Description
The Meiningers had set out for Russia seeking to improve their lives, to escape the political and religious turmoil often surrounding their otherwise picturesque German homes and villages. They dreamed of the faraway place awaiting them. They colored the soil beneath the vast steppe rich and black in their minds ready to be tilled. And there would be a neat little house ready to receive them. In their wildest dreams, they could not have imagined what actually awaited their arrival. There were no houses, no fields nothing but grass as far as the eye could see. It was almost evening; they were hungry, wet and cold and felt like orphaned children.
These German immigrants and their descendants civilized this bleak Russian frontier, converted the harsh steppe into fields of waving grain dotted with wind-driven flour mills, and in this isolated place, developed a culture that was uniquely their own. They survived savage attacks of marauding tribes, the unpredictable often harsh climate, and the vagaries of tsarist edicts. Sigrid tells the fascinating story of these remarkable people in The Volga Germans.
The Volga Germans is the second volume in Sigrid Weidenweber s trilogy The Volga Flows Forever. Catherine, the first volume, brings to life the fascinating historical character of Catherine the Great who invited her native countrymen to settle the Russian frontier. In the final volume, From Gulag to Freedom, she follows the Volga Germans through the hardships of collectivization and deportation during the Soviet years to finally immigrate to the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.
Edition: First edition
Publish date: December 10, 2008
Print length: 443 pages (hardcover)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934961027
ISBN-13: 978-1934961025
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Karen Stevenson –
Interesting story
I got this book because I had ancestors that were German settlers living in Russia so I’ve been reading whatever I can find on the subject. I wasn’t really expecting much, I was mostly interested because my ancestors lived there, but I found that the book was interesting and well written, a good story that happened to also have relevance. It was actually fairly riveting to hear all the problems they had to overcome — the lack of promised help from the government, the wolf packs, and all the outlaws that preyed on them. It really brought home the immensity of the sacrifices they made. I enjoyed the book and have passed it on to my mother, who is also enjoying it.
V. Cano –
Interesting
This is the second book in the Volga trilogy, and it is a great continuation to the story.
I thought this book was actually structured better than the previous one. The plot flowed better, the different storylines melding together with more skill. The historical detail is as impeccable as in the previous book, with many fascinating moments. For example, the description of the extreme cold, and the way that the farmers suffered it, is almost a visceral experience for the reader. The same thing with their struggle with nomads and wolves, who threaten their every success. There is a tension to the narrative that adds another layer to the reading experience.
This is not a book for everyone, however. The pace sometimes can get slow at some moments, and for those of you who don’t really love historical details, it might get dull. But for those of us who love a good atmosphere as well as a story based on real events, this book is a wonderful addition to our libraries.
S.F. –
Great for those who enjoy historical fiction
From the,”hardships of collectivization and deportation during the Soviet years to finally immigrate to the San Joaquin Valley of Central California,”,The Volga Germans by Sigrid Weidenweber, is a rich filled story about the lives of the Volga Germans, under the rising rule of Stalin.
Filled with a trademark eye for historical research and depiction, everyday characters that capture the environment and setting of their story, and peppered with the customs, food and language of the people, readers who enjoy historical fiction, will be captivated by the little told story of the Volga Germans who, in the process of trying to build a richer life, found themselves, discovering survival, faith and persistence in trying times.
With the ability to show different eyes, and centering on the rich history of Russia, Sigrid Weidenweber, captures the time, the ambiance and feel of the era, that is being written on and for people who may enjoy historical fictions that blend history with a rich story or know of friends and family who enjoy reading such books, “The Volga Germans” is one of Sigrid Weidenweber, best books of the series.
I found, “The Volga Germans” interesting and for those who are looking for light reading, be prepared that all of the “Volga” series are very in depth that I would suggest if you have an e-reader, it would be best to get the books in that format, but you’ll find yourself, unable to put the book down, particularly if you are a big fan of books that are filled with obviously time spent on research.
Donald E. Rosenow –
Excellent read.
A lot of history encapsulated in a nice piece of fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the Volga German people. The writer has undoubtedly done her research and her ability to tell a good story is unquestionable.
JACK –
A Profound Cultural and Anthropological History of a Place and Era
This is not really a normal review, but my personal letter to the author, dated 7-5-14.
The Volga Germans Trilogy
Thank you so much for this important work. I, too, am 72 years old, born in Middle Tennessee and although fairly well-educated and more knowledgeable and aware than most, I had never heard of the Volga Germans. Your books are so important in keeping alive the truths of the Soviet Union and the horrors within. I intend to recommend this trilogy to everyone I see, but to those more likely to read one book than three, I shall recommend “From Gulag to Freedom”. All three books are wonderful.
Most Americans, sadly, do not have an inkling of the evils you have shared with us in this book. Unfortunately, I fear we are close to denial about how near we have come to a socialist government and most of our leaders seem quite cavalier about it. I can tell that you are quite concerned about this.
My husband and I travel quite a lot and have met, usually in Europe, many former Russians who are now living in the US. We are always happy to spend time with them, as we love to hear them say wonderful things about our country. They also, without fail, warn us about the danger of losing our freedoms. They invariably beg us not to lose our country to creeping socialism. After reading your books, it has become very, very real to me that this is absolutely happening, in the past few years at a very rapid rate.
I shall try very hard to do my part, as you are doing yours, to create some interest and, yes, FEAR in the people I come in contact with of the dangers with which we flirt. I am very disturbed by our fiscal irresponsibility and the very liberal policies our Americans have embraced. I am very active in my small city in Alabama in conservative politics but do not think, at this point, that is enough.
Sincerely,
Carolyn J. Cook
Shirley Lavallee –
amazing story. when you have lived all your life …
amazing story. when you have lived all your life in Canada, These two books make you wake up to the real
world we live in.
David Markgraf –
Volga German Descendants Read This Book
I just finished March To The Volga by D. Philipp Kaiser and give it four stars on a five star scale. This book takes an actual Volga German family and follows them in their journey from Germany to Russia and then to the United States. Even though it wasn’t my family I felt as if I were reading my family’s story. I recommend every Volga German Descendant read this story and pass it on to your children and grandchildren. They need to know how SPECIAL this country really is because no one else will tell them.