Before the Court of Heaven

by Jack Mayer

Historical Fiction based on a true story of Weimar Germany and the rise of the Third Reich. Winner of 13 book awards.2017 Independent Press Award - Winner - Historical Fiction 2017 Independent Press Award - Winner - General Fiction 2016 IndieReader Discovery Award - 1st Place - Fiction2015 Nautilus Book Award Winner - Fiction - Silver medal2016 Readers' Favorite Book Award - Gold Medal - Fiction -Social Issues2016 Finalist - Grand Prize (Eric Hoffer Award) - Fiction2016 Honorable Mention (Eric Hoffer Award) - Commercial Fiction 2016 Finalist - First Horizon Award (Eric Hoffer Award) - Fiction 2015 Finalist - Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award -Historical              Fiction2015 Mom's Choice Award - Gold Medal - Historical Fiction2015 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Novel Fall 20152015 Beverly Hills Book Awards - Finalist- "Faction" - fiction based on true stories.A Best Indie Book of 2015 - IndieReader (5-stars) Shelf Unbound - Notable Indie -2015 Best Indie Books.Germany, after World War I.  Ernst Techow, son of a magistrate, a child of privilege, joins the violent right-wing response to Germany's defeat. As a member of the para-military Free Corps and the murderous Organization C, he is recruited into a clandestine assassination network trying to bring down Germany's fledgling Weimar democracy.  These are the seeds of the Third Reich.  Ernst participates in the murder of Foreign Minister Walther Rathenau, the highest-ranking Jew in the Weimar Republic.While on trial for his life, Ernst receives an unfathomable offer of forgiveness that jolts his surety in the fascist cause and sets him on a complex and harrowing journey of redemption.  Throughout, he pursues his childhood sweetheart, Lisa.  They are star-crossed lovers, their passion inextinguishable, buffeted by the rising storm of Nazi ascendance.Before the Court of Heaven, though fiction, is populated by historical figures and accurately depicts events as they unfolded in Germany and beyond.  Animated as historical fiction, Before the Court of Heaven is an immunization against recurrence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, 20th Century

531 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Jack Mayer is a pediatrician and a writer. He began practicing pediatrics in 1976 in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, a small town in eastern Franklin County on the Canadian border. His was the first pediatric practice in that half of the county. He was a country doctor there for ten years, often bartering medical care for eggs, firewood, and knitted afghans. From 1987 – 1991 Dr. Mayer was a National Cancer Institute Fellow at Columbia University School of Public Health in New York City, researching the molecular biology of childhood cancer. Most of his scientific writing was done during those four years. He was also an academic pediatrician at Columbia University’s Presbyterian Medical Center.
Dr. Mayer returned to Vermont in 1991 and established Rainbow Pediatrics in Middlebury, Vermont where he continues to practice primary care pediatrics. He is an Instructor in Pediatrics at the University of Vermont School of Medicine and an advisor for pre-medical students at Middlebury College.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mayer has written short stories, poems, and essays about his years in pediatric practice and hiking The Long Trail in Vermont. He was a participant at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in 2003 and 2005 for fiction, and in 2008 for poetry. LIFE IN A JAR: The Irena Sendler Project is his first non-fiction book.
His new book, BEFORE THE COURT OF HEAVEN is historical fiction based on a true story, about the rise of the Third Reich . (Wind Ridge Books - Fall 2016)

He lives in Middlebury.

BOOK AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FOR:

BEFORE THE COURT OF HEAVEN
a novel by Jack Mayer

2016 IndieReader Discovery Award – 1st Place - Fiction
2015 Nautilus Book Award Winner – Fiction – Silver medal
2016 Finalist – Grand Prize (Eric Hoffer Award) – Fiction
2016 First Horizon Award (Eric Hoffer Award) Finalist – Fiction
2016 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist – Historical Fiction
2015 Mom’s Choice Award - Gold Medal – Historical Fiction
2015 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Novel - Fall 2015
2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards – Finalist – “Faction” - fiction based on true stories.
2015 A Best Indie Book – IndieReader (5-stars)
2015 Shelf Unbound – Notable Indie – 2015 Best Indie Books.


LIFE IN A JAR: THE IRENA SENDLER PROJECT
by Jack Mayer – Non-fiction (Long Trail Press, 2011)

2015 - First Horizon Award - Non-fiction (Eric Hoffer Book Award)
2015 Mom’s Choice Award – Gold Medal – Young Adult
2015 First Horizon Award - Non-fiction– Eric Hoffer Book Award
2014 Readers’ Favorite Book Award – Gold Medal - Education
2014 Benjamin Franklin Digital Award – Silver Honoree
2014 Shelf Unbound Notable Book
2012 IndieReader Discovery Award - Biography
2011 Kansas Notable Book Award
2011 da Vinci Eye (Eric Hoffer Book Award)

Reviews

[Alice Leeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Meyer’s novel, written in exquisite prose, is historically important and emotionally compelling. Its exploration of the roots and transformation of the main character’s antisemitism is both frightening and hopeful. Add this one to your reading list!

