Join author Randall Reyman as he discusses his new book, From the Bohemian Hills, on Saturday, May 10 at 1 p.m.
Reyman’s historical fiction novel, From the Bohemian Hills, offers a fresh take on early Czech immigration, depicting the journey of two desperate families seeking a better life as they settle near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the 19th century.
“From the Bohemian Hills is a saga not unlike the story of many 19th-century Czech immigrants who defied the dangers of traveling across the ocean from their old country to a new one,” Reyman said. “My novel will bring you closer to your forbears who took those risks and will help you understand and even take pride in your own family’s story.”
Book Synopsis: It’s 1859 in Bohemia, and Josef’s family suffers amidst poverty, wars, and religious persecution under the heavy hand of the Habsburgs. Finally, in 1866, they escape to America and settle in eastern Iowa, where they meet Francis Kun, an ambitious Moravian preacher who dreams of building a Bohemian Reformed Brethren church. Josef’s anti-religious ideas at once conflict with Kun’s devout faith, but as their lives intertwine, an unlikely friendship is borne of their common goal of survival. Their friendship is soon tested as Josef becomes a suspect in the murder of a local thug.
About the Author: Reyman is a musician, composer, and writer living in central Illinois. He was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids area and is a proud of his Czech heritage.
