Stones From the River
Stones From the River
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Brief
525
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s-1950s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1140L
Super Short Summary
Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi tells the story of Trudi Montag, a woman with dwarfism born in a small German town in 1915. Through her perspective, the novel explores the town's experiences and moral conflicts from post-WWI through just after WWII, showing how underlying societal prejudices and personal vendettas contributed to the rise of fascism and the Holocaust. Topics include sexual assault and mental health challenges.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
97,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ursula Hegi's Stones From the River is praised for its intricate storytelling and rich historical backdrop, capturing the tumult of Germany during and after the World Wars through the unique lens of a character with dwarfism. Critics commend Hegi's delicate exploration of identity and otherness. However, some find its pacing uneven. Despite minor flaws, it remains a compelling narrative.
Who Should Read Stones From the River?
Readers who appreciate intricate, character-driven narratives with historical backdrops akin to All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will be captivated by Ursula Hegi's Stones From the River. Ideal for those drawn to tales of resilience and human complexity set during tumultuous periods.
97,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
525
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s-1950s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1140L
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