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Peace Shall Destroy Many
In 1944, as war rages across Europe and Asia, famine, violence and fear are commonplace. But life appears tranquil in the isolated farming settlement of Wapiti in northern Saskatchewan, where the Mennonite community continues the agricultural lifestyle their ancestors have practised for centuries. Their Christian values of peace and love lead them to oppose war and military service, so they are hardly affected by the war – except for the fact that they are reaping the rewards of selling their increasingly valuable crops and livestock.
Thom Wiens, a young farmer and earnest Christian, begins to ask questions. How can they claim to oppose the war when their livestock become meat to sustain soldiers? How can they enjoy this free country but rely on others to fight to preserve that freedom? Within the community, conflicts and broken relationships threaten the peace, as the Mennonite tradition of close community life manifests itself as racism toward their “half-breed” neighbours, and aspirations of holiness turn into condemnation of others. Perhaps the greatest hope for the future lies with children such as Hal Wiens, whose friendship with the Métis children and appreciation of the natural environment offer a positive vision of people living at peace with themselves and others.
Wiebe’s groundbreaking first novel aroused great controversy among Mennonite communities when it was first published in 1962. Wiebe explains, “I guess it was a kind of bombshell because it was the first realistic novel ever written about Mennonites in western Canada. A lot of people had no clue how to read it. They got angry. I was talking from the inside and exposing things that shouldn't be exposed.” At the same time, other reviewers were unsure how to react to Wiebe’s explicitly religious themes, a view which Wiebe found absurd. “There are many, many people who feel that religious experience is the most vital thing that happens to them in their lives, and how many of these people actually ever get explored in modern novels?”
The concept of peace is an important theme in Wiebe’s first three books. The attempt to live non-violently, one of the basic tenets of the Mennonite faith as taught by the sixteenth-century spiritual leader Menno Simons, is what has “caused the Mennonites the most difficulty in their relationship with everybody,” forcing them to move again and again. The theme of peace versus passivity is further explored in The Blue Mountains of China, where inner peace, a state of being, is contrasted with the earthly desire for a place of public order and tranquility where the church is “there for a few hours a Sunday and maybe a committee meeting during the week to keep our fire escape polished,” as Thom, the protagonist puts it.. Wiebe has said, “To be an Anabaptist is to be a radical follower of the person of Jesus Christ . . . and Jesus Christ had no use for the social and political structures of his day; he came to supplant them.”
While Peace Shall Destroy Many takes place in a Mennonite community, its elements are universal, delineating the way young idealism rebels against staid tradition, as a son clashes with his father. In the face of violent confrontations between beliefs all over the world, the novel remains as compelling now as it was nearly forty years ago.
Thom Wiens, a young farmer and earnest Christian, begins to ask questions. How can they claim to oppose the war when their livestock become meat to sustain soldiers? How can they enjoy this free country but rely on others to fight to preserve that freedom? Within the community, conflicts and broken relationships threaten the peace, as the Mennonite tradition of close community life manifests itself as racism toward their “half-breed” neighbours, and aspirations of holiness turn into condemnation of others. Perhaps the greatest hope for the future lies with children such as Hal Wiens, whose friendship with the Métis children and appreciation of the natural environment offer a positive vision of people living at peace with themselves and others.
Wiebe’s groundbreaking first novel aroused great controversy among Mennonite communities when it was first published in 1962. Wiebe explains, “I guess it was a kind of bombshell because it was the first realistic novel ever written about Mennonites in western Canada. A lot of people had no clue how to read it. They got angry. I was talking from the inside and exposing things that shouldn't be exposed.” At the same time, other reviewers were unsure how to react to Wiebe’s explicitly religious themes, a view which Wiebe found absurd. “There are many, many people who feel that religious experience is the most vital thing that happens to them in their lives, and how many of these people actually ever get explored in modern novels?”
