While Mortals Sleep

Songs in the Night #1

by Jack Cavanaugh

A German pastor, Joseph Schumacher joins the resistance movement against Hitler, hoping to save his young parishioners from the evils of Nazism.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Novels

378 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Jack Cavanaugh is an award-winning, full-time freelance author with twenty-five published novels to his credit. His nine-volume American Family Portrait series spans the history of a nation from 1630 to the present and is still in print nearly fifteen years following its release.

A student of the novel for more than a quarter of a century, Jack takes his craft seriously, continuing to study and teach at Christian writers conferences. He is the former pastor of three churches in San Diego County and draws upon his theological background for the spiritual elements of his plots and characters.

His novels have been translated into a dozen foreign languages, largely because of the universal scope of his topics. Jack has not only written about American history, but about South Africa, banned English Bibles, German Christians in the days of Hitler and Communism, revivals in America, and angelic warfare.

Jack’s current writing schedule includes motion picture screenplays and e-book serial fiction with Internet distribution. His novel Death Watch has been optioned to be made into a motion picture by Out Cold Entertainment, Inc.

Jack has three grown children and lives with his wife in Southern California.

AWARDS

• Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
• Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
• Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
• Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
• Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
• Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild

Reviews

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this this morning. . .finished it about an hour ago. Did I mention I haven't done much more then read today? ;)
The book as amazing!! Besides the fact that WWII is one of my favorite time periods to read about, the characters and the plot of the book was just amazing!
There's so much more I want to say, but I can't seem to find the words to say it. Besides, I'm not sure exactly how much I COULD say without spoiling to book, so just go read it!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this unique and thought-provoking story featuring the young and newly married Pastor Joseph Schumacher who is struggling to live his Christian faith in Hitler's Nazi Germany. Joseph at times feels pulled in by the glowing rhetoric of the Nazi propaganda and their goal of creating a strong Germany - a place for Germans to prosper. At other times he is completely disgusted by the patriotism that pushes out church and faith and the harsh treatment of Jews and the disabled. He struggles to find the truth and to know how to respond to the injustices he sees. Meanwhile his wife struggles to understand his actions, his church members are swallowing Nazi ideas, his father-in-law is pushing him to comply with the Nazi government, the young people of his church are getting pulled into the Hitler youth and away from Christ, and he gets a mysterious message that beckons him into the resistance movement. How does God want him to respond to all of these hard situations? How can he help the teens in his church to continue in their faith? How can he win the love and respect of his wife, who he loves so dearly? Joseph is a beautifully developed character: he gets angry, he says the wrong things, he doesn't know what to think. And yet he continues to be devoted to the truth and to God no matter the cost. And the cost is great! In the end you identify with Joseph's struggles and thrill to Joseph's triumphs.

As I read this book, I was constantly challenged to ask myself what I would do in similar situations. Things in Germany were not so black and white as we see them today. Nazism did have great appeal and many German Christians got swept up in its current. A lot of German Christians feared for their livelihoods and even their lives and went along with things to stay safe. Would I be willing to sacrifice everything to stand up against an evil government? This book really helps you understand just how great the cost can be.

Another distinctive of this book is its focus on a Christian marriage. So often Christian fiction features young, beautiful people falling in love and the book ends at the altar. This book begins after the altar and presents an imperfect marriage. A devoted and loving husband married to a detached and cold wife. You get to watch the marriage grow, though, and the author beautifully shows how married romance can be more thrilling and deeply moving than newly budding love.

This is a book that will get your heart racing and has some tremendously surprising plot twists. At one point I was almost falling off of the couch when the plot took a turn I was totally not expecting. I don't think I've ever been quite so surprised by a book!! However, the book does suffer from some uneven writing. At times it feels a bit corny, cheap, and it gets bogged down by extraneous detail. I almost put the book down after the first chapter, but I am glad that I continued on because other parts of the book contained clean, bright prose, good pacing, and emotional and spiritual depth.

