Book: A Volga Tale
Author: Guzel Yakhina
Discussion Leader: Dell Harmsen
Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy
Book Description: In the 18th century, the Russian empress Catherine the Great invited Europeans to immigrate and become Russian citizens and farm Russian lands while maintaining their language and culture. The settlers came mainly from Germany, and following the Russian Revolution, the Volga German Soviet Republic was founded, lasting until 1941, when it was abolished after the Germans invaded the region. In September 1941 all Volga Germans were deported. Over half a million were sent into exile in Siberia and Kazakhstan.
Jacob Bach’s life reflects and foreshadows that of his native colony, Gnadenthal, in this epic set in the late years of the 19th century through to the mid-twentieth century of personal tragedy and resilience. In telling a stirring family story, Yakhina also recounts the story of a people, a republic, a nation, a tale that begins in peace, flows and grows mighty, crosses space and time, like the Volga River itself.
Dell Harmsen, who will lead the discussion, has visited the Museum of Volga Germans in Eastern Germany. And, there is a Museum of Volga Germans in Jefferson Park. Link: https://www.volgagermans.org/who-are-volga-germans/history/immigration/united-states/illinois/chicago-jefferson-park
The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.
