Escape from Kyburg Castle

by Christmas Carol Kauffman

Against a background of religious unrest, Regina Strahm finds herself caught between two religious factions in Switzerland. Her parents repeatedly warn her against the Anabaptist heresy, and the young man she loves favors the state church over the Anabaptists. But Regina wonders why so many good people are risking their lives for the Anabaptist beliefs. Have they really found a quality of life worth dying for?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Childrens

227 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 1991

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

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but didn't enjoy it quite as much as Hidden Rainbow by the same author. I felt there should have been more description at times. The story-line is really good and I felt convicted by the faith of the Anabaptist's. There is a strong message of salvation in this book which is becoming rare in a lot of Christian books these days.

[Caleb Gerber. (Right makes Might) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Carol Kauffman is a good author and the topic of the Anabaptist movement is a complex one. The story is well-written and is another good Kauffman classic. Although I disagree with much of the theology, it was a good, thoygh perhaps a biased account of the Anabaptist movement in Switzerland and the Zwinglian church. Zwingli is a personal hero, so Kauffma's ardent hate of the man didn't sit too well for me, but again, that's probably my problem, not the book's. It was an excellent read, very exciting and rewarding in the end. Four stars. Its not too long, so if you don't end up enjoying it, you didn't waste a whole lot of time.

[Reiyana Beaudoin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to finally find and read this book, as I had heard a lot about it and it was featured in the Pathway Readers I used as part of my homeschooling curriculum when I was growing up. I looked forward to reading this novel and in the process, gain spiritual enrichment and inspiration.

Sadly, I ended up being disappointed. Maybe I'm too nitpicky, but there were a lot of places where I felt better editing was needed. The action in the book kind of jumped around, too, not to mention the fact that the characters had very clumsy and awkward dialogue. The title gives away what is going to happen, but said event happens so quickly and unrealistically, that it's hardly exciting at all. After the climax, action moves very slowly from then until the last events of the book, that it's pretty anticlimactic.

Don't get me wrong...The message of salvation is clearly presented in this book. While the attitude of the main character takes a very sudden shift and we get no insight into her internal thoughts and feelings as she undergoes this change after converting, the faith and love of the other Anabaptist characters should be very inspiring and challenging to every follower of God. With better writing, pacing, and character development, this book could be a true masterpiece of Christian love and courage. That's why I gave it 3 stars, instead of 1. To me, however, the story just...fell flat.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kaufmann’a Hidden Rainbow, a true story of a Yugoslavian Christian family, tops this one in my opinion. Kyberg Castle is a true-to-life tale of a Swiss maid, caught in the throes of a country astir from an increasing number of citizens turning Anabaptist. Their staunchly peaceful dedication was both remarkable and inspiring! Some characters truly existed; some did not.

[Gypsy Madre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that serves as a jump-off point for me: who and what were really true? It moved along quickly, too quickly, but the point obviously wasn't plot (or character) development as much as to tell the story. And end the story - rather abruptly and syrupy. I appreciate it for what it is and will look further down the road for a more in-depth account of the Anabaptists.
(I was stunned by the fact that I have walked along that very river, completely oblivious to what dreadful, criminal thing had happened there!)

[Sue]

I love her books