Step back in time to the 16th century with Stefan Scheuermann’s Brighter than the Flames, a mesmerizing historical fiction novel that invites readers into the world of Anna. Born into a middle-class German family in 1566, Anna was a vivacious and intelligent girl who quickly became a beloved member of her village, Kleinostheim. But her life takes a dark turn when she is accused of witchcraft and must endure a grueling trial while her husband and son watch helplessly. This gripping tale of love, family, and injustice will leave readers spellbound until the very end.

This book is a poignant tale of a woman’s journey through love, family, and the challenges of living in a patriarchal and backward society. Anna’s life story is beautifully depicted, as she navigates her way through the complexities of being an independent and intelligent woman in a time when such qualities were deemed dangerous. The novel follows Anna as she falls in love with Jost, welcomes new friends into her life, learns all she can of new medicines and ideas, starts a family, and is tragically accused of witchcraft because of her passions outside the norm of her zealot town. Throughout the book, readers will be captivated by the strength and resilience of Anna, as she strives to overcome the societal constraints that seek to extinguish her light. The story is sure to evoke powerful emotions in readers, as they are drawn into Anna’s world and bear witness to her falling in love, living her life with resolve and the struggles she faces.

In the story, Anna’s accuser states, “We have seen countless examples of evil speaking with feminine voices, seducing and defiling, corrupting and misleading”. This was a standout line as a true voice of the harsh reality innocent women faced. It speaks to the fear and mistrust that many people had towards women who dared to speak their minds and challenge the societal norms of the time. Brighter than the Flame forces readers to consider how the portrayal of women as “evil” or “corrupt” for speaking out against societal standards has persisted throughout history.

The events that lead to Anna being on trial for crimes she did not commit will undoubtedly haunt readers long after they finish the book. The unfairness of her situation and the cruelty of the treatment she received during her trial and imprisonment are heart-wrenching. Scheuermann captured not only her torment but also her husband and sons as they watched helplessly as she suffered through it all. Her strength and conviction in the face of such extreme adversity are inspiring and make her a memorable character. Her story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of ignorance, superstition, and prejudice, and it serves as a call to action to continue fighting for justice and equality.

As readers turn the last page of Brighter than the Flames, they are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for Anna’s strength and resilience in the face of injustice and persecution. This novel is a tribute to all the women throughout history who have been silenced and oppressed, and a call to action for readers to stand up for truth, justice, and equality. It is a haunting reminder of the dangers of blind conformity and the importance of speaking up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Scheuermann’s writing style is captivating, and his ability to tell this story in all it’s beauty is truly impressive. Brighter than the Flames is a novel that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.

“A haunting reminder of the dangers of blind conformity and the importance of speaking up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”

“Brighter than the Flame forces readers to consider how the portrayal of women as “evil” or “corrupt” for speaking out against societal standards has persisted throughout history.”