The Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel is a 150 page memoir about the Hutterite people. It is published by MennoMedia and was released on May 18, 2015. To purchase your own copy, click here.
Overview
What would it be like to share all your possessions and live in Christian community?
In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to bring in the fall potato harvest to laugh-out-loud tales of sisterly love laced with revenge, Maendel invites readers into her Bruderhof, or colony, nestled on the prairie of western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat, and worship together, crafting a community of goods and living out an alternative to the individualism and consumerism of mainstream society.
Few outsiders know anything about the Hutterites, a Plain Christian group related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel’s story invites readers into deeper understanding of this community of faith, calling us to take seriously the example of Jesus and the early church in our daily living.
My Two Cents
The Hutterite Diaries is a delightful and interesting read. The book is written like you are sitting and talking to your friend over a cup of coffee. Hutterite Diaries flowed easily and it only took a couple of hours to read. What was different about this memoir compared to others I have read is that it is divided into sections. Each chapter has an applicable quote at the beginning which gives the reader a preview of what is to come.
Linda shares a lot of her culture and herself. Her love of her people shines deeply though her words. She is honest and caring. The humor and stories she adds to the book make the book fun and joyful. The way Linda uses description makes you draw mental pictures in your mind; it is as if you are right there with her in her community.
Linda includes some of the history of the Hutterite people. This really gives the reader a bird’s eye view of what their people have gone through, yet survived. Linda also discusses some threats to her culture. Her honesty is refreshing.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has been received and all views expressed are my own.
About the Author
Linda Maendel is a Hutterite author, blogger, and educator who lives in Elm River Colony outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Find Linda online: website, Twitter
Giveaway
To enter to win a copy of Linda’s book, click “Entry-Form” below:
This giveaway ends on June 4, 2015 at 11:59 PDT.
I find it so interesting to read about the many religious and cultural groups. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.
Love reading books like this. Learning about other people and cultures.
Book sounds really interesting.