Customer Reviews

The Princess Adelina: An Ancient Christian Tale of Beauty and Bravery

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"Error is old, but older still is the Truth which overcometh it." This saying rings true in the tale of The Princess Adelina: A peasant girl living in the early eighth century lives with her mother and other missionaries in ancient Germany. She is chosen by the ruler of the kingdom to become his wife, the new Herzogin. Her new husband, Hedan, though, is not a Christian and trouble arises toward Adelina from her mother-in-law, but because of Hedan's love for Adelina, freedom is granted for the Christians and heathen worship inside the castle is prohibited...for a while. Trial's are on the horizon for our young Adelina, as love grows cold, war is approaching, and a hateful mother-in-law tries to take over the castle once again.
The Princess Adelina is an Esther-like tale of bravery into the unknown, and as you read it remember that this was a true story that happened over 1,300 years ago! It's not a fictional tale! I'd have to say that though the book is supposed to be about Adelina and a lot of it is, I saw more of Hedan's life and change as well as others being changed because of Adelina. Some parts, mainly the first chapter was a little slow but the pace picked up well. A note to parents would be that because of heathen and demonic worship taking place throughout the book, discretion would be advised for those who would be reading this aloud with younger children or ones reading on their own. Some parts might be a little scary because of that. This book would be a wonderful family read aloud, and for reading alone: probably for girls 12+ (because of the old English words and heathen worship). Though most boys would turn their nose up at a book titled "Princess", it's not just for girls! In fact reading it might instill some bravery and chivalry in young men! A short battle scene, a monstrous storm in the forest, doing what's right, and other things would inspire and excite more than one young boy!
God's Hand is all throughout history, molding His people and changing hearts. In The Princess Adelina: truth overcomes lies, faith conquers the enemy, love shines through, and victory is won!

This book became my favorite when I read it!! I love it!! Along with giving insight to the time period in the story, it's very entertaining! You may find the first chapter a little slow, but the rest makes up for it and is FANTASTIC!!!!!

This is a great story. Princess Adelina is a story about a young woman who married the Herzog to keep her people safe and free to worship as they wished. Her mother-in-law tried to discredit her and finally to have her sacrificed while her son was away at war. Managing to escape she left the country. All ends well but you'll have to read the book to find out how.

This is an interesting book because it looks at the Christian experience in 8th-century Germany, a time in Christian history that very little is written about. This book has been reprinted for the modern day, having originally been written in apparently the 1800s.

Like many Christian stories written in the 1800s, the tone at times is very moralistic, with characters giving long monologues laying out doctrines of the Christian faith and not talking as you would expect real-live people to speak. Thankfully, this is mainly confined to the first couple chapters, after which the story picks up.

It's an entertaining and somewhat inspiring story of a Christian maiden who views herself as a modern-day Esther, marrying the ruler in order to win freedom of worship for her people. The issue of being unequally yoked, and whether this is even the right choice, is too quickly glossed over. However, Adelina's willingness to sacrifice herself for her people and her Christian dedication when married is inspiring.

It is not made clear how much of this story is actually true. We're told that it's based on reality, but given no sources. We're also told that her name was actually Bilihild, but that she's known as Adelina in this book. No reason is given, but one can't help but think it's because Adelina is more pleasant to the modern ear. There is no information given as to what is fact, what is fiction, what is mere speculation. Also, be aware that historical details beyond those things specific to the Christian experience are rather sparse. You're not going to learn that much about customs, dress, food, lifestyle, etc; that wasn't the focus in writing this book.

If this is viewed as fiction, with some basis in reality, it's an enjoyable and somewhat inspiring read if you can get past the first couple slow chapters. However, I don't feel that it's a must-read.

This is an interesting and sympathetic story about Irish Missionaries in Germany in the early eighth century and presents an inspiring Christian heroine. The story is connected to the Christianization of Wurzburg and Thuringia after the martyrdom of St. Killean (c. 689AD) and during the reign of Duke Hedan (c. 703-742AD). However, the book was originally written in German by the 19th century Reformed theologian Johannes Ebrard and contains a strong anti-Catholic polemic. Much of this polemic is in isolated sections that can be skipped, but it also affects the presentation of history in the story, (e.g. monastic figures are systematically given wives and children). The English translation appears to be also from the 19th century and the style may be somewhat cumbersome for a younger reader. Another story covering a slightly earlier Irish mission to the continent is Fingal's Quest by Madeleine Pollandfingal's quest, which covers the mission of St. Columbanus.

A true story, The Princess Adelina is a surprisingly engaging tale "of beauty and bravery." Though the first chapter is somewhat slow, it gives interesting historical information about the missionaries of that age, and the story picks up quickly from there. Adelina is a wonderful example of a pure woman devoted to God, and the faith of the Christians who willingly die for their faith is inspiring. Though named after her, the book is as much about Hedan as about Adelina and has adventures enough to suit readers of both genders. I approached this story sceptically, but found myself greatly edified, and I actually laughed aloud for joy when reading the last chapter. I would exercise caution in giving the book to younger children, though, because of the worship of false gods and what that involves.