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never heard of Ernst Werner Techow or Walther Rathenau, don't worry — and don't let it keep you from reading Middlebury author Jack Mayer's Before the Court of Heaven. With its skillful conjuring of complex political, social and emotional forces, this historical novel takes readers inside events that unfolded in Germany in the period leading up to the Third Reich. Like Mayer's first book, Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project (2011), Before the Court of Heaven, published in 2015, has picked up numerous awards, many of them for exceptional indie (self-published) fiction.

Until 1992, the names of Techow and Rathenau didn't mean much to Mayer, either. That year, in a Yom Kippur sermon at Middlebury College, Mayer learned about Techow's role in the 1922 assassination of Rathenau, the foreign minister of Germany's fledgling Weimar Republic. Rathenau was Jewish, and Techow was an early Nazi, a young man caught up in the nationalist, anti-Semitic fury of an extreme right-wing organization. Techow's trial made headlines around the world. The newspaper accounts, scholarly works and microfilm transcripts of his arrest, interrogation and trial form the foundation of Mayer's work.

What initially hooked Mayer was the story of forgiveness, which Rathenau's mother offered to Techow in an astonishing letter. What he did not know when he first delved into the background of his book — which took him 24 years to research and write — was that he would come to view those past events as a cautionary tale for the present.

These days, Mayer, who is also a pediatrician, is busy giving presentations about Before the Court of Heaven around the state. This year, he spoke at 13 bookstores and libraries, a writers' conference, a Rotary Club and a high school. The Vermont Humanities Council sponsored some of the talks; others were invitational or initiated by Mayer himself.

I interviewed Mayer over coffee in Burlington in 2017 to talk about history and what it has to teach us now.

KL: The bio on the back cover of your book describes you as an author and a pediatrician. What came first?
KL: Pediatrics first informed my writing. In elementary school I was a mediocre student, but one thing I really enjoyed, and did well, was to write stories. I started to write essays and poems about my patients during my first practice, which I opened in Enosburg Falls in 1976. It was an economically distressed time, and most of my patients were on Medicaid or had no insurance; they had difficult lives, and I was inspired by the heroism of ordinary families dealing with extraordinary challenges. As a solo practice, it was very demanding work.

I wrote mostly for myself, to process my experiences and to understand my patients. Eventually, one of my essays was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. When Life in a Jar landed in my lap, that's when I felt like an author for the first time.

KL: Where did the title of your current book come from?
JM: It has a double meaning. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar — a day of atonement, a day to plead before the court of heaven for forgiveness of sins against God. When I heard the story of Ernst Werner Techow in that Yom Kippur service in 1992, I was deeply moved by the element of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. But sins against our fellow human must be atoned person-to-person. What does that look like when one has murdered someone — the personal atonement that precedes that before the court of heaven?

KL: When you refer to the events in Germany in the 1920s and '30s as a cautionary tale, what do you want your readers to pay attention to?
JM: These events occurred in a constitutional democracy, with the rule of law and free elections. Ordinary people made free choices. We hear an echo of those times today in our political discourse, and we need to pay attention to that. No one of us can reverse this disturbing reverberation, but each one of us can do something, no matter how small, to promote decency, tolerance and respect for all people.

KL: How do high school students respond to your presentation?
JM: So far, I have only spoken to one high school class about Before the Court of Heaven [and Life in a Jar], at [Champlain Valley Union High School] in early December. They sat at rapt attention for one and a half hours. Many students came up to me afterwards as they left for their next class to thank me for animating this amazing history. I could tell from their faces and voices that they were not just being polite.

KL: In your talks, you often quote the Spanish philosopher and writer George Santayana, who said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Do you think history actually repeats itself?
JM: History is cyclical, but we can never anticipate how recurrences will manifest — it's never identical. Some people point to the differences between Weimar Germany and the present situation, and they are correct — these are different situations. But we need to pay attention to the underlying conditions.

The German journalist Jochen Bittner recently pointed to four conditions that cleared the path for the fall of the Weimar democracy and the rise of the Third Reich: economic depression, loss of trust in institutions, social humiliation and political blunder. I would suggest that these conditions, though not identical, exist again today. I think what Santayana asks us to do is to recognize the painful echoes of history in these conditions and that, in this way, history can be a mirror that helps us to consider the present.