It was nice to be pleasantly surprised by this solid piece of Christian historical fiction. It rings true for the time period, is compelling, and had the positive, faith-building impact you would hope all Christian fiction would have.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one deserves a 5 star rating. I will read this book again. A powerful story about the lives of Christians during the beginnings of WWII. Wow. Wow. So much we don't think about when we think of that war.

Jack Cavanaugh writes a wonderful and disturbing story of a pastor, his family, and his church in these turbulent times. It's not an easy story to read. The reader is sucked into the lives of these people, cheers for them, is disappointed by them, is amazed by them, and feels the fear and angst of the times flowing through each chapter.

No spoilers here but I'm anxious to read the other two books in this trilogy. My son has finished them all and he's as taken with the story as I am. He's a history teacher and confirms that the actual historical facts in here are true. Whether we wish they were or not.

I recommend this one for upper teens and older due to the disturbing - albeit true - events that occur. Powerful. Thoughtful. A good lesson for people too young to remember what happens when one man - or one party - garners too much power. "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." You owe it to your parents and grandparents who fought in the War to read this one.

[Rebekah Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....just wow. There aren't even words for this simply amazing book. I've never been so moved by a story line and characters like this before. It's SO POWERFUL! The ending is incredible and heart wrenching all at the same time. I cried so hard, and I never cry in books unless they're extremely sad. All lovers of WWII NEED to read this book!!!!! It's so amazing!!!❤️❤️❤️

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Cavanaugh strikes again!

Wow.

So, the storyline was epic. The characters were epic. But the WRITING. It was FLAWLESS. Even with slower scenes, it kept me hooked.

All this said, I'm SO GLAD this is only the first in the series.

[Makayla Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! This was an emotional roller coaster for me! The characters were amazing and the plot!! Loved this Christian historical fiction! And can’t wait to read the next one:)

[Bethany Lukens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew me in and kept my attention! Had some twists I didn't expect, excellent!

[Nicole Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Reminded me of Child 44, with a Christian spin.

[Erynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a good book, but I just couldn't stay involved with it long enough. Some of the characters weren't discussed for long, but when they were, you had to go to the front of the book in earlier chapters to remember previous activities. If they would have had a dramatis personae of the main characters, I would have liked it more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a very difficult time getting into this book. It wasn't until over half way through that I started to connect to the characters.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nazi Germany from the inside (4 stars)

“While Mortals Sleep” begins another series by Jack Cavanaugh, a Christian author well known to readers of the popular “American Family Portrait” series. But the “Songs in the Night” series has a rather different focus: The Nazi Germany of the Second World War. Much of the background is familiar: the horrible treatment of the Jews, the ruthless oppression of the Nazi Gestapo, the underground efforts of the resistance movement, and the clever charisma of Hitler in drawing a whole nation together against the rest of Europe. But Cavanaugh offers a fresh approach by presenting an inside look into Nazi Germany.

Unlike most war novels, the heroes of his story are not from Allied countries, but Germans: A German pastor and his young pregnant wife. Rev Josef Schumacher pastors the church of his father-in-law and mentor, a man who is convinced that Christians can stand fully behind the Nazi movement. But Josef comes to realize that German Nazism is antithetical to Christianity, and personally is engaged in a fight against its T-4 project (which practiced euthanasia and experimentation on handicapped children) which shows the horrifying depths of man’s depravity.

I have often wondered how the German nation as a whole could follow Hitler, and how Christians in Germany had to deal with this. Few authors give insights into this question, but Cavanaugh more than makes up for it. Cavanaugh accurately portrays the vital role of the Hitler Youth in preparing a nation for war, and Hitler’s brilliance in conscripting German youth for his cause. He shows that many Christians were brainwashed by Hitler’s patriotic fervour, and Hitler’s careful choice of words in presenting the German cause as blessed by God.

