Book Review—Crushed Yet conquering

Crushed Yet Conquering, by Deborah Alcock, tells the story of John Huss and his followers. The story starts in the city of Constance, where Hubert Bohun, a scribe in the employment of Jean Charlier Gerson, the Chancellor of the Church and University of Paris, meets a few of John Huss’s followers and witnesses his hearings; his interest in the man begins to blossom. Before long he is convinced that John Huss is not only innocent, but right.

When the “Holy Council” condemns and burns John Huss, Hubert leaves the service of the Chancellor. He joins Sir John Chlum, a baron of Bohemia and the man who had been John Huss’s friend and advocate during his trials. He returns with him and his group to Bohemia and joins the Hussites. For a time, there is peace; but not for long.

Authorities threaten the Hussites on every side; the pope even offers complete forgiveness to anyone willing to raise his hand against them. Rumours come to Sir John Chlum that some of his vassals are being persecuted; Hubert offers to see if the story is true, but it is a dangerous mission. Then the Hussite wars begin and every able man goes to defend his faith. Can they survive these treacherous times and live peaceably once again?

As you read this book, you will personally meet a colourful host of characters: distinguishable Armand, brave Ostrodek, manly Vaclav, “faithful Vitus,” Dr. Nathan Solito, graceful Zedenka, and many, many more. You, too, will watch as the miners of Kuttenberg lead Hubert, among others, as prisoners to the mouth of the silver mines; you will shiver as Ostrodek calls the men of Pihel to battle; you will hold your breath as Hubert leads Zedenka to see the bodies of Frantisek and Aninka, drowned in each other’s arms. Can Armand ever admit to his fiancé that it was his fault her brother died? Will Hubert’s wish to see the chancellor once more be fulfilled?

Crushed Yet Conquering not only tells the Hussites’ story, it gives rich insight about life in the early fifteenth century. It is a must-read for any adventure-lover, history-connoisseur, or Church historian!