KL: You spent 24 years researching and writing Before the Court of Heaven. This is a big part of your life.
JM: The Holocaust is the iconic story of my life. My parents narrowly escaped the Holocaust — but it was not spoken about. The Holocaust was the elephant in our cramped apartment. I could feel the weight of sorrow all around me. It was not articulated, but it was everywhere — it was the atmosphere.

It was not until I was in medical school that I learned from my grandmother that my grandfather had been imprisoned at Dachau [concentration camp]. She was able to get him out after six months because she had gone to high school with one of the guards at the camp and was able to bribe him.

Still later, in the 1990s, my parents were interviewed for Steven Spielberg's Shoah project, and, for the first time, I saw my mother's identification card with "Jew" stamped on it and her nursing certificate from the Frankfurt Jewish Nursing School, stamped with swastikas.

So I have come to understand my mission with regards to Holocaust history — to be a link in a long chain of storytellers who help us remember. As a pediatrician, I immunize against infectious disease; as a writer, I invoke memory as our best immunization against the atrocities humans inflict upon each other.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply affecting story. Mayer is a very talented writer, and he really brings the history alive. The flow and pacing are precise and pitch-perfect. The characters are thoughtfully and carefully presented and throughout the development of the novel, the reader gets a very real sense of the personalities behind the history. The turmoil in Germany (and the world) at the end of the First World War is palpable. The role of the post-War punitive treatment of Germany in the rise of extreme German nationalism is articulated in a strong, clear voice. The blend of historical detail and fictional narrative is spot-on. Mayer does a marvelous job encapsulating the thought processes behind the anti-Jewish sentiment and the fall of the democratic Weimar mindset. But this is not only a well-crafted story; it is also, as Mayer himself opines, a cautionary tale for our time. This is a book that deserves a great deal of attention – not only from fiction and history readers, but also from those interested in geopolitics and sociological trends.

My review copy was provided by the author through the coordination of IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association).

For more information including author interview, visit http://blog.jill-elizabeth.com/2017/0....

[Kimberly Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally written, this story, based partly on fact, took me to a world I'd only slightly imagined. Of course, I've seen all the movies, listened to my grandfather's stories, and read about the atrocities of the Third Reich, but I have never seen it from this perspective, the German perspective. There is so much history here and I feel as though I was there in the world, right along with Ernst Techow.

It is scary how "normal" the rise of the Nazis seems to have been, only to be followed by horrors unimaginable. It makes me very afraid of how things are going in today's world with the rise, once again, of Nationalism and the right. Today, though, we have the advantage of hindsight. Hopefully, we will use it.

I highly recommend this book. An absolute page turner. Did not want to put it down.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the Court of Heaven by Jack Mayer is a stunning historical novel. It's based on a true event, World War I. In this book, I got to travel back in time. Placed in Germany. A frightening time in a world of confusion, conflict, and mistrust. War is something no one ever forgets. Before the Court of Heaven is a tale I'll never forget. The characters lives stayed with me even when I finished. I felt like I was there as the events rolled by quickly. Realistic. Every page was believable. Jack Mayer's talent is superb. His novel was well-written and told in an engaging way. I was hooked. Overall, I recommend this book to readers worldwide.
4.5-stars

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayer's writing is superb, and the stories he tells compel you keep reading long past bedtime. Before the Court of Heaven spills over with gripping history that we all benefit from knowing more about. And his insights into the hearts of both historical and fictional characters are profound and make us think about what matters. A must read!!

[Megan Shrestha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and I enjoyed reading a book from this time period from the German perspective. It was sobering to think how easily a good-intentioned individual can get swept up - and used - by powerful forces in politics. I enjoyed following the development of the character and the twists and turns that lead to his enlightenment and redemption. It's a great read!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make room at the top, Chris Bohjalian.....Vermont has a new glowing star!!

[HalKid2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debut and extremely well-written historical novel by a Vermont pediatrician — focused on the years between the two World Wars in Germany — that was one of the most unusual books I’ve ever read. And utterly absorbing. Awarded five stars on Goodreads.

The novel centers around a real historical figure, Ernst Werner Techow. He is one of a small group of young activists involved in the 1922 assassination of a leading figure in Germany’s Weimar Republic. They believe killing Foreign Minister Walter Rathenau will trigger a revolution that will bring down the Weimar Republic. Techow and his friends are early adopters of a Nationalist movement that will eventually become the Nazi party.