The concept of peace is an important theme in Wiebe’s first three books. The attempt to live non-violently, one of the basic tenets of the Mennonite faith as taught by the sixteenth-century spiritual leader Menno Simons, is what has “caused the Mennonites the most difficulty in their relationship with everybody,” forcing them to move again and again. The theme of peace versus passivity is further explored in The Blue Mountains of China, where inner peace, a state of being, is contrasted with the earthly desire for a place of public order and tranquility where the church is “there for a few hours a Sunday and maybe a committee meeting during the week to keep our fire escape polished,” as Thom, the protagonist puts it.. Wiebe has said, “To be an Anabaptist is to be a radical follower of the person of Jesus Christ . . . and Jesus Christ had no use for the social and political structures of his day; he came to supplant them.”
While Peace Shall Destroy Many takes place in a Mennonite community, its elements are universal, delineating the way young idealism rebels against staid tradition, as a son clashes with his father. In the face of violent confrontations between beliefs all over the world, the novel remains as compelling now as it was nearly forty years ago.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
7 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Rudy Wiebe
38 books40 followersWiebe was born at Speedwell, near Fairholme, Saskatchewan in what would later become his family’s chicken barn. For thirteen years he lived in an isolated Mennonite community of about 250 people. He did not speak English until age six since Mennonites at that time customarily spoke Low German at home and standard German at Church. He attended the small school three miles from his farm and the Speedwell Mennonite Brethren Church.
He received his B.A. in 1956 from the University of Alberta and then studied at the University of Tübingen in West Germany. In 1958 he married Tena Isaak, with whom he had two children.
He is deeply committed to the literary culture of Canada and has shown a particular interest in the traditions and struggles of people in the Prairie provinces, both whites and Aboriginals.
Wiebe won the Governor General's Award for Fiction twice, for The Temptations of Big Bear (1973) and A Discovery of Strangers (1994). He was awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Lorne Pierce Medal in 1986. In 2000 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He received his B.A. in 1956 from the University of Alberta and then studied at the University of Tübingen in West Germany. In 1958 he married Tena Isaak, with whom he had two children.
He is deeply committed to the literary culture of Canada and has shown a particular interest in the traditions and struggles of people in the Prairie provinces, both whites and Aboriginals.
Wiebe won the Governor General's Award for Fiction twice, for The Temptations of Big Bear (1973) and A Discovery of Strangers (1994). He was awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Lorne Pierce Medal in 1986. In 2000 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 2, 2015
In order to understand my fascination with this book, you must understand a bit about me. I grew up in a prairie Mennonite community, but was not raised in the Mennonite tradition. My father is the black sheep of a Mennonite family, having rejected the church and its teachings in his teens, and my mother is from England, and has had much difficulty fitting into the family and community she married into. In particular she had difficulty early in her marriage accepting the pacifist beliefs of her new in-laws. Having grown up in London during WWII, the fact that my father's family chose not to participate in the war effort for religious reasons did not sit well with her. The dilemma faced by young Mennonite men in Canada during the war is one of the major themes of this novel, and the main reason I wanted to read it.
Told primarily from the point of view of Thom Wiens, a young Mennonite man in a very isolated northern Saskatchewan community, this book examines pacifism and many of the other beliefs held by Mennonites and other Anabaptists. Thom begins to question how his community can refuse to participate in the war while so many young men from their adopted country are dying to protect the freedom the Mennonites enjoy. This leads him to question other aspects of his religious community and its leadership. The author also takes us on brief sojourns into the minds of several other characters, which show that Thom is not alone in his questioning and angst, as the younger and older generations in the community drift apart. The themes explored are not unique to the Mennonites, as many immigrant communities go through the same difficulties as their young people are exposed to, and begin to absorb, a new culture.
Rudy Wiebe writes about Mennonites very well and very convincingly, which is not surprising as he grew up a community much like that which he writes about. His characters are well developed and dynamic, undergoing growth and change as we move through the novel. Some of his characters are eerily similar to people that I knew during my childhood, even some of my relatives.
Not a lot happens during this novel. There is not much action, and the conflict is mostly of the internal, soul searching, moral angst variety. One would not expect such a story to be particularly gripping, but this one held my attention. I don't know if someone without my personal connection to the topic would find it as interesting as I did, however.
