DEFIANCE, Ohio, Sept. 9, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thirty-Year War in Germany during the 1700s between the Catholics and Protestants is a piece of history that is seldom mentioned or taught. Unbeknownst to most, this war devastated entire regions, drastically reduced populations and developed into a general war involving much of Europe. Follow the fictional account of a family in the midst of a war-torn country as they struggle to survive and escape the bloodbath in Calico Dance: Escape to Sweden, an intriguing book written by author Alton J. Myers.
Calico Dance: Escape to Sweden tells about the life of a hypothetical family as they face the terrors of the Thirty Years' War in their homeland. The year 1631 is the book's focus, soon after the King of Sweden has invaded the German countryside. This family, and particularly their son John, are so impressed by the Protestant king and his army, they become followers, trusting him and his army to protect their Protestant cause. In the German state of Hesse, where they live, uprisings of soldiers and peasants take their toll upon their home and family. Their house is burned and land taken. Thus, they flee their homeland to head north.
In this historical fiction novel, the son joins the Swedish army and becomes a Swedish citizen while still on German soil. His example soon becomes a model for the family, including the two daughters, Karin and Jutte (You'ta), who are wandering nomads, homeless and looking for a peaceful and meaningful solution for their future. In their escape north, this family meets others who are also on the run. It is with sadness they leave Germany, but they gain hope for peace and stability for their family in this new culture and climate as they decide to become Swedes.
Calico Dance is an interesting book that is great for beginners who may not be into history. The author skillfully weaves historical events into the lives of a fictional family and gives insight on man's inhumanity to man during this dark period in European history. Told in a simple manner, this story of hope amidst the tragedies stirs your imagination as you experience the family's harrowing flight to freedom. Though fictional, it reveals much truth about what happened to people in the 17th century German countryside, who were inhabitants of a group of states that were to officially become the nation of Germany in 1871. Once you've read this book, you will be intrigued enough to read more on the Thirty-Year War.
About the Author
Alton Myers is a retired minister and teacher who experienced the Detroit riot as a graduate student living there in the summer of 1967. He has written a book of historical fiction, "Calico Dance," and now presents readers another opportunity to explore historical fiction through the events of 1967. The author finds fiction a good way to tell his stories about life and the changes it brings into the lives of people who live the times. He has attended a number of universities, having been a science and mathematics teacher before becoming a minister and an author.
Calico Dance * by Alton J. Myers
Escape to Sweden
Publication Date: April 22, 2008
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 113 pages; 978-1-4134-0922-2
Cloth Hardback; $29.99; 113 pages; 978-1-4134-0923-9
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x.7876.