The book follows Techow for the next 12 years. I don’t want to include spoilers so I will just say that through Techow’s story, author Jack Mayer builds a suspenseful and compelling narrative that helped me better understand Germany’s history. It’s a Germany that:
• Suffered devastating losses during World War I
• Had just eliminated a long-standing monarchy
• Faced staggering reparations debt — leading to widespread unemployment, rampant inflation, and food shortages
• Watched competing movements (Communist, socialist, nationalist) grow increasingly violent in their efforts to steal power away from the Weimar Republic
• Grew increasingly desperate for leadership of any kind that could begin to improve the oppressive reality of everyday life and end the lawlessness.

There is also a wonderful love story. As a teenager, Techow falls in love with Lisa, a camp friend who becomes the central passion of his life. But the two of them are part of a trio of friends that includes Fritz - a rival for Lisa’s affections. Despite lengthy separations and numerous obstacles, Techow never loses his passionate attachment to Lisa. And his is a testament to the power of love since it is Lisa’s love that sustains him in his darkest moments.

As the author explains in both the Author’s Note and Postscript, the book is divided into two parts — though the flow of the narrative is seamless. Part One is based on the author’s extensive examination of primary source material about Techow. Part Two is the author’s fictionalized imaginings of what happens to Techow after the written documentation dries up. And the story Mayer creates feels completely believable and even addresses some lofty philosophical questions about good and evil and the possibility of redemption. And, as you will see, the fictionalized story turns out to be MUCH more interesting than reality.

So, what made this book so unusual for me? Aside from part of it being true to history and part made up?
1. Though published in 2015 and despite winning numerous independent book awards, the book seems to be little known. It was hard to get ahold of. No public library I could access had a record of it. I had to buy it.
2. The publisher, Long Trail Press, appears to be a self-publishing vehicle, based in Middlebury Vermont where the author lives.
3. The concept for the story came to the author after attending a sermon at Middlebury College in which Techow’s story was recounted. Even though the accuracy of the recounting appears to be unreliable.

Over the years, I have read many, many historical novels about both World Wars (I am continually trying to understand how they could have happened) but this was the first time I was able to understand the developments that occurred in the years between, that made it possible for the Nazis to come to power with such widespread support. AND, at the same time, it was terrifying to recognize how easily, under the right circumstances, it could all happen again. I confess I think this book is an undiscovered masterpiece.

[Micheal Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Court of Heaven by Jack Mayer is a deeply researched historical fiction novel set in Germany during the turbulent period following World War I and the rise of the Nazi regime.

The story centers on Ernst Techow, a young man from a privileged background who becomes involved in the violent political movements of the time. Drawn into extremist circles, he participates in a clandestine network that contributes to the instability of the Weimar Republic and ultimately becomes implicated in the assassination of Walther Rathenau, a prominent statesman of the era.

As Ernst faces trial, the narrative shifts toward an exploration of conscience, accountability, and redemption. A pivotal moment—an unexpected offer of forgiveness challenges his ideological convictions and forces him to confront the moral consequences of his actions. This internal struggle is further enriched by his enduring connection to his childhood sweetheart, Lisa, whose relationship with him unfolds against the backdrop of a society descending into the Third Reich.

Mayer blends historical accuracy with fictional storytelling, incorporating real figures and events to create a narrative that reflects the complexity of human choices in times of political upheaval. The novel examines how ordinary individuals can be swept into extraordinary and often destructive historical currents, while also considering the possibility of personal transformation.

Overall, Before the Court of Heaven is a thought provoking historical novel that combines political history, moral inquiry, and character driven storytelling. It will appeal to readers interested in early 20th-century European history and stories that explore the intersection of ideology, responsibility, and redemption.

[Sue-Lynn Voigt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting historical fiction book that covers a time of which I knew little about. Set in Germany between WWI (the Great War) and leading up ti WWII, I learned much I did not know. Set around the real life Ernst Techow, the book is divided into two sections. The first section is largely based on real events and court documents. The second section is largely fiction and even the life of Ernst is largely fictionalized. However, for those interested in this time period, I would recommend the book. It does get bogged down a bit about three-fourths way through the book, but keep going.

[JBresson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too much "what if" rather than "what was".

[沈沈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that relives the turbulent political period in Germany between the two world wars.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really good read. It traced the evolution of a young German in the post-WWI era through the early WWII years. It gave a nice presentation of his disillusionment with the Nazi power takeover and the moral dilemmas that he faced along the way. In addition, there was lots and lots of the interesting history of those years that I found very informative. I didn't really warm up to the romance story though. It seemed a bit stilted to me. All in all, this was a book that I enjoyed and would recommend.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Lavender]

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.