Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk Paperback – January 31, 2017

“Two Pigtails on the Pillow” - If that chapter title from a book about the great Reformer, Martin Luther, doesn’t intrigue you, what would? Actually, the book is about much more than Martin Luther; it’s about the woman behind the man: Katharina Luther, the runaway nun he married.Michelle DeRusha’s new book, Katharina and Martin: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk , is a fascinating look at life and marriage in the 1500’s, yet deeply pertinent to us today because of the influence of Luther on Protestantism and its doctrines concerning marriage. DeRusha highlights their relationship and the effects marriage had on him as a person and his work as a Reformer. Luther, a former monk and already leading in the Reformation when he got married, ultimately affected, perhaps even defined, the Protestant view of marriage we hold today.Like most of us, what Luther said and wrote about marriage and the inner dynamics of his actual marriage, were sometimes at odds. I found that comforting. If Luther was sometimes not practicing what he preached about marriage, well…that means on-the-job-training is probably to be expected for the rest of us.DeRusha has delved deeply into the scholarly works written by and about Luther, but in her book, she writes for all of us. It reads like a work of fiction, plot and character driven, compelling the reader to keep turning the pages. It’s a story, first and foremost. I found myself having to remind myself that this was a work of non-fiction. Katharina and Martin are alive to the reader. Through their letters, we see them working through frustrations with people in their community, their worries for each other, their grief after the death of their daughter, and even their questioning of their faith in that most difficult time.Luther wasn’t in love when he married Katharina; and most probably, she wasn’t either, but over time, the relationship grew to be one of endearing care, great mutual respect, and playful banter. In the end, it had all the hallmarks of a happy, love-filled marriage. Luther said, “Marriage does not always run smoothly; it is a chancy thing. One has to commit oneself to it.” He did and she did, and several children and years later, these two changed the institution for all of us.As a runaway nun, marriage was an absolute must for a woman of this time as she had no legal status or means of supporting herself. Luther had no intentions of marriage but tried to help Katharina and the other runaway nuns find suitable mates. At one point, he encourages her to marry another man who she finds unappealing and she flatly refuses; but suggests she would marry Luther! That kind of spirit and strength was exactly the kind of woman a man like Martin Luther would need to run his home, rear his children, and entertain and host his countless houseguests - up to fifty at a time!DeRusha’s book is full of surprises, candor and humor. A worthy read and a fun read all at the same time.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I learned a lot about what it was like to be a woman during the late Middle Ages (early modern) and about the Luther’s and their novel marriage.

Ordered this for a book club we are doing. We are actually studying another book by this author (50 Women Every Christian Should Know). I wanted a more in-depth book on Katharina and this was excellent! The author does a fantastic job balancing readability with good, solid research and primary source content. I don't remember exactly how many pages of bibliography she had, but I want to say it was like between 30-40. She did SO. MUCH. RESEARCH. for this book! The individuals at the book club LOVED the information presented in her book (both of them since we double-dipped). I honestly think it is now one of my favorite books of all time. We love biographies in this house and I so appreciated that DeRusha balances the Luthers' humanity with their contribution. It makes it seem like the kind of life they lead is attainable when you realize their weaknesses, not just their strengths. I hope she continues to produce biographies like these, especially the more in-depth individual ones. I loved it. I also have to give credit to the individual who wrote the forward to this book, Karen Swallow Prior. She seems like an incredible professor and person. Her forward was more than just a forward; it was a highly informative and engaging overview of not only the book, but also the lives of the patriarch and matriarch of the reformation. Cannot say enough good things.

I've read so much about Luther over the decades, but never had one book brought to life not only this couple but also their world. I felt like I had traveled back in time. I was associated l astonished by how well she explained not only their marriage but also how it has shaped all Christian weddings since then. And I thought I understood the plight of women in their era, but I really had no idea of the extent of the issues--and was astonished at Katie's plight after Martin's death. Both were heroes in my eyes. Luther would certainly have not been the man he was without her--and he well knew it and did not hesitate to say so!

My goodness, what a lovely book! I've grown up in the Lutheran church, but have only ever had a rather basic knowledge of Luther himself. I was assigned to read this book for a writing assignment I had for my graduate church history class and am I ever thankful to have had the opportunity. DeRusha's writing style is as though your chatting with a good friend, and her work is thoroughly researched. The background of both Luther and Katharina is wonderfully in depth, and she weaves their story lines together so well. Their love story is really unique and quite honestly, beautiful. What Christian marriages ought to be, really. DeRusha poured herself into this book and it is such a valuable resource. I am very thankful to have it on my bookshelf.

I enjoyed the flow of thought in this writing. I wish there were more detail about their every day life and their children. I certainly realized she did not have a life of ease though it was a life of importance & love. I desire to read more about them. This book makes me want more!