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The Ark #3
Castle on the Border
Leni, orphaned and homeless in postwar Germany, seemed older than she really was, for she had learned through bitter necessity to take care of herself. She was determined that one day she would be a great actress like her mother, and her chief ambition was to study under a good director. When Aunt Frederike and her husband escaped from East Germany in 1948 and came back to live in their derelict and ancient family castle just over the East-West border, Leni agreed to live with them only because there was a group of young actors living in a nearby town with whom she hoped to work. When the theater group was in desperate need of permanent quarters, Leni persuaded Aunt Rexie to let them live in the castle on the understanding that they would help rehabilitate it. Later she learned, through the village doctor, that the cellars of the castle were used as a way station by people crossing the border from one zone to another, and she was drawn into helping these desperate folk.
227 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1956
1 person is currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Margot Benary-Isbert
23 books38 followersGerman-born children’s author known for her "depictions of humane, realistic characters."
Benary-Isbert attended the College St. Carolus and the University of Frankfurt. She worked as a secretary at the Museum of Ethnology and Anthropology in Frankfurt, Germany from 1910-1917, when she married Wilhelm Benary. They settled in Erfurt, in East Germany.
When the Russians took over Germany, she fled to the apartment of a friend in West Germany. In 1948 she wrote Die Arche Noah (The Ark). In 1953 it received a first prize at the New York Herald Tribune's Spring Book Festival. Post-war Germany became a common theme in most of her works.
In 1952 she moved to the United States, where she was naturalized in 1957 and worked as a writer until her death. She received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1957 for "Annegret und Cara".
Most of Benary-Isbert's books were originally written and published in German; some were later translated into English and published again.
Benary-Isbert attended the College St. Carolus and the University of Frankfurt. She worked as a secretary at the Museum of Ethnology and Anthropology in Frankfurt, Germany from 1910-1917, when she married Wilhelm Benary. They settled in Erfurt, in East Germany.
When the Russians took over Germany, she fled to the apartment of a friend in West Germany. In 1948 she wrote Die Arche Noah (The Ark). In 1953 it received a first prize at the New York Herald Tribune's Spring Book Festival. Post-war Germany became a common theme in most of her works.
In 1952 she moved to the United States, where she was naturalized in 1957 and worked as a writer until her death. She received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1957 for "Annegret und Cara".
Most of Benary-Isbert's books were originally written and published in German; some were later translated into English and published again.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 23, 2015
I'm finding hard to criticize the message of this novel without sounding like selfish bitch. I hate that.
June 17, 2025
Castle on the Border is the story of Leni, a young woman who has fended for herself in the postwar years in Germany, while longing to be an actress. When her aunt inherits the family castle on the border of West/East Germany, Leni and her brother are reunited. There's so much to love about this book, especially if you love theater. It reminded me a lot of Noel Streatfeild's work in that regard. Leni takes her acting very seriously. I loved the side story of her dachshund, the way celebrating Advent healed her community, the setting in rural West Germany (not so agricultural as The Ark or Rowan Farm), and the more political/philosophical bent that Benary-Isbert took in this novel.
While Goodreads categorizes this as part of "The Ark" series, it's not. Just the same time period and a similar setting; no overlapping characters or plots. Wonderful as a standalone novel, for the fans of Rilla of Ingleside.
While Goodreads categorizes this as part of "The Ark" series, it's not. Just the same time period and a similar setting; no overlapping characters or plots. Wonderful as a standalone novel, for the fans of Rilla of Ingleside.
May 16, 2016
This is actually set after the war, in West Germany. Leni is finishing up work at the office where she does stenography. She meets a lawyer there who knows the baroness and baron, her aunt and uncle but whom she does not wish or plan to join up with. She is perfectly fine by herself. And she doesn't need to reunite with her actor brother either, though the idea of coming to his director for training is tempting-after all, one day she herself will reach the stage-no matter if she isn't a beauty.
But... Winkleburg castle-old home of her aunt and uncle-has other plans for Leni, that will touch her life and embed itself deep within her, past her tight-shut bounderies she made from all the tragedy and hardships in the war.
