A Journey of Souls

The Journey of Souls #1

by C.D. Baker, Mike Fentz

In 1212, the most tragic of all the crusades was ventured--a crusade of children in which more than 50,000 young souls set upon a determined march toward Jerusalem. The book tells the story of young Wilhelm, Karl and Maria who leave their home in the tiny village of Weyer in 1212 to join the crusade. The group will journey through Germany, across the towering Alps, and into the depths of Italy with their ultimate aim being the reclamation of Jerusalem from the Turks. Along the way, they met an aged, yet agile Pieter, and his dog, Solomon. Soon the youthful group will grow to more than 20 with the addition of other children, most of whom were destitute and unwanted.

This heart-wrenching, nearly forgotten misadventure is now told through the lives of this brave band, these "Innocents" and Pieter, their wily priest. Their inspiring march of faith through the perilous world of medieval Europe leads them to discover what they did not expect.

Date: 1212
Location: Europe, Germany
Main Event: Children's Crusade

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Religion, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Medieval

438 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

C. David Baker’s first novel, A Journey of Souls, was released in 2000 and re-released in 2004 as Crusade of Tears…a Christee Nominee. He has written nine historical novels, two Christian devotionals, and a children's book published variously in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Ukraine and Russia. Research has taken him throughout Europe, and his interviews have included a variety of fascinating people such Manfred Rommel, son of Fieldmarshal Rommel, and Johann Voss, author and veteran of the Waffen-SS, both of whom contributed much to Baker’s 'Seduction of Eva Volk.

The descendant of early German and Scottish immigrants to Pennsylvania, Baker’s family tree is an assortment of Mennonite, Reformed, and Presbyterian families including Adam Neff–the flag bearer who stood by Zwingli as he died during the battle of Kappel, William Rittenhouse–the first American paper maker, and William Penn’s Dutch grandmother. Twenty of his ancestors served in Pennsylvania militias during the American Revolution.

The father of two sons, Baker lives on a small farm with his wife, Sue. Together they raise livestock with an interest in natural/organic methods and a passion for humane treatment. Failure has been part of his life as well. It has been these deep valleys that have led David to the well of Grace from which the essence of his writing is drawn,

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about the Children's Crusades is gripping, and written in a haunting sort of manner. It is difficult reading in that it explains in detailed manner the trials of the children, and some brutal murders of these children. Though it may be troubling for some, I think stories like these are important for people to hear today.

[C.D. Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important: This is the first edition of what was re-released as 'Crusade of Tears.'

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desde que hace muchos años leí "Cruzada en jeans" de Thea Beckman, ese capítulo de la historia de las cruzadas me había interesado, aunque no encontré ningún libro sobre el tema que me llamara la atención. Hasta ahora. "Crusade of tears" es recomendable por muchas razones. Está escrito a la perfección, la documentación histórica que hay detrás del texto es abrumadora, el ritmo no decae y los personajes, lo mejor de todo, son inolvidables. Pero no puedo negar que me he sentido tentada a dejarlo en varias ocasiones; contiene muchos momentos duros, y he de confesar que se me han saltado las lágrimas. En el lado negativo, quizá destacaría que, para algunos gustos, es posible que se trate de un libro demasiado religioso (o tal vez filosófico, según), y que ello a veces ralentice la acción. Pero se trata de una historia de su tiempo, no del nuestro, y por ello esos incisos religiosos me parecen totalmente justificados.

[Deborah Camuglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I don’t like books where bad things happen over and over and over again. But I loved this one. Though filled with troubles and heartache, it is not depressing.
The author did a great job at character building. I am looking forward to the next book and I would contribute that to my attachment to the characters and the depth he goes into their thoughts.
Some books are adventurous with people coming along for the ride. This book is about the people to whom an “adventure” happens.

[Terrie Hellard-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when it was part of the original printing in one volume as "Journey of Souls." It was heart-wrenching but an amazing story of the Children's Crusade. Baker shares the story and the history seamlessly. We witness the changing culture of that time throughout the story. And Baker deals with the heart-breaking, misguided journey of these young people who felt they were doing God's work.

[Charity]

mom loved it

[Haley Durfee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feeling about this book. The story was fascinating and gut wrenching and heartbreaking, but the writing could have used some edits.

Content:
Frequent and heavy violence, including violence against children.
Mention of children being abused (physically and sexually).
Mention of a clergy member's illicit affair with a widow.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being the first in a series, this book works really well as a stand-alone adventure. Sometimes sad and heartbreaking, this historical tale (loosely based on scarce historical sources) speaks of what true faith is all about. A Christian reading this book will find themselves reconsidering the basis of their faith, with questions at the end of the book further aiding this process. But this is not just a story for those who consider themselves Christians, it is a tale for all and could easily find its place on a mainstream chain's bookshelf as easily as in a faith bookshop. The characters are complex and real, and their journey is one of growing up as well as distance. A great tale for all who aren't afraid of their adventure straying from the path of fantasy.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's lessons & faith come from the journey

I very much enjoyed this book. The year: 735. The story of a Christian group of German children who journeyed to Palestime as Crusaders. A child's vision foretold that the children-crusaders' weapon of purity would defeat the Islamic infidels rather than continued bloody wars. A vagabond priest who became disgruntled with the way of the church happens upon the beginnings of the group & eventually joins them on their journey. The priest & the children Crusaders share in the trials & tribulations of the trip to Palestine. Along the way the priest teaches the children ....

[Andrea Huehnerhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original edition is outstanding and lived for many years as my number one favorite book. I read it as A Journey of Souls. I later read through the second, modified edition and found it to be "dumbed down" a considerable amount, perhaps written for kids? It went from "pillars of the earth epic" to "dear america history" status in my mind. Much of what made it raw and gripping was softened and lost its power. I did not find the second edition worth reading in comparison to the first, utterly compelling edition.

[Judy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done historical fiction of a point in history -- 1212 after the 4th crusade when bands of children from the north or Europe began walking to save the holy lands from the infidel -- at nearly 600 pages, longer than most books I read, but so enjoyable I didn't consider giving up at any point. I fell in love with the children and with the ancient roaming priest who loved each of them.

Well done indeed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragedy and triumph are intermixed in this tale of the 13th century. It is a good telling of this journey of souls while they travel in an often hostile land in pursuit of their goal. Papa Peiter, an old priest, joins Wil, Karl, little Maria and other chilren in their travels. Together they endure hardship, joys, loss, and love.

[Misti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite prepared for the intense loss and struggle in the pages of this book and put it down several times only to begin again. These characters became real to me and their struggle broke my heart. I can only hope my faith would be as strong as theirs in the same situation. Not a light read if that is what you are looking for. This one made me do some soul searching.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crusade of Tears is a book about children that were a part of the Crusades in around 1200 AD. It's a difficult journey. The beauty of the story is in the journey and all that the crusaders learn as they make their way to Palestine. It was time well spent.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well done book on one of the most tragic events arising from a perverted view on true Christianity.

[Virginia]

Loved it. e-book. read 2014. See Amazon review.

[Alicia Wiggin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the history of this book. Characters are well-developed. Horrible time to remember, great telling of it.

[Rene Aube]

Fabulous! A story that really sticks to your bones and moves your heart!