At the same time, Cavanaugh shows that while outwardly religious, Nazism presented itself as an alternative to Christianity, with Hitler replacing God. For Christians there were only two alternatives: synthesis, or resistance. Many Christians, blinded by Hitler’s charisma, chose the easy way of synthesis. Cavanaugh’s hero Reverend Josef Schumacher has his eyes opened to the truth the hard way, as he slowly sees through the Nazi rhetoric and misguided patriotism and comprehends the spiritual threat that Nazism really is for the youth of the church. When he realizes that Nazism and Christianity are incompatible, he is forced to stand up for the truth and make very difficult choices, even though they imperil his relationships in his family and congregation, and even his own life. For German Christians, the threat of Nazism was more than just a political one, but a religious test of faith, and the ensuing struggle was ultimately a struggle for their faith, a microcosm of the age-old struggle between Christ’s church and the devil.

But while Cavanaugh offers a remarkable insight into Nazi Germany and living the Christian faith in testing times, he at the same time offers a gripping story. The action rarely lets up, with constant surprises, twists and turns of tension. Even though the suspenseful plot rarely slows down, the characterization does not suffer. The main characters are pictured with very real emotions of joy and sorrow, and like real people have the ability and capacity to change and grow.

But it is especially the spiritual qualities and insights of this novel that make it so appealing. I do not know how accurate Cavanaugh’s portrait of Christianity in Nazi Germany really is, but his real picture of the struggles of Christians in the epic battle against evil is certainly one encouraging for believers today in their battle against evil. Recommended!

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Mortals Sleep is the first installment in the Songs in the Night series by Jack Cavanaugh. Set in the early years of the Nazi regime, this novel follows the journey of German pastor Joseph Schumacher as he gradually becomes involved in the resistance movement against Hitler. The book has a deliberate, slow burn for roughly the first half, immersing readers in the tense atmosphere of everyday life in a changing Germany before shifting into more adventurous territory later on.

Cavanaugh depicts a society grappling with the stark contrast between the regime’s lofty promises and the dire realities unfolding around them. Some citizens remain ignorant of the horrors, while others knowingly turn a blind eye for the sake of perceived security. Through Joseph’s experience, the novel examines the rise of extreme nationalism and its effect on personal freedom, as characters come to realize that their possessions—and their very sense of autonomy—could be taken away at any moment.

Although While Mortals Sleep includes a romantic subplot, it remains understated. Nevertheless, its understated nature yields significant impact on the characters’ emotional journeys. The novel’s conclusion strains credibility slightly, offering a resolution that feels too neat given the severity of the circumstances. Yet for readers who appreciate historical fiction set in World War II, this ending does not significantly diminish the overall reading experience.

Religion plays a meaningful role in the narrative, reflecting Joseph’s pastoral background and his moral stance against Nazi oppression. While Christianity features prominently, it does not overwhelm the story. Instead, faith becomes another lens through which characters navigate the ethical and political upheavals of the era.

Overall, While Mortals Sleep provides a thoughtful portrayal of early Nazi Germany, exploring how citizens respond to ever-tightening restrictions and widespread moral dilemmas. Though its pace may not suit everyone, fans of World War II era historical fiction will find much to appreciate in Jack Cavanaugh’s nuanced exploration of conscience and resistance. This book does not have combat but does have mild violence.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling read! This is my first experience with this author and now I am clamouring for more. Cavanaugh takes us inside Germany at the beginning of the 2nd world war. This book deals with the indoctrination of Germany's youth with Hitler's ideas for a better Germany. youth rallies, parties, game nights, all the while indoctrinating them with Hitler's private agenda: hate. Enter Josef Schumaker, a young pastor trying to lead the Hitler youth back into a life of faith and righteousness. he is troubled by how fast Der Furer is taking over everything, even God. Compelling to the end, Cavanaugh asks the question: How far will one go to do the right thing for humanity?