There's the lovable Pippin, her handsome brother, her sweet and hopeful aunt, distracted uncle, his hordes of spiders, the colorful acting troupe-whom I'd describe further, but you're probably already begging me to stop-and the tireless doctor who is forever trying to break her shell and draw her away from the self-absorbed woman she is in danger of becoming. This is not a fast paced book-it is a beautiful and rich story that takes its time to slowly bring everything about in a most tender and wonderful way. This is Germany, rising from the ashes to make anew it's towns and villages, to heal. This is the youth, the aged, hopeful, striving upward. This is a book that you will enjoy!
But... Winkleburg castle-old home of her aunt and uncle-has other plans for Leni, that will touch her life and embed itself deep within her, past her tight-shut bounderies she made from all the tragedy and hardships in the war.
There's the lovable Pippin, her handsome brother, her sweet and hopeful aunt, distracted uncle, his hordes of spiders, the colorful acting troupe-whom I'd describe further, but you're probably already begging me to stop-and the tireless doctor who is forever trying to break her shell and draw her away from the self-absorbed woman she is in danger of becoming. This is not a fast paced book-it is a beautiful and rich story that takes its time to slowly bring everything about in a most tender and wonderful way. This is Germany, rising from the ashes to make anew it's towns and villages, to heal. This is the youth, the aged, hopeful, striving upward. This is a book that you will enjoy!
November 14, 2020
GOOD BITS: Given this book is no longer in print, I really want to break down why it’s so relevant to the modern pandemic. I’m loathe to compare Covid-19 to WWII because I don’t think ordinary citizens are having to exhibit the same level of courage; however, there’s a key insight into reconstruction through the strong message about importance of theatre and the arts in times of distress. Although the characters appeal to the government for help with their theatre, it’s not seen as important enough to warrant funding.
“The bureaucrats in their well-heated room displayed a benevolent interest. But their budget, they declared, was already overburdened…’ p118
Through quoting Goethe and Shakespeare, the author demonstrates how the arts are essential to bring people together and spread hope after a traumatic national (or global) event. Indeed, she places a lot of emphasis on how young people travelled throughout the country in the hope of seeing and building a new world, of which the arts is paramount. There’s a key line about having to demonstrate the worth of the arts, which I think is very poignant as we look to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on culture across the globe. I truly believe it’s up to all of us (who have stable incomes) to patronize the arts and demonstrate why they are crucial in a post-Covid world.
‘The theatre would have to prove its right to existence before it could count on assistance.’ P118
The other aspects of the book I liked were the rich descriptions of nature (there are some truly beautiful scenes) and the mix of viewpoints from the third person, omniscient narrator. The main character, Leni, is somewhat unlikeable because she’s cold and hard hearted due to the trauma of losing her parents. However, I felt this was right as she must learn to open up as the goal of the collective is more than her individual ambitions.
NOT SO GOOD BITS: While this book clearly condemns Hitler and the Third Reich, there are some notable omissions and aspects that made me uncomfortable. Overall, I can surmise this as the overly optimistic and pastoral tone, which is delightful in some areas of the book, but incongruous in others.
For example, there is a prominent scene where forty refugees from Hungary spend a night in the castle cellars. They recount how they were forcibly removed from their homeland by the Third Reich and have been moved from camp to camp ever since. It’s an emotive and heartbreaking scene but quickly shifts as they all begin to dance. This felt very jarring and out of context. Immediately after the dance one of the refugees dies in childbirth and the actions of the others are completely baffling and unrealistic.
This book does not mention Judaism or the Holocaust. I am a firm believer in judging books within the context they were written. However, I think this is a problem given the aforementioned scene regarding refugees. This would have been an appropriate time to pay respect to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust but it seems deliberately omitted. This is particularly poignant as after this scene there are several mentions of visitors from around the world coming to the castle, including someone from India and a debate with an “American Negro” over “the race problem in America”. Indeed, after the debate, the narrator says:
“She began to feel sorry for people who were locked up within their own prejudices as though they were behind prison walls. It seemed to her grotesque that only a year ago she had divided people into categories and judged them according to formulas.” P210
Given the overall message of young people across the world uniting and throwing off their prejudices, the omission of the Holocaust does not sit right.
