations that Kalman experienced. These strategically placed descriptions amplify the emotional impact and the reader’s ability to empathize with Kalman and his family. Catherine Allen-Walter’s writing style is undoubtedly one of the book’s strengths. Her language flows effortlessly, and her concise yet meaningful prose creates powerful images without overwhelming the reader. The descriptive passages are particularly noteworthy, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind.

Kalman is a remarkable man displaying unwavering faith and moral courage, which makes him both admirable and relatable to readers. His touching relationship with his family, especially his mother, Anna, provides insight into his personal development. The conflict between Anna’s newfound Seventh-day Adventist faith and the family’s traditional beliefs is a recurring theme, showcasing the family’s struggles within historical conflicts. This internal family tension adds depth to the book, making it more than just a biography but also an enlightening exploration of Yugoslavian history.

Near the Danube Bridge is a powerful and evocative historical biography that will appeal to readers interested in faith, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. Catherine Allen-Walter’s meticulous research and ability to bring Kalman Hartig’s story to life for readers is admirable and inspiring.