Told primarily from the point of view of Thom Wiens, a young Mennonite man in a very isolated northern Saskatchewan community, this book examines pacifism and many of the other beliefs held by Mennonites and other Anabaptists. Thom begins to question how his community can refuse to participate in the war while so many young men from their adopted country are dying to protect the freedom the Mennonites enjoy. This leads him to question other aspects of his religious community and its leadership. The author also takes us on brief sojourns into the minds of several other characters, which show that Thom is not alone in his questioning and angst, as the younger and older generations in the community drift apart. The themes explored are not unique to the Mennonites, as many immigrant communities go through the same difficulties as their young people are exposed to, and begin to absorb, a new culture.
Rudy Wiebe writes about Mennonites very well and very convincingly, which is not surprising as he grew up a community much like that which he writes about. His characters are well developed and dynamic, undergoing growth and change as we move through the novel. Some of his characters are eerily similar to people that I knew during my childhood, even some of my relatives.
Not a lot happens during this novel. There is not much action, and the conflict is mostly of the internal, soul searching, moral angst variety. One would not expect such a story to be particularly gripping, but this one held my attention. I don't know if someone without my personal connection to the topic would find it as interesting as I did, however.
April 24, 2022
Solidly enjoyed.
June 11, 2014
I procrastinated from studying for my English exam tomorrow just to make an account to say this. This might have been one of the WORST books I have ever read. The only thing it might be good for is reading right before bed because it will put you to sleep immediately (either this or fire kindling, but I don't believe in burning books, no matter how bad). There was no real plot, the characters sucked, the underlying message sucked. Rudy Wiebe's writing style is horrendous, confusing, boring, and quite lame.
I bid thee all adieu.
I bid thee all adieu.
March 7, 2023
This book moved me.
October 11, 2023
Rudy Wiebe's debut novel sent shock-waves through the Mennonite community when it was first released in 1962. Wiebe's characters wrestle with their religiously-informed pacifist ideals and their desire to be separated from the sin of the world, secluded in their own sacred canopy, while war rages in distant lands. Thom Wiens, the protagonist, exemplifies the progressive aspiration to reach beyond the borders of seclusion and interact and build relationships with the Métis and other non-Menonnites, while Peter Block, the resourceful, fearful, and controlling Deacon of the Wapiti Mennonites, demands that the community rid itself of alien influence lest its moral and spiritual purity be sullied. As I read this novel, I thought of Robert K. Burkinshaw's analysis of the Mennonite Brethren and the Conference Mennonites in Canada; the former have typically been willing to abandon the cultural elements of the Mennonite tradition in order to evangelize to non-Mennonites while the latter seeks to preserve its heritage while adopting a more liberal theology. It's interesting to think of how Wiebe's characters fit into these tendencies.
At times there are some long, impressive scenes of spiritual reflection on what it means to be Christian; however, I also expected a more intense confrontation and debate between the characters as to whether or not they should supply their crops for the war effort. There were parts of the story that were opaque and the writing is clunky and I wish Wiebe had drawn out the details more and sometimes characters disappear when you would expect them to stay throughout the story (it is for these reasons that I only give it 3/5). Still, the novel is relevant today, especially for Christians who grapple with living as "resident aliens" or who are partial to the "Benedict option."
Reread 2023 and liked it better - 4/5.
At times there are some long, impressive scenes of spiritual reflection on what it means to be Christian; however, I also expected a more intense confrontation and debate between the characters as to whether or not they should supply their crops for the war effort. There were parts of the story that were opaque and the writing is clunky and I wish Wiebe had drawn out the details more and sometimes characters disappear when you would expect them to stay throughout the story (it is for these reasons that I only give it 3/5). Still, the novel is relevant today, especially for Christians who grapple with living as "resident aliens" or who are partial to the "Benedict option."
Reread 2023 and liked it better - 4/5.
May 5, 2019
Highly recommended. A finely written coming of age story. But also a deeply spiritual (and Christian) novel.
November 7, 2016
I thought I would like this book I chose for the New Canadian Library book group I set up https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I was pleased to discover it was better than even expected.
The main protagonist is a young man called Thomas Wiens. The story is told over one year, 1944, in a Mennonite community in Saskatchewan. Many other characters are drawn well also.
