Johann Friesen of Poland and His Descendants: Telling Their Stories

In this remarkable account of a line of Friesen descendants, the author, Henry A. Friesen, offers us not only a family history but also a multi-themed study of cultural dynamics and the relationship between faith and the wider culture. At every level the story will prove to be most engaging—not only for those with connections to the Friesen clan or even Mennonites in general—but also to the reader-at-large. At one level we have a moving, even poignant family story; at another level we are introduced to the impact of social forces on a faith community: from agriculture and economics to transportation and political change; from war and peace, to leadership elites. By dint of his careful research and thoughtful reflection Henry Friesen has in fact opened to us a window on life itself.