by Ethel Herr
16th century Countess Juliana von Stolberg is called the Queen Mother of the Netherlands. In Dr. Oma by Ethel Herr, we learn she was also a Godly woman who encouraged everyone to read the Bible, a herbal healer, a teacher, and a mother to 17 children - including Willem van Orange, whom Herr calls "the George Washington of Holland."
Dr. Oma is told from Juliana's granddaughter's point of view. At age 11, Maria is taken away from her place in the court of Duchess Margaretha of Brussels to live with her father, who wishes to protect her from his enemy, King Philip of Spain. Maria is at first frightened because the Duchess warns Maria of dangers in her father's house, where the Bible is regularly read. "Only heretics read the Protestant Bible!" the Duchess says.
But Maria makes quick friends with her grandmother, Oma (Juliana). Oma explains why Maria's father is in danger: King Philip does not want common people reading the Bible or worshiping in ways different from his own. Oma also teaches her there is nothing wrong with reading the Bible. It isn't, as Maria was taught, only reserved for priests. God wants everyone to read his Bible. Oma teaches Maria other things, too, like how to manage a household and use the healing properties of herbs for the benefit of the entire village.
When Maria's father goes to war with her uncles, Maria watches as Oma handles her fears and sorrow by willfully making herself trust in the Lord. And when Oma dies at a ripe old age, Maria, now 21, is glad to have known and learned from such a great lady.
In addition, the author offers useful notes about the accuracy of her novel, a few questions to spur homeschooling projects, and a glossary of unusual terms.
Softcover, 206 pages
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