|
Cathy Gohlke | Crucial Cameo Characters
First painful rule of fiction: Everything--dialogue, characters, plot,
scenes--must move the story forward. If it does not, cut with the ruthlessness
of a film editor. So, why include historic or well-known characters in cameo
appearances? What would make the research for credibility worth the trouble for
a characterβs one or two-time walk into the pages of your novel?
Sometimes, it's the cameo character that holds significance for your main
character, and sometimes it's their work, their passion, or simply their
influence that permeates the story.
In SAVING AMELIE, a WWII
story set in Berlin and Oberramergau, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a well-known
dissident German pastor makes two brief appearances. But, those appearances
carry tremendous weight.
Bonhoeffer saw early the dangers posed by the Nazis and Hitler's quest for
absolute power. He recognized the horrific ramifications for Jews in the
Nuremberg Laws and the Aryan Clause which stripped German Jews of their
citizenship and rights, and eliminated Hebrew Christians from public and church
roles. He saw the burning of synagogues for the hate crimes they were, and
sterilizations and "mercy killings" of the physically and mentally handicapped
for murder. Bonhoeffer knew that the church, by not protecting Jews or anyone
else outside Hitler's concept of an Aryan ideal, was not living out Jesus'
commandments. And he realized that with the passing of each of Hitler's edicts,
the German people lost their liberty to protest the madness. Though Bonhoeffer
struggled with the idea of killing, he knew that we must not only stand for the
oppressed, but must sometimes throw a "spoke in the wheel" of oppressors.
Jason Young, a disarming but driven foreign journalist (hero), and Rachel
Kramer, daughter of an American eugenics scientist who struggles with her own
sense of pride and superiority (heroine), are both influenced and ultimately
changed through the life, the preaching and writing of Dietrich Bonhoeffer--so
much so that they determine to save a deaf child hunted by the Nazis. Their
passion draws others into their deadly schemes, and many risk for their lives
for those they barely know but come to love.
Without Bonhoeffer's cameo appearances, the story would lack conviction and the
resulting intensity. It was worth the trouble to trace Bonhoeffer's
timeline--put him in the right place at the right time--and keep him true to
history.
Is there a real or larger than life character that brings--or could bring--your
novel to life?
To learn more about Cathy Gohlke visit her website, or connect
with her on Facebook.
Comments
18 comments posted.
Re: Cathy Gohlke | Crucial Cameo Characters
This sounds like a powerful book. And a very difficult subject.
(Susan Johnson 6:50pm June 10, 2014)
I loved your book Band of Sisters. This sounds like another well written book. I love learning more about history through well researched Christian fiction. I look forward to reading Saving Amelie.
(Pam Kellogg 7:48pm June 10, 2014)
I am so glad that you decided to write a book that keeps
History alive!! I am one of those people who try to seek
out those books and read them - whether they are
biographies, or just stories about History in general. The
story that you chose sounds like it would keep me on the
edge of my seat in parts, and I would be interested in
reading it this Summer.
(Peggy Roberson 8:53am June 13, 2014)
What a great-sounding book. I'm originally from LI so I feel even more drawn to your book. Best of luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 11:21am June 13, 2014)
This memorable and meaningful novel would be enjoyed greatly
and is important and fascinating. Thanks for your writing and
this story.
(Sharon Berger 2:09pm June 13, 2014)
Wow, what a powerful subject. Your new book sounds great.
(Jen Frederick 2:39pm June 13, 2014)
A dark concept...was this difficult to write?
(Diane Pollock 8:54pm June 13, 2014)
I love historical fiction. Sounds like a good one!
(Vicki Hancock 4:02am June 14, 2014)
this sounds like a real story and really good.
(Mal Kaplan 8:24am June 14, 2014)
This sounds very interesting. I will add it to my TBR list.
(Vennie Martinisi 1:03pm June 14, 2014)
Saving Amelie sounds like an exciting. Some horrible events took place during that period of time and there are some wonderful stories about unexpected heroes. Even though Saving Amelie is fiction, it sounds like something that could have happened.
(Anna Speed 1:45pm June 14, 2014)
This book sounds great Cathy. Please put my name in. Maxie Anderson
(Maxie Anderson 10:42pm June 14, 2014)
Mine would be a real place. Eugenics is always something that captures
my attention.
(Laura Gullickson 11:21pm June 14, 2014)
Thank you for the extra effort I know it took to track down
Bonhoeffer's footsteps. I appreciate it when an author does
their research. The story sounds intriguing.
(Ginger Morgan 9:17am June 15, 2014)
I loved "Saving Amelie" and I have left reviews at Amazon, B&N, Good Reads, Deeper Shopping, Christian Books and Book Club Network. I lived in Post-WWII Germany (mid 1950's) and I remember how things were then. The German people were treated as bad as others were during the war. This book shows the good and bad times that the people went through. You did a lot of research on this book and it brought back the streets of Brehaven, GE when my Dad was stationed there. Had a hard time putting this one down.
(Pat Moore 4:40pm June 15, 2014)
I love reading about history
(Peggy Quidor 11:10pm June 15, 2014)
What an interesting book! It sounds like a very touching and memorable story.
(Bonnie H 10:22pm June 17, 2014)
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for "Saving Amelie," and for discussing
the research behind the story. Thank you, too, for those who have read "Saving
Amelie" and left reviews! Very much appreciated.
I appreciate your memories of post-war Germany, Pat Moore. It was a tough
time for everyone--even after the war.
Ginger--I loved tracing Dietrich Bonhoeffer. What an inspiring man and a life
well lived! His writings have challenged and changed me.
Diane Pollock--Yes, this was dark to research and difficult to write. There were
times the research became overwhelmingly sad. I really relied on friend and
prayer partners to share the burden through those times.
Pam Kellogg-I'm so glad you enjoyed Band of Sisters. I think you'll enjoy Saving
Amelie, too. Both stories are close to my heart!
Pegger Roberson--Hope you enjoy the read this summer!
Wishing you all well and God's rich blessings! Thanks for stopping by!
(Cathy Gohlke 9:15pm June 25, 2014)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
| 
© 2003-2026