Introduction

[John]

From the the Goodreads description: Beginning in 1914 and ending on the eve of World War II, this epic story follows the coming of age and early manhood of the Prussian aristocrat, Max von Hofmannswaldau. From the idyllic surroundings of his ancestral home to the streets of cosmopolitan Breslau menaced by the Nazi SS, Hofmannswaldau uncovers the truth about his own identity and confronts the modern ideologies that threaten the annihilation of millions of people. A Postcard from the Volcano opens with the outbreak of World War I and the Prussian pride and patriotism that blind the noble von Hofmannswaldau family to the destruction that lies ahead for their country. The well-researched narrative follows the young count as he leaves home to finish his education and ends up a stranger in the land of his birth. Both intelligent and sensitive, Beckett's prose explores the complex philosophical and political questions that led Europe into a second world war, while never losing sight of a man whose life is shaped by his times. A deeply moving historical novel that shows the horrific impact that two world wars had on whole countries, and how individuals struggled to deal with the incredible challenges presented by such devastation.

A Postcard from the Volcano: A Novel of Pre-War Germany is published by Ignatius Press and they have provided an abundant number of discussion questions on their website. I sifted through the questions and selected a handful, but you should feel free to check out the list and add questions that you think would make for interesting or uplifting discussion. The website is here: http://ipnovels.com/wp-content/upload....

Of course, you are always free to add your own discussion topic as well.

[Fonch]

John wrote: "From the the Goodreads description: Beginning in 1914 and ending on the eve of World War II, this epic story follows the coming of age and early manhood of the Prussian aristocrat, Max von Hofmanns..."

For me Ignatius Press is one of the best Catholic Publishing of United States. If they publish this novel is a synonime of quality.

[John]

I am certainly delighted with the long list of discussion questions they provided. :-)

[Fonch]

John wrote: "I am certainly delighted with the long list of discussion questions they provided. :-)"
I love Ignatius Press and the writers that they have in his list. I wish we had in Spain something equal to Ignatius Press. I love the quantity of Catholic writers, that they publish.