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This is the story of two families whose lives intertwined during World War II in the Banat region of Serbia, formerly part of Yugoslavia. It relates their hardships and triumphs and places emphasis on the role their religious faith played in their lives. Their strict Christian beliefs compelled them to resist communist rules yet preserved them from what, under many circumstances, should have led to certain death. Their adherence to what they believed were God’s laws gave them strength, provided protection, and ensured their denouement in a country free from tyranny. Their sacrifices ultimately secured their freedom when they met with the opportunity and privilege to immigrate to the United States of America.

This book honors the memory of Kalman Hartig, one who confronted persecution with resoluteness, while steadfastly holding to his devout standards during his imprisonment for being a conscientious objector. It serves as a testament to the fortitude of human nature while retaining the will to survive.

DISCLAIMER: “Much research was put into the writing of this book. If there are any mistakes it is solely due to unintentional human error on the part of the author.”

Near the Danube Bridge
Book Club Discussion Points

1. What did you learn about European history during the early to middle 20th century that you didn’t know before? Which events did you find to be the most interesting?
2. Have you experienced discord within your own family or close circle of friends regarding different religious beliefs?
3. Other than Kalman, the protagonist, was there another character to whom you related? How?
4. Did you discover where the title of the book came from?
5. If you were facing persecution, where would you draw the line? When would you say it wasn’t worth it anymore, such as refraining from eating meat or something similar?
6. What are the most striking differences you see between immigration laws in the book and our present time?
7. Were you surprised that, even by 1959, German officers in the refugee camp said they didn’t want any Jews in the camp when they discovered the Hartigs worshipped on Saturdays? How did this make you feel?
8. Minka served as a pivotal character throughout the book. How do you think Kalman’s life would have been different without her?
9. Our world has a large refugee problem due to people fearing for their very lives if they stay in their homeland. Which circumstance or matter of conscience would make you consider leaving your own country and becoming a refugee?