Anna zu Pferde

by Max Kruse

Man schreibt das Jahr 1630. Der Dreißigjährige Krieg wütet in ganz Europa. Plündernde und mordende Truppen kaiserlicher Soldaten und schwedischer Landsknechte verbreiten Furcht und Entsetzten. Ein erbitterter Glaubenskrieg tobt, in dessen Schrecken auch Anna vom Rosenhof hineingezogen wird. Das junge Mädchen ist in der eigenen kleinen Welt des elterlichen Gutshofes aufgewachsen und Annas Pferd, die edle Falbstute Jasmin, ist Freundin und Vertraute des Mädchens seit ihrer Kindheit.

Aber dann bricht der große Krieg auch über den Rosenhof und seine Bewohner herein. Haus und Stallungen werden niedergebrannt, alles zerfällt zu Schutt und Asche. Überall im Land lodern die Scheiterhaufen der Hexenverbrennungen. In höchster Not und Gefahr weiß Anna: Sie muss Konrad finden, den Mann, den sie liebt, der im Sold des schwedischen Königs Gustav Adolf steht.

Gemeinsam mit ihrer schnellen Falbstute Jasmin wagt Anna den Ritt durch das brennende Land …

221 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Max Kruse was the youngest of seven children of the artist family Kruse - his father was the sculptor Max Kruse, his mother the famous doll maker Käthe Kruse. He was best known for his children's books, especially his "Urmel" series, but has written for adults, too. His works have been translated into many languages.

Reviews

[Ellie Loredan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna zu Pferde [Anna on Horseback] has everything young Ellie wanted in a novel: a kickass heroine, horses, a great atmospheric setting, a family mystery, and an unexpected romance. Reading it for a second time, the mystery fades into the background but I came to appreciate the historical setting much more than I did when I was younger. Just in case you were wondering: first and foremost, this is actually historical fiction. The title of this novel comes from the title of a painting of Anna and her horse that's part of the story. Given that it is 1630, horses have to play a part if a character wants to get from A to B. Nevertheless, Anna's close relationship to her horse is present but never in the foreground.

On her ride, Anna encounters many different people in many different places and situations and has to face constant danger. But Anna manges wonderfully whatever's thrown her way. She's such a fierce young woman that one just has to love her. She is not willing to marry a man she can hardly stand, even if refusing might mean her death. She is not willing to watch soldiers take her precious Jasmin away. She is not willing to die for something she had no part in. She does not stand by watching so-called witches burn. She always knows exactly what she wants and she does everything to get there, no matter what the cost.

My favourite part, however, is the mystery. I remember little me glued to the pages because I couldn't wait to find out what's going on. It's pretty obvious with all the allusions but it's just totally my cup of tea.