A Journey of Faith

During World War I, Stefan Haase, a German Rhodes scholar studying Theology at Oxford, forms a friendship with James Millward and Beth, James' sister. They are separated by the war, facing the carnage, cost, and upheaval of the conflict and its aftermath.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Ashgrove Publishing Ltd

In the year 1912, Stefan Haase, a distinguished Rhodes scholar hailing from Germany, pursued his studies in Theology at the esteemed Oxford University. During his academic journey, Stefan formed a profound friendship with another student named James Millward. It was during this time that Stefan had the privilege of meeting James's sister, Beth, a young and spirited suffragist with a strong belief in equality and a thirst for knowledge. Despite their differing spiritual and intellectual perspectives, Stefan and Beth found an undeniable connection that drew them together. However, their bond was soon tested by the outbreak of World War I. James, driven by his duty and commitment to his country, found himself serving as an officer in the trenches in Flanders. Stefan, in his role as a pastor, was assigned to minister to a German regiment, while Beth chose to serve as an auxiliary in France. The war separated the three friends, casting a dark shadow over their lives and testing the strength of their enduring relationship. As the war unfolded, each of them faced the harrowing realities of battle. Stefan witnessed the devastating impact of war on the lives of his fellow soldiers, grappling with the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges that came with serving in a military capacity. Beth, on the other hand, immersed herself in the frontlines, witnessing the horrors of war firsthand and experiencing the devastating loss of friends and loved ones. The bonds that Stefan, James, and Beth shared were put to the ultimate test. They faced the physical and emotional toll of the war, enduring the hardships and sacrifices that came with it. They witnessed the destruction and loss of entire communities, the pain and suffering of the wounded, and the emotional toll of separation from loved ones. The aftermath of the war brought its own set of challenges. Stefan, now a pastor, had to navigate the complex social and political landscape of post-war Germany, dealing with the emotional scars of the war and the rebuilding process. James, having returned from the trenches, struggled with the psychological effects of his wartime experiences, including PTSD and survivor's guilt. Beth, too, faced her own struggles, grappling with the loss of her independence and the challenges of adjusting to a new world order. Despite the hardships and trials they faced, Stefan, James, and Beth remained steadfast in their friendship. They supported each other through the darkest moments, offering solace, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose. Their bond grew stronger as they faced the challenges of the war and its aftermath together, reminding them of the power of resilience and the importance of human connection. In the end, Stefan, James, and Beth emerged from the war with a deeper appreciation for life, a stronger sense of empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 196 x 132 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781853982064