WWII is raging and the story is centered on whether or not it is correct to be a conscientious objector Through this the author draws in many threads including what following Christ means in a world where war and strife exists in some part all the time.
Highly recommended.
I was pleased to discover it was better than even expected.
The main protagonist is a young man called Thomas Wiens. The story is told over one year, 1944, in a Mennonite community in Saskatchewan. Many other characters are drawn well also.
WWII is raging and the story is centered on whether or not it is correct to be a conscientious objector Through this the author draws in many threads including what following Christ means in a world where war and strife exists in some part all the time.
Highly recommended.
March 21, 2017
This moving and powerful book takes a hard look at a Mennonite community following the old ways through the eyes of Thom, a young man who is questioning the value of their choice to islolate themselves from the rest of society. He is also searching for the true meaning behind Christ's teachings in relation to all members of society.
May 12, 2019
This work book is important, I think. It is culturally significant - few writers could have written, while knowing well, from the inside, about mennonite communities, Canadian mennonite communities, and in that time period as well. This is, on top of being a novel, also an important historical sociological document.
It also handles very important themes. We can name, for example, the depiction of racism towards first nations people (in 1962 - so quite a while ago). Also, as an atheist, I think that a lot of the rligious themes in this book, and the religious questions, go beyond religion, and do apply to larger philosophical questions (unlike a lot of religious themes in André Gide for example, which I find stay purely religious, and not so interesting to someone not interested in "reflections about protestantism). Sometimes, they even seemed to be possible political allegories.
This novel is also well written - very nice literary style, and natural dialogues.
Nonetheless, the book (the story itself), is a little dull. What ruined it a bit for me though - and this might be purely personal - is that though it is well written, objectively, I found it impossible to get into it. I would always zone out after a few pages, and wonder about what I just read. I had to read some pages over and over again because I could not stay concentrated. Something about how everything was formulated would just turn my brain waves off. That made this book almost impossible to finish, though I did get there.
This being said, it was a good book, and I believe I will read Wiebe again.
It also handles very important themes. We can name, for example, the depiction of racism towards first nations people (in 1962 - so quite a while ago). Also, as an atheist, I think that a lot of the rligious themes in this book, and the religious questions, go beyond religion, and do apply to larger philosophical questions (unlike a lot of religious themes in André Gide for example, which I find stay purely religious, and not so interesting to someone not interested in "reflections about protestantism). Sometimes, they even seemed to be possible political allegories.
This novel is also well written - very nice literary style, and natural dialogues.
Nonetheless, the book (the story itself), is a little dull. What ruined it a bit for me though - and this might be purely personal - is that though it is well written, objectively, I found it impossible to get into it. I would always zone out after a few pages, and wonder about what I just read. I had to read some pages over and over again because I could not stay concentrated. Something about how everything was formulated would just turn my brain waves off. That made this book almost impossible to finish, though I did get there.
This being said, it was a good book, and I believe I will read Wiebe again.
January 28, 2018
During World War II, Thom Wiens lives in a Mennonite settlement in Saskatchewan where he works on his parents’ farm. His parents emigrated from Russia to the settlement with the help of the settlement’s Deacon. They work hard and try to follow the rules of the settlement. As a young man, Thom ponders the pledge of pacifism and the arguments for and against that stance. He knows he will be called by the government to come forth and do his part of the war effort. If he chooses not to join the armed forces, he may volunteer for the ambulance core or perform other jobs such as cutting wood or working in the factory towards the war effort. A number of First Nations people live on the edge of their settlement and the children attend the Mennonite school. Some of the people in the community question the desirability of the First Nations people living so close to the Mennonites’ farms. This situation brings forth the idea of tolerance and the stance on accepting people who have different beliefs. Some of the young Mennonites question the strict adherence to tradition and if they want to become more worldly and venture into the Canadian society outside of the community. The story is very interesting as it looks at a Mennonite community through a young people’s eyes while they consider and question some of the communities’ rules. This is one of the earlier books written by the well-known Canadian author, Rudy Wiebe.
