Not Regina

by Christmas Carol Kauffman

Book by Christmas Carol Kauffman

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Classics, Christian Fiction, Romance, Medieval

Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

About the author

Christmas Carol Kauffman (December 25, 1901 - January 30, 1969) was a Mennonite author of inspirational Christian literature. Kauffman was best known for her semi-biographical novels, and her writings were largely based on the life stories of people she met through the mission work she performed with her husband, pastor Nelson E. Kauffman. She is mother of James Kauffman. -wikipedia

Reviews

[Taneil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regina Strahm is an innocent nineteen-year-old girl in tumultuous times. The teachings of the Anabaptists are spreading throughout Switzerland, but the state church is firm in it's attempts to suppress it's spread. Regina doesn't know what to think, and she is kept miserable by seeing Anabaptist prisoners being marched away, by the increasing silence and confusion of her father, and the weekly struggle the pastor has with choosing a passage to read to the church. She doesn't know what to think, but as time goes on her heart begins to yearn for the peace and assurance that the Anabaptists seem to have. It is after she witnesses the public execution of Felix Manz that she truly desires this new way of life for herself. Events then move quickly when she becomes re-baptized (her first baptism having been as an infant), is accused of associating with the Anabaptists, and is placed under arrest herself. Sweet Regina remains firm in her new-found faith, despite the many friends who beg her to remain true to the state church.

Not Regina started out slowly, as the writing is far from spectacular and the complete innocence of Regina was somewhat hard to believe. Her speech and manner seemed to be that of a much younger girl. Later on, however, as the tale went on and I became more drawn into the story it didn't bother me as much.

It was easy to sympathize with her confusion though. I am not a strong thinker myself, and I could easily place myself in that situation and understand that I would have been no more decided than she started out, probably less so. Fear kept her silent for so long, and that too is understandable from a human perspective, but she finally took the step of faith and proclaimed her new allegiance even if it meant imprisonment or death. The peace that she had so long searched for finally came.

It is not a brilliant book, yet it is interesting look at what it meant to truly follow Christ in 1500's and the turmoil that came of it.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had such a way of convincing me of the importance of standing up for what I believe in.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago, and it stayed with me for a very long time. It is a book that will reveal the importance of standing for your faith. It is set in tumultuous times in an era where following the truth could cost you everything. Kauffman has a delightful writing style. I will be reading this book again.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Showed strength during Christian persecution and how one can find the strength to stand up for what is right.

[Mark Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long before Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi, indeed in the early 16th century during the throes of the Protestant Reformation Anabaptists forcibly demonstrated the power of civil disobedience in Switzerland. This historical novel is set in that time and place and includes a number of historical persons as characters, though the title heroine, Regina Strahm, is fictitious. Regina, her parents and two brothers are caught up in the disturbance as Zwingli attempted to force his version of reformation on the Swiss people. At that time cujus regio eius religio was an accepted legal principle which resulted in persecution or banishment of many whose consciences differed from the established church. Writing in an unpretentious and sincere style this author brings her characters (which also include an established clergyman and his wife and infant twins) very much to life. A major issue contributing to the story is the objection voiced by Anabaptists to infant baptism to which this author is sympathetic.

[Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about Anabaptists in 1500's Switzerland and the beginnings of their martydom. This book focuses on Regina, a girl of 19 who is questioning the state-issued faith and why she can't read the Bible. After seeing an Anabaptist martyred and the peace that he carried before death she knows she needs to seek out this faith. Having a martyr in my own family, my husband, who was killed for his faith in the San Bernardino terrorist attack I appreciated the way this book portrayed the martyrs and their faith.

[SisL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regina Strahm faces many questions. Who are the Anabaptists, and are they right? Why are they willing to suffer for their faith? Regina longs for a peace of heart, but she doesn't know who to trust. Then she goes to work for the pastor's wife, and hopes to get answers to her many questions. But she is only disappointed. And the young man she has come to love is against the Anabaptists. What should she do?

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inherited by my grandma years ago, the copies of the books i have by this author, are among my most treasured possessions! i've read them each several times, and am now passing them on to my children.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book since we have been to Switzerland.
Switzerland is amazing in the winter!

[MysterySeeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!!!! You read about this time period in the history books but this book makes it real!!!

[Sue]

My very favorite books

[Tammy Jata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at least 5 times as a Mennonite teenager.