[Angela Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so hard to find Jack Cavanaugh's books, which I find a little tragic - I have never read one of his works that has not left me pondering deeply on topics of life and faith. Historical fiction is not my preferred genre, but he pulls me in every time. This book is no different - very engaging and thought provoking from a perspective on World War 2 we don't hear very often. It truly makes me wonder, what would I have done in that time, in that place, being a believer? What will I do if our culture turns in the same direction?

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing fictional look inside pre-WWII civilian Germany. We begin in the "present", in West Berlin, on the day that the wall came down, an immensely emotional day for those of us who remember. The rest of the book is a flashback of family history and the Resistance in 1940.
The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, but until then, I had forgotten that it was a series. More adventures to follow! Now I have to scrounge for the next ones!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a series set during WW II, and it is very well done. I could sense the conflict many had during the Nazi regime, and the evil that was done was inexcusable. Many Christians were faced with hard choices if they wanted to continue to live out their faith. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Royalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cavanaugh develops such striking characters and places them in true-story-style plots, that I find it gripping to the point of feeling the lives real historic individuals must have experienced. This novel needs to be read by every teacher and student of History.

[A.D. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books of all time! It is heartbreaking and wonderful in equal measure. It shows the depravity man is capable of, but even at the worst of times, God is still working.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story. Hard to find books but well worth the search.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. A great story. Mostly great characters. Timeless themes. Just wonderful ...it took me way longer to read than it should because I didn't want it to end.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of implausibilities.

[Jim Foley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing like a good Nazi book. They were such pure evil! There's always room for more good stories about them.

Not this one. This should have been labeled "Religious Fiction" but wasn't. It is an improbable story about a German minister in 1940's Germany, and how he resists the Nazis, and wins out, with God's help.

God didn't help many people in Nazi Germany, and this book is filled with improbable plot points, unrealistic plans, dubious coincidences, SS men who see the light, unending quotes from scripture, and juvenile dialog. Skip this one unless you're a Born Again Christian looking for a feel-good Nazi story.

[ashley elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My good friend from the C A of Nada, Eva, is pretty much obsessed with Jack Cavanaugh, so I've been trying to educate myself on his writing. I read his only book that was my library, Death Watch, and really enjoyed it, so I've been keeping my eyes peeled for his other books. Wonder of wonders, I eventually found this entire trilogy (miracle of miracles) at a used book store I love, and blazed through this book. It captured my attention so much that I read the entire second half in a few hours while at a babysitting job (the kids were playing with Legos, so it was totally okay... right?).

The Goodreads description definitely doesn't give it justice, so here's the blurb from the back cover:

"Josef Schumacher, a pastor in Berlin, witnesses the increasing influence of the Nazi youth movement on the young people of his church. Fearful of the sway of prevailing rhetoric and misguided patriotism, Josef risks everything to counteract the lies of a Fascist government and the charismatic power of the Fuhrer. When Nazi doctrine manifests itself within his own congregation, Josef can non longer remain silent. Josef's wife, Mady, about to give birth to their first child, finds her world turned suddenly upside down. Will she realize the depth of Josef's love for her? Will she recognize its reflection of divine love?"

Pretty accurate depiction of the book, if I do say so myself. My only objection to the book was the writing style of Mr. Cavanaugh, which, at first, I didn't love. The way he phrased things didn't set well with me, but I can't put my finger on what it was. And then I either got used to it or it stopped being so confusing because I soon lost myself in the story. (The other thing I didn't like in the beginning was the fact that Mady was basically babied by her father... but you see the real reason why by the end of the book. *dun dun dunnnnnn*)

It was amazing to see an insider's perspective of pre-WWII Berlin, and how much backlash Josef gets from refusing to obey the SS. I also loved the plotline between him and his young wife, who isn't sure of his love for her. Did I mention the fact that I LOVE romantic sub-plotlines??? Well, I do. Not Age of Ultron-type romantic sub-plotlines, where it's totally random and unnecessary, but the kind that actually adds to the depth of the plot as a whole and deepens the characters. (Insert heart-eyed emoji here.)