November 1, 2021
I understand this book caused quite a furor among Canadian Mennonites when it came out in 1962 because of the questions posed by a main character, Thom Wiens....an audacity which didn't square with those who laid down the rules rigidly. The now-prosperous Mennonites who had immigrated to Canada from persecution in Russia were a people who closed ranks tightly to maintain their identity and survive. They could not tolerate questions about participation in war or, closer to home, ministering to and welcoming into their group the Native Indian "breeds" living around them.
I considered that I was reading historical accuracy of this particular group in the year 1944 but I found the going difficult at times because of the writing style. There was frequent awkwardness which I attribute to the fact that it was a first writing effort for this author. Some of the adjectives and verb forms did not seem fitting and seemed the result of a much-used thesaurus instead of flowing naturally from a well-stocked mind.
At any rate, I did grasp the ideas expressed as I am also a Mennonite, albeit not a Canadian with a Russian history, and I am glad to have read this piece of Mennonite history. It was a brave story to write. The world and the Mennonite church has certainly changed over the decades, sometimes for the good and sometimes I wonder how much to our detriment.
I considered that I was reading historical accuracy of this particular group in the year 1944 but I found the going difficult at times because of the writing style. There was frequent awkwardness which I attribute to the fact that it was a first writing effort for this author. Some of the adjectives and verb forms did not seem fitting and seemed the result of a much-used thesaurus instead of flowing naturally from a well-stocked mind.
At any rate, I did grasp the ideas expressed as I am also a Mennonite, albeit not a Canadian with a Russian history, and I am glad to have read this piece of Mennonite history. It was a brave story to write. The world and the Mennonite church has certainly changed over the decades, sometimes for the good and sometimes I wonder how much to our detriment.
November 24, 2017
This is a well-written novel that explores the meaning of faith, peace, and violence through the struggle of the main character dealing with the rules or standards of his community. The story focuses on a religious community - in this case, a Mennonite community in Canada - in which some members of the community question their relationship and responsibilities within their community and with the world outside their community. Is Christian love just for the church community or is there a responsibility to spread this love to outsiders? Do the rules of the community affect the meaning of the community’s Christianity? Is adhering to the rules more important, more vital, than following scripture? What is it “to move in harmony” with the world? An example of the hypocrisy addressed in the novel is with the Deacon, one of the leading characters, who speaks about the importance of one’s inner life over outward things, yet by his leadership he and the community judge the neighboring Indians and other outsiders by their outward appearances. This is a story that belongs alongside Allegra Goodman’s KAATERSKILL FALLS and the stories by Chaim Potok, especially THE PROMISE and MY NAME IS ASHER LEV.
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July 7, 2020Peace Shall Destroy Many addresses a few different themes from the point of view of a teenage Mennonite boy, Thom, who has begun to question his faith after he notices the “traditions of our fathers” clashing with the teachings of Jesus in the Bible.
This Mennonite community was started by Deacon Peter Block with the purpose of self-isolation from the evils of the world. Thom begins to question this after learning that non-Mennonite Christians would not be welcome at their church, including the native people who live near their community. Thom is passionate about teaching them about Jesus and expects some to convert, but is told that those “half-breeds” would tarnish what the community is trying to keep pure. In this attempt to keep the community safe from outside influence, Block fails to acknowledge the sin in his own community, even in his own family, and the consequences are devastating.
This story takes place during WWII and Thom has conscientiously objected to joining the fight because his faith prohibits it. This leaves him conflicted: he and his Mennonite community are able to live in peace only because other boys have committed themselves to violence by fighting and dying. Is peace on earth achievable without violence?
This Mennonite community was started by Deacon Peter Block with the purpose of self-isolation from the evils of the world. Thom begins to question this after learning that non-Mennonite Christians would not be welcome at their church, including the native people who live near their community. Thom is passionate about teaching them about Jesus and expects some to convert, but is told that those “half-breeds” would tarnish what the community is trying to keep pure. In this attempt to keep the community safe from outside influence, Block fails to acknowledge the sin in his own community, even in his own family, and the consequences are devastating.
