Bed of Roses, Bed of Thorns
“As I read the exciting new novel Bed of Roses, Bed of Thorns by Uta Christensen, the thought suddenly came to me: what a rich many-faceted story of a bygone era it is, a revisiting of the German culture of the first half of the 20th century. While two horrendous wars were unfolding – WWI and WWII – families tried to cope with losing their loved ones, being uprooted, experiencing hardships and depravations, witnessing their cities being destroyed and eventually welcoming their conquerors. In these chaotic times, Ursula Meister was born and is growing up. The novel is an engrossing coming-of-age story, set in a rich family saga of three generations of colorful characters. Simply, but masterfully told, Bed of Roses, Bed of Thorns is a complex, moving, ambitious and interesting work of fiction. I loved every bit of it.” – Norman Edelen, Author of After a While You Wonder
“Bed of Roses, Bed of Thorns is a tour de force of well-observed inspirational literature. Starting from the bleak and bomb-damaged foundations of naturalism, it turns back to a more romantic notion of free will, but one that must be attained through hardship and toil. The power of storytelling and perspective to bring about change is central to this book; and in relating its compelling tale, it touches the reader with the truth of that assertion. The novel is a highly recommended read.” – Taran Dhillon, Author of Nectar of the Grateful Victim
“Uta Christensen is an excellent writer and story teller. Her characters of the novel Bed of Roses, Bed of Thorns are strong and believable, and the setting she places them in is described so vividly that one can easily imagine being there with them in the mountains, forests, and cities of Germany in the 1940s and 1950s. The story, told from the perspective of a young girl, transcends the physical locations to explain and understand the yearning which Ulla has throughout her life, and the path that yearning places her on. The elements of the story are beautifully crafted, well woven, and compelling for any reader. — All in all, I highly recommend this novel. It was an excellent and enjoyable read and has left me thinking deeply about my own choices, actions, history and thirst for knowledge and understanding.” – William Speir, Author of Knights of the Saltier
Tough as Silk, Escape from Beijing
“Uta Christensen did it again! With Tough as Fine Silk, Escape from Beijing, she wrote a most fascinating novel, so different from her other books. What impressed me first is her incredible knowledge of China. I learned so much about that part of the world—the historical, cultural and political aspects—through her wonderful and detailed expositions during that long train ride. I wondered whether she followed that route herself when she visited China.
The intriguing love story that Ms. Christensen has so masterfully interwoven is a delightful contrast. It brings the reader back to reality, even though it does not feel quite real at times with all the premonitions hinting at a different outcome than desired. The betrayal was a shock, of course, but thinking about the planned future of the couple in California, it becomes clear that that kind of life would not have suited lovely Juan. She yearns for freedom, success, and independence—for a life that she can control herself.
The intricate ideas Ms. Christensen brought together in this book and the easy-flowing style make the reading of the novel a true pleasure. I am happy she wrote this fine book, and I hope she will find a lot of excited readers. The finished product should make her very happy and proud” – Gisela Juengling, Assistant Professor, University of California
“The novel Tough as Fine Silk, Escape from Beijing by Uta Christensen takes the reader on an amazing journey through a passionate love story and, at the same time, on an adventure through China’s ancient historical sites and recent historical events.
The two main characters, Michael Sorensen and Li Juan, representing Western and Eastern cultures and traditions, are at the center of this beautifully written novel. The story is a superb mix of East and West, of seeming openness of the two lovers with each other, but there is always a bit of doubt and mystery in the background—of carefulness and carelessness, of spiritual and material thoughts. And the novel’s love scenes are tantalizing. The readers see this tale through the lovers’ eyes, their experiences, emotions, and motivations behind their actions and decisions. They will become thoroughly involved and engaged in the lovers’ adventure and affection for each other as they are trying to escape from an as yet unknown threat to their lives and their future together.
The ending of the story—not given away here—is masterfully written and is highly emotional. The novel can be recommended on more than one level as it focuses equally on the personal as well as on the historical. Lessons are learned by the central couple and not always in an easy way.” – Hedi Roethel, Artist
Caught: Surviving the Turbulent River of Life
There are many faces to the horrors of war— decimation, mutilation, barbarity, and, of course, death itself. But one of the most savage and dehumanizing consequences of armed conflict is the prison system that springs up to house enemy combatants—and ordinary citizens too. These hellish camps encapsulate the lowest depths of human depravity; ruled by violence and degeneracy, political prisoners are forced to endure unthinkable conditions and unchecked cruelty—all without any chance of reprieve. Uta Christensen’s latest novel, Caught: Surviving the Turbulent River of Life, chronicles this appalling consequence of war, weaving a narrative of atrocity that, despite its artful inventions and complex characters, is so starkly based on grim realities… that one cannot help but shudder.
Caught tells the story of Janos, a young German boy kidnapped by the Nazis during WWII—and forced into a Russian prison camp. There, Janos must survive against all odds, fighting off starvation and death at every turn as the years march on… and he becomes a man. It is, in fact, within the hardships of this very crucible, that Janos thrives, overcoming the frailties and ignobilities of existence to discover friendship, compassion, and love—making him into the apotheosis of an upstanding, self-reliant citizen: a true model to all his fellow countrymen.
Told in flashbacks, Caught: Surviving the Turbulent River of Life explores the intricate nature of suffering and memory, delving into the complexities of how the past—even the most vicious episodes—informs the present… and the very nature of the self. Uta Christensen, with striking prose and a poetic sensibility, brings the darker chapters of history to life in such a way that one is instantly captivated by a concurrent horror and pity, a sense of tragedy, but too a catharsis in overcoming, in human resilience and beauty itself. A truly breathtaking novel, Caught is a tour de force of literary perfection; poignant, unremitting, and painfully real, this book is essential reading for all those willing to face hard truths—and grow from them. – –Phi Beta Kappa review, 5 Star Review by Charles Asher.
A Universal Story of Overcoming
Caught: Surviving the Turbulent River of Life is a dark and powerful novel full of pain, knowledge, and inspiration. I had never read any of Uta Christensen’s books before this, but there is clearly great talent and disciplined skill in her craft. She is able to tell a sweeping, epic narrative while still making everything personal and human, pulling the reader in with her characters and the frightening world she so artfully presents.
Caught is set in Germany during World War II and deals with the capture of a young Axis soldier named Janos. Told from the perspective of the protagonist—who is held in a Soviet POW camp—we are given a glimpse into the German psyche of the time. It is important to always remember (and the novel helps us to) that not every German soldier was an anti-Semitic Nazi—many were simply young men forced into service by their government, merely fighting to survive. Janos is the embodiment of this, and his story of struggle and overcoming in the Russian prison is a universal story that transcends the politics of the Third Reich.
From reading her brief biography, I learned that Uta Christensen is herself German and that she had family involved in the war. While the novel stands completely on its own, I believe this lends an immediacy to the work that can be felt on every page. It is almost confessional, as if the author (like the main character) is wrestling with a great burden and finding, in the end, simply the beauty and courage of the human spirit— beyond history and politics. Uta Christensen manages this perfectly. Her prose is haunting, the narrative compelling, and the message unforgettable. Caught is a work of real substance and is not to be missed. –By Erika Lund on December 27, 2015 — Phi Beta Kappa 5 star review – Format: Kindle Edition and Paperback Edition