Can't wait to read the next book!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1940 and Germany is finally coming out of it's depression. With the rise of the der Führer an electrifying patriotism ignites the German people.
Young Pastor Josef Schumacher can't help but being impressed with what he is hearing from the charismatic Führer. But when he is challenged by a friend to watch them and "know them by their fruits", he knows what he is seeing is not right.
As he watches the young men of his church being transformed by the Hitler Youth Movement and the members of his congregation letting their fears change their believes, he knows he cannot just hide and hope it will all disappear.
However his father in-law and mentor Reverend Olbricht begs him to lay low for the sake of his wife and unborn child. His wife Mady, like her father does not understand why he would endanger all of their lives for a "movement".
Through unimaginable treachery, unexpected protectors, and horrific confessions Josef holds to the words of Martin Luther's Hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God".

"A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper, He amid the flood
Of mortal life prevailing."

I have read a lot of WWII christian fiction books and I have to say I'm most impressed with this one!
Throughout the whole books I was inspired, disgusted, and surprised by the characters. Some were people of unbelievable courage, others were conscienceless,some uncommitted, and most cowards of the highest degree.
This book is a must read for any fan of WWII fiction!!!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the depths of "Hitler's Germany," German people struggle on through it all.  What do you do when your country is being swept up in the power and deceptiveness of a leader?

Pastor Josef Schumacher is one of those Germans who is willing to fight.  But what will it cost him?  Will he succumb to the numbing patriotism of Hitler?  Will his wife stay beside him if he battles Hitler's terrible reign?

In the youth of his church, Josef sees the influence more and more . . . the influence that could destroy such promising young people.  He must do something.  One word is all it takes to be part of the tide against Hitler.  One word, but can he say it?

Danger—and death—may await him after he says that word.

Mady, Josef's wife, is expecting a child.  As Josef is away more and more, coming home with lame excuses, she wonders, and hurts.  He says he loves her—but can she love him?

Standing up for what is right takes courage . . . it will test Josef beyond his imagination.

This is a book you won't want to put down, a book that will touch you, a book that you will remember for a long time . . . a masterpiece.

[Stephanie Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite slow for about the first half of the book. It finally picked up and became more exciting. And am I missing some pages? The epilogue includes a character named "Park," but we are never told who he is, his relation to the character in the prologue, and he is nowhere in the book. Odd. The prologue just suddenly stops and no answer is ever given. Too many loose ends. And having to read a slow first half to get to the rather contrived, albeit more interesting, rest of the story? No thanks. Not very educational historically either. But, a good message about standing up for what you believe.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step inside Hitler's Reich in December 1939 and walk for just one year in the shoes of a man poised at the threshold of a promising career, with a wife he adores, and experiencing the thrill of being an expectant father. Meet the young people of his neighborhood--all giddy with the excitement of being Hitler Youth. And more.

As you become more acquainted with this man you will see him struggle with the disparity of his convictions and the pressure imposed by the new order of the Reich.

This story could take place any where at any time. It begs the question, "what is the stuff I am made of?"

[the_bookish_took · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first fell in love with this series as a freshman in highschool, and now so many years later I find my memories of it weren't exaggerated at all. I love it just as much now as I ever did!!
I love Josef, and Mady, and of course the youth. Out of them all Konrad was always my favorite, I just love his character growth so much—how everything he learned about the new Germany he took as truth, and then being challenged the way he was, and seeing him start to wonder. I just love him!
Not to mention Josef, and Mady, their issues... She actually annoyed me for a little bit this time, but it was a rough go for her, and by the end she redeems herself.

[Ida · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel about Pastor Josef Schumacher and his struggles against the Nazis during World War II. This novel is believable, moving, and inspiring, and in many ways quite personal and fascinating as my grandfather was a minister in pre-war Germany. He emigrated with his family when the Nazi Party began to take control as he feared for the future of those who were anti-Nazi. Many of his fellow ministers suffered at the hands of the Nazis like the main character in this story.