In a Foreign Land

In a Foreign Land not only has all the characteristics of the previous novels, it tells an amazing story that few outside the involved Mennonite community have even heard about. Based on the collected memoirs of a true survivor, it is an inspiring, spellbinding read. ...the stories, based on written memoirs from Mennonite archives ad personal accounts, are all focused and fast-paced. Jan is a diligent writer, meticulous in her factual content and inspired in her prose. I highly recommend it to all who love a suspense-filled glimpse into a little known piece of history. I hope there is a sequel.

Written with integrity, compassion and detail, author Janice Dick skillfully knits true historical events into the lives of a Russian Mennonite family living happily in China. When a powerful and vindictive figure from their past threatens to destroy them, the Martens family attempts escape in a last ditch bid to emigrate to North America. This is an exciting and well-orchestrated mix of danger, cruelty, young love and a devout belief in God's will.

I loved reading the second book in this series, continuing the story of the Martens family. Once again Janice Dick kept me on the edge of my seat right to the very end. After reading the first book and being immersed in Russia and all its conflicts I wondered if the author could make China just as compelling and real. I was not disappointed. A great read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction with a strong spiritual thread.

IN A FOREIGN LAND picks up their story in 1945. It focuses on the son of a Mennonite couple whose trials and adventures the author featured in the earlier book. The young man in question is Danny Martens. He tries hard to be the man of the family after Communists forcibly take his father away, along with other men originally from the Soviet Union. Danny faces persistent threats and persecution from his parents' long-time enemy Senior-Major Leonid Dubrowsky. Other challenges include trying to manage the family farm and grappling with his wavering faith in the teachings of his Mennonite family and community. His biggest challenge is trying to get his family to North America, following the wishes of his father. Throw in a growing interest in his young Lutheran neighbor Rachel Giesinger and you have the ingredients of a crackling good story. I especially like the evocative picture she paints of life in China at the time. I felt as if I was really there.

The political unrest in Russia and China after WWII makes for a time of unrest in northern China. Daniel and other Russians who fled the Soviet Union are soon arrested and returned there as traitors. This leaves Luise and her 15-year-old bright but hot-tempered son Danny in charge of the farm. The story takes us through the six years that follow. The fractured family and their white neighbours, the Giesingers, become persona non grata in the now racially charged climate of Communist China. Danny’s temper gets him into trouble more than once. And then there’s the ever-looming shadow of Dubrowsky, who nurses the dream of wreaking vengeance on Daniel by destroying Danny and having his way with Luise. The interesting historical plot is enhanced by the strong Christian faith of Luise and Rachel (Danny’s special childhood friend). It anchors the two families, while Danny’s questions and inability to believe that God even exists in all this turmoil adds realism to the faith aspect of the story. I found this tale captivating from beginning to end. Dick tells the story through various viewpoints but chapters are titled with location and date so we’re always clear about when and where the incident takes place. This is a series not to be missed for historical fiction lovers, especially those with Mennonite roots.

The novel opens in 1945, and it’s a sequel to Other Side of the River. If you haven’t read that book, you may want to do so first. It’s not necessary for comprehension, but it adds a level of depth to understanding these characters’ lives and struggles. Book one was Luise’s story as a young woman. Book two is partly her story, but partly the story of her son, Danny. It’s interesting to watch the dynamics between the son facing trials for the first time and the mother who has endured similar times. I always appreciate Janice Dick’s historical fiction, for its richness of character and setting and for what it teaches me about the Russian Mennonites and their struggle to live as pacifists, trusting God’s care in the middle of dangerous times. As Luise says, “Sometimes living for a cause is more difficult than dying for it.” [Kindle location 412] Luise’s faith has grown stronger through her suffering, but Danny can’t embrace a God who could allow so much to be taken from him. In a Foreign Land is an inspiring tale of courage, danger, family, and love, set against a backdrop of international conflict and an oppressive regime. The novel is based on a true story.

I liked the tenacity of the characters, the suspense, the budding romance. This is the second book in a series. Both are fascinating reads. I hope there’s a sequel, so I find out what happened to them after they arrived in America. My husband’s family had a similar experience fleeing from Russia in 1929. They ended up in Paraguay and have similar stories to relate. I would highly recommend this book to other readers. It deserves a whole row of stars!