I also expected (and wanted) to learn more about the partition of Germany. The refugees played a very small role in the novel. There are a few instances with smugglers; but there is very little insight into the damage of partition. The one person who could’ve elicited this is quickly sidelined and it feels like he’s a plot device, rather than a rounded character.
OVERALL: There are a lot of themes and plotlines in this book, which fit together perfectly with a strong overriding message. Despite some disappointing elements, including the omission of the Holocaust, transparent/convenient plot devices, and a lack of focus on the effects of the partition of Germany, I really enjoyed reading it. This book opened up my mind to really think about the effects of war and reconstruction, including the plight of refugees. Additionally, the writing is simply beautiful. I’d recommend this if you love Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee or The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Armin.
“The bureaucrats in their well-heated room displayed a benevolent interest. But their budget, they declared, was already overburdened…’ p118
Through quoting Goethe and Shakespeare, the author demonstrates how the arts are essential to bring people together and spread hope after a traumatic national (or global) event. Indeed, she places a lot of emphasis on how young people travelled throughout the country in the hope of seeing and building a new world, of which the arts is paramount. There’s a key line about having to demonstrate the worth of the arts, which I think is very poignant as we look to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on culture across the globe. I truly believe it’s up to all of us (who have stable incomes) to patronize the arts and demonstrate why they are crucial in a post-Covid world.
‘The theatre would have to prove its right to existence before it could count on assistance.’ P118
The other aspects of the book I liked were the rich descriptions of nature (there are some truly beautiful scenes) and the mix of viewpoints from the third person, omniscient narrator. The main character, Leni, is somewhat unlikeable because she’s cold and hard hearted due to the trauma of losing her parents. However, I felt this was right as she must learn to open up as the goal of the collective is more than her individual ambitions.
NOT SO GOOD BITS: While this book clearly condemns Hitler and the Third Reich, there are some notable omissions and aspects that made me uncomfortable. Overall, I can surmise this as the overly optimistic and pastoral tone, which is delightful in some areas of the book, but incongruous in others.
For example, there is a prominent scene where forty refugees from Hungary spend a night in the castle cellars. They recount how they were forcibly removed from their homeland by the Third Reich and have been moved from camp to camp ever since. It’s an emotive and heartbreaking scene but quickly shifts as they all begin to dance. This felt very jarring and out of context. Immediately after the dance one of the refugees dies in childbirth and the actions of the others are completely baffling and unrealistic.
This book does not mention Judaism or the Holocaust. I am a firm believer in judging books within the context they were written. However, I think this is a problem given the aforementioned scene regarding refugees. This would have been an appropriate time to pay respect to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust but it seems deliberately omitted. This is particularly poignant as after this scene there are several mentions of visitors from around the world coming to the castle, including someone from India and a debate with an “American Negro” over “the race problem in America”. Indeed, after the debate, the narrator says:
“She began to feel sorry for people who were locked up within their own prejudices as though they were behind prison walls. It seemed to her grotesque that only a year ago she had divided people into categories and judged them according to formulas.” P210
Given the overall message of young people across the world uniting and throwing off their prejudices, the omission of the Holocaust does not sit right.
I also expected (and wanted) to learn more about the partition of Germany. The refugees played a very small role in the novel. There are a few instances with smugglers; but there is very little insight into the damage of partition. The one person who could’ve elicited this is quickly sidelined and it feels like he’s a plot device, rather than a rounded character.
OVERALL: There are a lot of themes and plotlines in this book, which fit together perfectly with a strong overriding message. Despite some disappointing elements, including the omission of the Holocaust, transparent/convenient plot devices, and a lack of focus on the effects of the partition of Germany, I really enjoyed reading it. This book opened up my mind to really think about the effects of war and reconstruction, including the plight of refugees. Additionally, the writing is simply beautiful. I’d recommend this if you love Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee or The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Armin.
