Saves The World Entire
The Brunswick by Callie Murray is a fabulous debut novel set in the American South in 1939. It is a Christian historical novel, and although a work of fiction, has its roots based on real people and real events.
This is a story in two halves which alternate. There is The Brunswick in Norcross, America which used to be a hotel until the Wall Street crash of 1929, but is now a run as a store by a World War I veteran’s daughter. He had originally built The Brunswick but now is confined to his room with depression. The other venue is Austria where Jewish children are persecuted and need a safe harbour.
Within America there are anti-German feelings and we see characters marginalised because of their roots, despite the fact that their parents came to America many years earlier.
The World War I veteran is haunted by his past. He has withdrawn from life, even to the point of ignoring his daughter. His prejudice runs deep. “Who knew what he experienced when he was fighting abroad? – but he must hate an entire race, past and future?” Fears of how he will react to Jewish children in his hotel are very real. “Worry is a waste of time we have left.” We should worry about nothing and pray about everything, handing our worries up to Jesus.
We witness the cruelty and persecution by the Nazis, of the innocents. We see those who are brave. “I am comfortable because others were brave.” We wonder, what does brave look like? “Sometimes bravery looks like love… and love, you have.”
There is much bravery within the novel as American Jews and a German American set out to rescue the Austrian Jewish children, after hearing about the Kindertransport. “This is the saddest, bravest thing I’ve ever done” – is said by a mother putting her children into the hands of strangers for their safety. The parents are so brave as they love their children enough to let them go. We learn that the journey is “worth it for just one.” This reminds us of the Talmund – “Whoever saves one life… saves the world entire.”
No matter how old we get, we still need our dads. “She was a daughter again, in the arms of a loving father.” We are reminded that we are all children of God, who longs to hold us in His arms.
At times of uncertainty, we have to look to God and hold on to hope. “Hope in the face of uncertainty.” We must “keep those hands open” ready to receive from God.
The town of Norcross is, on the whole, warm and welcoming. There is much love for its’ inhabitants and for the Jewish refugee children.
I absolutely loved The Brunswick. It tells of love, faith and hope at a time of global uncertainty. I cannot wait for more by Callie Murray.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