[Constancebutgereit]

Since before Jesus died, rose again and ascended to paradise; error has been continually mixed with truth, Even to present. He warned false Christs shall arise and deceive many during his short stay on earth. Opposers of truth, enemies of the cross and workers of iniquity are at large! To the point where we are today. The officials in the government realized they could not stop the forward motion of the gospel and while the New Testament was written by holy men inspired by the Holy Ghost, The conduct of the former and the latter were in stark contrast to be known and the former found to be fighting against God!
‘Twas after 1000 years, the original manuscripts/scrolls, ancient copies, including the Septuagint Version and The Vulgate: gospels, the Pauline epistles; alongwith the various writers and the Revelations of saint John were not able to be read by the common place, but; somehow God blessed Martin Luther, there in Germany, to nail his thesis to the Catholic door; which included: …"the just shall live by his faith.”-Habakkuk 2.4; wherein a protest ensued, because; the people didn’t want to go alongwith Catholicism, they ended up losing their life for Christ’s sake. The Protestants formed quickly and garnered the same concept as Catholicism attempting to sway the people to their “gospel" and slaughtered many millions more than the Catholics are responsible for as accounted in historical annals (approx.70mil)
God always has a remnant during persecution outbreaks and determinations to stamp-out the gospel, which includes people who will die for the cause of Christ and the brethren, suffer bodily injury and remain true to his way!
Then, when God blessed the printing press invention and different translators: Jerome, Jno. Wycliffe, William Tyndale, the commonplace were able to have the whole Bible in their homes! The application of scriptures in everyday situations set God’s people apart in conduct and conversation, including the modesty of their attire. A meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. – 1.Peter 3.4. ‘Tis been accounted in history that homes would be raided in search of the Bible and women known to bake it in a loaves of bread.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.8) As a Catholic, it was really interesting to read about protestant vs. protestant persecution. I didn't realize the Anabaptists rose up and had to hide from the state/church. It was a good testament to God's peace and knowing/trusting in the Lord. I thought she did a good job writing about the peace and reassurance you feel when you know you are right and that God's love is perfect. I also love how Peter and Regina fell in love through God's love. It also was a great telling of God's timing and plans for us so long as we trust in Him.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a wonderful treat to read an old favorite again. Regina was confused why so many people were leaving the State Church and joining the Anabaptists. She had a wonderful job working for the pastor and his wife taking care of their twins. That didn't satisfy the unhappiness that was deep inside her heart. One day on a trip to Zurich she witnessed Felix Manz being drowned for his faith. His courage inspired and she knew that she wanted whatever it was that he had.

[Rosy Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, and was encouraged by Regina's persistent search for the truth, and willingness to give up everything for what she believed. Although I may not completely agree with either of the religious sides represented in this book, there was still and lot of good. The book started out slowly, but got better as time went on. It gives a great historical representation of that time period, and I enjoyed it very much!

[Diane Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. Enjoyed the story as I learned about age old struggles of Government trying to force believers to follow only one religion. The Anabaptists suffered great trial and persecution, up to death, for daring to believe what they felt the Bible truly taught. The growth of the faith of Regina was well developed.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writings of Christmas Carol Kauffman....I have read her for many years. I live the simple messages of faith and joy she tells. I had read Lucy Winchester and Hidden Rainbow when I was a young teen....and have read several of her other books ....I stumbled across Not Regina through my children's school curriculum catalog...and I am glad I did.

[Selah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third time I've read this book, and every time I see new things. Really well done story! Beautiful plot and real, personal characters. Vivid imagery in the setting that only those who've seen what they're writing about can describe. :)

[Gina Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regina goes to live with a pastor and his wife to help with the newborn twins. She watches as Anabaptists are led up to Kyburg Castle for imprisonment for their beliefs. How can they be so wrong but have such peace?

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this historical fiction book about the beginnings of the Anabaptists in Switzerland during the Reformation.

[Sarah R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reread this historical fiction as a teenager! It will always be one of my favorites.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

3-4 stars, but I’m rounding up because I want to support books in this niche genre, and because this very-non-mainstream book has been in print for 60+ years! This is a young adult version of what Katherina Zimmermann did with Furgge at a 5 star level, for adults.
(Side note that I was really disappointed with how hung up this Regina book was with the beauty of the main character. It got a bit ridiculous by the end, and I was disappointed that they gave so much focus to that, in a book like this of all things.)