June 21, 2008
The premise and plot of "Castle on the Boarder" were unique and charming. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed by the overall result as I hoped to be. The writing seemed more choppy than Benary-Isbert's other novels, though this may have been due to the quality of translation.
The biggest disappointment to me was the protagonist's character development. Leni is passionate, energetic, and hardworking... but I just didn't like her much. For most of the book, she is harsh and stoic. She supposedly falls desperately in love for the first time, but she simply tells us that - it wasn't visible. She watches a woman die after childbirth, and takes the newly orphaned infant into her arms, all without emotion or pity. She is constantly helping others, but admits that it is for self-serving reasons and, even then, she gives reluctantly and rebelliously. Her enlightenment and change in character right near the end of the book felt like too little too late to win my affection.
Leni was also set up with that mysterious female stereotype that is one of my pet peeves: the author goes out of her way to call Leni unattractive, portrays her as cold and brusque with most of the people around her, and yet young men are constantly falling in love with her at first sight.
I guess I'm making this sound a lot worse than it was. The book is a very interesting portrayal of 1950 Germany and brought out many eloquent discussions about the East/West German border and the social tensions it caused. It was fun to read about the hopes, aspirations, and hard work of the members of the acting company, most of whom were well-written and realistic. It was also full of Benary-Isbert's beautiful gift for describing nature and landscapes with a lifelike quality. It is definitely worth the read if you are interested in any of these topics.
Incidentally, the setting of this novel - Winkelberg Castle - features in another of Benary-Isbert's books: Christoph stops there for several days during his escape from East Germany in "Long Way Home." His visit would have come a year or two after the plot of "Castle on the Boarder" closed. Characters from her novel "A Time to Love" also make an appearance.
The biggest disappointment to me was the protagonist's character development. Leni is passionate, energetic, and hardworking... but I just didn't like her much. For most of the book, she is harsh and stoic. She supposedly falls desperately in love for the first time, but she simply tells us that - it wasn't visible. She watches a woman die after childbirth, and takes the newly orphaned infant into her arms, all without emotion or pity. She is constantly helping others, but admits that it is for self-serving reasons and, even then, she gives reluctantly and rebelliously. Her enlightenment and change in character right near the end of the book felt like too little too late to win my affection.
Leni was also set up with that mysterious female stereotype that is one of my pet peeves: the author goes out of her way to call Leni unattractive, portrays her as cold and brusque with most of the people around her, and yet young men are constantly falling in love with her at first sight.
I guess I'm making this sound a lot worse than it was. The book is a very interesting portrayal of 1950 Germany and brought out many eloquent discussions about the East/West German border and the social tensions it caused. It was fun to read about the hopes, aspirations, and hard work of the members of the acting company, most of whom were well-written and realistic. It was also full of Benary-Isbert's beautiful gift for describing nature and landscapes with a lifelike quality. It is definitely worth the read if you are interested in any of these topics.
Incidentally, the setting of this novel - Winkelberg Castle - features in another of Benary-Isbert's books: Christoph stops there for several days during his escape from East Germany in "Long Way Home." His visit would have come a year or two after the plot of "Castle on the Boarder" closed. Characters from her novel "A Time to Love" also make an appearance.
September 13, 2021
2021 bk 283. I usually read it after the Ark books - because of the years involved. This truly belongs in Benary-Isberts "Annegret books" as there are several characters from that series, and none from the "Margaret" books. This is the story of a castle, ruined because of over use and abandonment during WWII. Inherited from an uncle, the owners of the castle have made their way from the Russian zone of Germany before the wall is built. An older couple, their rescue is made when niece and nephew induce them to take in a theater company. The actors will help rebuild and repair the castle - and become family with all of the joys and sorrows of family. A well-written book about a time of repair.
March 17, 2025
We are in Germany after the war and the country is in shambles and has been divided. Leni, a girl in her late teens who has had a pretty rough time during the war years and has since grown aloof and distant, learns that her aunt and uncle have inherited and are moving into Winkelberg castle, a castle beautifully situated on the border where Germany has been divided. In addition, Leni's brother Pippo is working and acting at a town nearby. Leni joins them at the castle.
