A Timeless Literary Touch
A poignant coming-of-age story and a meditation on the endurance of the human spirit, Malve von Hassell’s The Amber Crane is a moving blend of historical fiction and magical realism; a tale that connects two young lives divided by centuries yet united by war and hope.
Set partly in seventeenth-century Pomerania during the Thirty Years’ War and partly in Germany at the end of World War II, the story begins in 1644, following fifteen-year-old Peter Glienke, an apprentice amber worker living on the Baltic coast of Pomerania. His country is ravaged by famine and war, and his only comfort is his bond with his younger sister, Effie, who is gentle but cognitively unique. When Peter finds two pieces of raw amber on the beach, a forbidden treasure, his life changes forever. He begins to slip through time, seeing visions of a young German girl fleeing the chaos of 1945. Across centuries, the two form a mysterious, wordless connection through the amber. Peter faces guild restrictions, superstition, and accusations of witchcraft, while Lioba struggles to survive the brutality of war. Their intertwined destinies reveal that compassion and courage can reach beyond time itself.
Von Hassell writes with elegance and empathy, painting vivid scenes of both war-torn eras. Her attention to historical detail grounds the fantasy elements, making the time-slip transitions feel believable and deeply emotional. The characters are rendered with warmth and authenticity, especially Peter, whose innocence contrasts with the cruelty of his time. The alternating timelines are handled with grace and clarity, and the historical details feel authentic without overwhelming the emotional core of the story.
Heartfelt and unforgettable, The Amber Crane is more than a story of two wars. It is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of small acts of goodness that echo through time. Perfect for readers who love history touched with wonder, this novel shines like the amber at its heart—warm, enduring, and full of hidden light. 5 stars!
