Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Pages
410
Publication
Minneapolis, Minn. : Bethany House, c1989.
Description
Opening in 1936, the Zion Covenant series tells the courageous and compelling stories of those who risk everything to stand against the growing tide of Nazi terrorism that is sweeping through central Europe under the dangerous and deceitful guise of Hitler's Third Reich. A new study guide is included in each book.
User reviews
LibraryThing member MarieFriesen
Opening in 1936, the Zion Covenant series tells the courageous and compelling stories of those who risk everything to stand against the growing tide of Nazi terrorism that is sweeping through central Europe under the dangerous and deceitful guise of Hitler's Third Reich.
LibraryThing member VirginiaGill
I've always been sorry that I gave this series of books away so when I saw them on the loaner shelf at the cancer center I snactched them up to read again. What the characters constantly trying to be light in the darkness during a horrific time makes for a great read.
LibraryThing member marient
The book opens in pre-World War 11 Auistria. Elisa Lindheim, a violinist in the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, is of Jewis heritage, but has adopted an Aryan stage name. Thus she is able to travel and play in Germany even though a 1035 law forbade Jewish musicians to do so. Her dear friend Leah a
John Murphy, a reporter for the New York Times in Berlin and Austria becomes linked with English politicians in a plot to overthrow Hitler. He also becomes linked with Elisa.
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cellist and her husband, Shimon must escape Austria or perish in the coming Holocaust.John Murphy, a reporter for the New York Times in Berlin and Austria becomes linked with English politicians in a plot to overthrow Hitler. He also becomes linked with Elisa.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
This is the first book I've read in what is apparently a series of books, this, I'm told, being a prequel to The Zion Chronicles Series. The writing style did't really thrill me, but I wanted to see what happens with the story enough so that I kept reading. I did find myself getting irritated when
There were things I liked about the book -- the heroics of everyday people that go unsung, the references to the music that floated throughout the story, the glimpses of Berlin and of the mountain area around Berchtesgarten, where my family has spent many happy hours. Like Rebekkila, the love story kind of interfered with my enjoyment. A little too soap-operaish for me.
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the author has Elisa talk about Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Thoener uses theEnglish translation, which is pretty weird and not nearly as beautiful or meaningful (or even the same meaning as) the German one, which bugs me every time I sing it, too. So, for a German to wax poetic about what essentially is a bad translation, struck me as weird.There were things I liked about the book -- the heroics of everyday people that go unsung, the references to the music that floated throughout the story, the glimpses of Berlin and of the mountain area around Berchtesgarten, where my family has spent many happy hours. Like Rebekkila, the love story kind of interfered with my enjoyment. A little too soap-operaish for me.
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LibraryThing member Michelle.Henry
The Thoenes are among my all-time favorite authors. This series has their usual perfect blend of history, drama, adventure, suspense, and romance.
LibraryThing member Carolee888
'Vienna Prelude' by Bodie and Brock Thoene is a prequel of a six book series. The story concentrates on Jewish life in Germany and Austria during 1933 through 1936. I learned quite a bit about the reaction of the Austrian government to the takeover by Hitler. I didn’t know about the protest about
The main characters are Elisa Linder aka Elisa Lindheim, a concert violinist whose father was raised as a Jew and John Murphy, an American reporter. The story has many minor characters but it was easy to keep them straight. Both characters were very emotional and not able to communicate their hurt and disappointment to each other so there were plenty of misunderstandings in their love story. Even though I was interested in their story throughout the book, I ended up fascinated by the story of the fall of Austria, and mostly of Vienna. The characters were painted very real and the story was vivid.
My main negative criticism is that the book’s font was tiny the book was long. I think that there could have been more edited to reduce the size of the book. I did feel like I would like to read the other five books sometime to find out what happened to all the characters of the story. Did Otto reform? Did Elsa’s father survive? Did the two continue to have turbulent lives?
Also, I thought Elsa’s life could have been simplified. She could have fewer loves. I see now that this book was written to show case what was happening to a German Nazi, a county man not carry too much about politics and the American reporter but it got so I was impatient with Elsa because she couldn’t make up her mind!
I recommend this particular part of the series to people who want to learn more about other countries that Nazi Germany took over before and after. The font verged on beginning too small for me to read and I think that may prevent me from reading the rest of the series.
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the protest of the Austrians even though there was no hope of rescue from England and United States. I was very impressed by the words and actions of Churchill and Eden and some of the Austrian statesmen.The main characters are Elisa Linder aka Elisa Lindheim, a concert violinist whose father was raised as a Jew and John Murphy, an American reporter. The story has many minor characters but it was easy to keep them straight. Both characters were very emotional and not able to communicate their hurt and disappointment to each other so there were plenty of misunderstandings in their love story. Even though I was interested in their story throughout the book, I ended up fascinated by the story of the fall of Austria, and mostly of Vienna. The characters were painted very real and the story was vivid.
My main negative criticism is that the book’s font was tiny the book was long. I think that there could have been more edited to reduce the size of the book. I did feel like I would like to read the other five books sometime to find out what happened to all the characters of the story. Did Otto reform? Did Elsa’s father survive? Did the two continue to have turbulent lives?
Also, I thought Elsa’s life could have been simplified. She could have fewer loves. I see now that this book was written to show case what was happening to a German Nazi, a county man not carry too much about politics and the American reporter but it got so I was impatient with Elsa because she couldn’t make up her mind!
I recommend this particular part of the series to people who want to learn more about other countries that Nazi Germany took over before and after. The font verged on beginning too small for me to read and I think that may prevent me from reading the rest of the series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
I love this series. It really captures the reign of terror in Nazi Germany and the effect on individuals from all walks of life. The books are well researched and historically accurate. You will find them hard to put down so make sure you have enough money to buy the whole series before you start!
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LibraryThing member sarahashwood
Exciting historical fiction. Beautifully written about a particularly painful time in history. Looking forward to reading book two.
Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2008)
Local notes
Need spine label