This castle that her aunt and uncle have inherited is an old broken-down castle. Her uncle studies spiders and is writing a book. Her aunt feels she was meant to live in this place and desperately wants to stay and make it work, but they don't know what to do. How are they going to fix up this place before winter?
The acting troupe that Leni's brother Pippo belongs to is also struggling. No one has money for food let alone entertainment. How will they survive the winter?
Leni has an idea. The theatre group moves into the castle and helps fix it up in exchange for rent! There is more than enough room, why not!
It works, and we follow the every day, slice of life events of the people who come together for The Castle Theater! However, there is another important role the castle serves, as shelter for weary travelers and refugees.
This out-of-print jewel is heavy on characters, and it can get a little difficult to keep them straight (but I see this quite commonly with German literature-I wish it had a character tree so the reader can keep better track of them, but one can always make their own). Also, there is no headfirst rush towards a climax or burning question that must be answered. Rather, it is a gentle stroll. Growth and change are ever-present, yet it is subtly delivered. Benary-Isbert's outstanding seasonal and location description (the castle itself feels as though it is a character), the references to art, music and theatre and the uncanny social intelligence displayed by this author are wondrous. I loved it!
Not illustrated. I have previously read her 'The Shooting Star', 'Blue Mystery', and 'The Wicked Enchantment'. All a wonderful reading experience.
This castle that her aunt and uncle have inherited is an old broken-down castle. Her uncle studies spiders and is writing a book. Her aunt feels she was meant to live in this place and desperately wants to stay and make it work, but they don't know what to do. How are they going to fix up this place before winter?
The acting troupe that Leni's brother Pippo belongs to is also struggling. No one has money for food let alone entertainment. How will they survive the winter?
Leni has an idea. The theatre group moves into the castle and helps fix it up in exchange for rent! There is more than enough room, why not!
It works, and we follow the every day, slice of life events of the people who come together for The Castle Theater! However, there is another important role the castle serves, as shelter for weary travelers and refugees.
This out-of-print jewel is heavy on characters, and it can get a little difficult to keep them straight (but I see this quite commonly with German literature-I wish it had a character tree so the reader can keep better track of them, but one can always make their own). Also, there is no headfirst rush towards a climax or burning question that must be answered. Rather, it is a gentle stroll. Growth and change are ever-present, yet it is subtly delivered. Benary-Isbert's outstanding seasonal and location description (the castle itself feels as though it is a character), the references to art, music and theatre and the uncanny social intelligence displayed by this author are wondrous. I loved it!
Not illustrated. I have previously read her 'The Shooting Star', 'Blue Mystery', and 'The Wicked Enchantment'. All a wonderful reading experience.
July 8, 2021
When I came to write my review of this book, I did not realize that I had been reading the final book in a trilogy! I very much enjoyed the novel, and now I am sad that my library doesn't own the first two books in the series!
This book tells the story of Leni and many people who come to live at a castle on the border between the East and the West in 1949. Benary-Isbert captures the heart of the time and the mood of the people growing up in this place very well. I was disappointed that Leni did not grow up to want to marry and settle down at the end of the story, but she did grow up considerably during the course of the two years that this book takes place. Perhaps, had I read the other novels in the series, I would have been more lenient on Leni. All in all, this is a wonderful novel, and a must read!
This book tells the story of Leni and many people who come to live at a castle on the border between the East and the West in 1949. Benary-Isbert captures the heart of the time and the mood of the people growing up in this place very well. I was disappointed that Leni did not grow up to want to marry and settle down at the end of the story, but she did grow up considerably during the course of the two years that this book takes place. Perhaps, had I read the other novels in the series, I would have been more lenient on Leni. All in all, this is a wonderful novel, and a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2008
Story of a self-absorbed girl in post-war Germany who grows in understanding while performing in a repertory company based at her aunt and uncle's country house.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews