"This eloquently disturbing and powerful novel focuses on a young teacher during the Second World War as she struggles to reconcile her thoughts with the demands of Nazi Germany.
"
Burning brightly, this fiercely thought-provoking novel set during World War Two has been chosen as a LoveReading Star Book. At 19, Magdalena is conscripted as a teacher and journeys to East Prussia, there she begins to question her indoctrination as a Nazi. Author Stevie Davies excels in quietly provocative eloquence, and I have previously chosen the oh-so penetrating The Party Wall as a Liz Pick of the Month. Earthly Creatures is an incredibly intimate journey and that very intense intimacy allows close access to the immense stage of the war. This is very much a female focused novel, the men are on the periphery yet wield the power. It is absolutely chilling to bear witness to the insidious spread of prejudice and hatred, particularly as it chimes a warning against actions taking place today. The sense of place is vividly colourful, and highlights the horror of war as it edges ever closer. Standing alongside Magdalena as realisation dawns and she attempts to hide her true thoughts sent shivers of goosebumps coursing down my arms. Hope and love walk hand in hand through this story though, and friendship blossoms in unexpected places. A number of people from the history books can be found within, and the notes at the end were fascinating. Unleashing the hell of fascism while the light of kindness and decency fights to remain, Earthly Creatures is a stimulating and rewarding read. Highly recommended.
For all her life, idealistic 20-year-old bookworm Magdalena Arber has been split down the middle: veering wildly between fidelity to indoctrinated Nazi beliefs, and her father's humanist values. Then comes the summons - the Nazi War Labour Service is conscripting her into a teaching position in East Prussia. Magda is elated. It's a release from the cosy cage of childhood, and a chance to form young minds.
She enters a lush rural world of forests, lakes, and meadows where order prevails. Yet there are monstrous hands out to shape the whole continuum of earthly creatures. The Gestapo are a lurking darkness. There is bombing further East, and news of a moving Russian front. Will Alt Schonbek burn as well? Can Magda survive?
Stevie Davies is Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing at Swansea University. She has published widely in the fields of fiction, literary criticism, biography and popular history. Her work has been longlisted for the Booker and Orange Prizes and has won The Fawcett Society Prize and The Arts Council of Wales Book of the Year award. Her novel The Web of Belonging (1997) was adapted as a Channel 4 television film. Her novel The Element of Water (2001) was long-listed for the Booker and Orange Prizes and won the Arts Council of Wales Book of the Year in 2002. Stevie has three children who are the joy of her life. She is a cyclis and sea-swimmer.
