Interview by Book Chat Radio
Book Chat Radio: Thank you for joining us today, Katherine. Your novel, The Sower of Black Field, delves into an intriguing part of history. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this story?
Katherine Koch: Thank you for having me. I was inspired by the story of my great-uncle, Fr. Viktor Koch, an American priest who served in Nazi Germany. His experience in Schwarzenfeld, a small Bavarian town during World War II, captivated me. This town had a complex environment: Catholic, resistant to the Nazi regime, yet deeply affected by the war. I wanted to bring light to the nuances of the German experience and the role of faith amidst such turmoil.
Book Chat Radio: One of the central themes in your novel is the tension between faith and political ideologies, especially with Fr. Viktor’s struggle against Nazi rule. Can you share more about the importance of his faith in shaping his decisions?
Katherine Koch: Fr. Viktor’s faith is at the heart of the novel. His American upbringing gave him a strong belief in freedom of speech and religion—values that starkly contrasted with the Nazi regime’s oppression. Despite the danger, he stayed in Germany because he believed his faith called him to protect those suffering. His steadfastness and willingness to speak out, even at great personal risk, was rooted in his belief that God placed him there for a purpose. This conviction is what drives his character throughout the novel.
Book Chat Radio: The character of Wilhelm Seiz is fascinating—a man torn between his role in the Reich and his humanitarian work. How did you approach writing such a morally complex figure?
Katherine Koch: Seiz represents the gray areas that existed within the Nazi regime. He’s not purely evil or good; he’s someone caught between duty to the Reich and his natural inclination toward charity. Writing him allowed me to explore the inner conflicts many Germans likely faced—loyalty to their country versus the horrors they were witnessing. Seiz’s transformation through his interactions with Fr. Viktor is central to the story’s moral tension.
Book Chat Radio: The setting, the small town of Schwarzenfeld, plays a pivotal role in shaping the story. How much of the historical setting did you incorporate into your narrative?
Katherine Koch: Almost all of it. I spent years researching Schwarzenfeld and interviewing the people who lived through the war. The town had a unique position in Bavaria, being deeply Catholic and somewhat resistant to Nazi ideology. It was also influenced by the Passionist order, which created a different atmosphere from other parts of the Reich. I aimed to capture the real sense of place, from the oppressive air of the Third Reich to the resilience of the townspeople.
Book Chat Radio: How do you think your novel adds to the broader understanding of World War II and Holocaust history?
Katherine Koch: My goal was to humanize the experiences of ordinary Germans who lived under the Nazi regime and to show that not everyone was complicit. Many were caught in a complex web of fear, faith, and duty. Fr. Viktor’s story challenges readers to consider the moral choices individuals faced and the courage required to stand against a regime. His defense of the town from American liberators who were outraged by the discovery of a mass grave of Holocaust victims is a powerful reminder of the complexities of wartime morality.
Book Chat Radio: What do you hope readers take away from The Sower of Black Field?
Katherine Koch: I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of the moral gray areas in wartime and the importance of faith, courage, and empathy. It’s easy to pass judgment on history from a distance, but I want people to see that, even in the darkest times, there were individuals who fought to uphold their beliefs and protect the vulnerable.
Book Chat Radio: Thank you, Katherine, for this enlightening discussion. For those intrigued by this incredible story, you can purchase The Sower of Black Field on Amazon at this link and learn more about Katherine Koch’s work on her website at katherinekoch.com.
Explore the depths of World War II through faith, moral dilemmas, and historical events in The Sower of Black Field. Join the conversation, and discover a story of courage and conviction during one of history’s darkest times.