This story takes place during WWII and Thom has conscientiously objected to joining the fight because his faith prohibits it. This leaves him conflicted: he and his Mennonite community are able to live in peace only because other boys have committed themselves to violence by fighting and dying. Is peace on earth achievable without violence?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
It is a fantastic book on the topic of religious intolerance and the (in)ability to separate culture from religious practice. I was initially drawn to reading it because I have Mennonite roots in my family, but though it is set in a Mennonite community, the overarching themes could be the same in any religious group. The one thing I would caution readers on, is that this book was written in the 60s, and set in the 40s. I don't know if some of the terminology and thoughts around the Métis made readers of the 60s uncomfortable (as I believe was the author's aim), but it can certainly appall modern readers.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the moments where I was sometimes confused as to what exactly is going on. I think Rudy Wiebe tries to say what happens without explicitly saying what is going on, but with many years between when the book was written and reading it now, I'm only 80% sure I know what he is trying to say in some moments.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the moments where I was sometimes confused as to what exactly is going on. I think Rudy Wiebe tries to say what happens without explicitly saying what is going on, but with many years between when the book was written and reading it now, I'm only 80% sure I know what he is trying to say in some moments.
July 18, 2018
The grandfather of Canadian Mennonite literature centers on a remote Mennonite farming region surrounded by "breeds". It is led by a strict Deacon Block with a skeleton in his closet. Young man Thom of the neighboring Weins family ponders the thoughts on pacifism expressed by teacher Joseph. He comes to realize that living a "pure" Mennonite life with little contact to the outside world is filled with contradictions and hypocrisy. The story is set in 1944, with WWII going on. My parents would have experienced many of the problems in this novel, but even I, one generation later, recall the debates on conducting services in German, and the congregational meetings to confront some parishioner's "sin."
January 5, 2019
For some reason I assumed from the title that the book will be about Iraq or Afghanistan. It was not.
The tale was written from the perspective of a young Mennonite coming to grips with his religion, tradition, community and personal identity. The book talks about very controversial issues. It was refreshing to spend some time with basically healthy community, isolated from the outside world. I found relationships between Mennonites, Indians and "breeds" very interesting.
The author does not provide answers, but one thing comes very strongly through: peace should be responsibility of everyone, and onus is on us.
The tale was written from the perspective of a young Mennonite coming to grips with his religion, tradition, community and personal identity. The book talks about very controversial issues. It was refreshing to spend some time with basically healthy community, isolated from the outside world. I found relationships between Mennonites, Indians and "breeds" very interesting.
The author does not provide answers, but one thing comes very strongly through: peace should be responsibility of everyone, and onus is on us.
June 1, 2023
3.75 stars
I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I hadn't had to read it for school. The way I read it was so slow that I forgot what happened between the times I picked it up, and I didn't really want to read the book in the first place. Maybe if I had read it in another setting, of my own accord, my thoughts on the book would be more positive.
It's not that I didn't like the book, though. The prose was beautiful and there was a lot of powerful meaning behind what was happening. But I just found it so slow, especially the first half, and I was often confused about what was going on and who was who etc.
Maybe if I read it again later I'll like it more :)
I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I hadn't had to read it for school. The way I read it was so slow that I forgot what happened between the times I picked it up, and I didn't really want to read the book in the first place. Maybe if I had read it in another setting, of my own accord, my thoughts on the book would be more positive.
It's not that I didn't like the book, though. The prose was beautiful and there was a lot of powerful meaning behind what was happening. But I just found it so slow, especially the first half, and I was often confused about what was going on and who was who etc.
Maybe if I read it again later I'll like it more :)
February 25, 2019
There are so many things to unpack in this novel. Nurture vs nature, the beliefs of the father and the son, acceptance of change, racism and so much more.
Thom is becoming a man. One who, as all of us must, is questioning his place in the world. He asks those deep questions about God and the practice of his religion by his elders. We're follow him in his daily life learning about his community and it's practices. Seeing through his eyes the descrepencies between their teachings and their actions.
Thom is becoming a man. One who, as all of us must, is questioning his place in the world. He asks those deep questions about God and the practice of his religion by his elders. We're follow him in his daily life learning about his community and it's practices. Seeing through his eyes the descrepencies between their teachings and their actions.
June 17, 2025
It moves slowly - the rural 1940s Mennonite Canadian setting is a lot to slough through. The characters are facing much internal dilemma couched upon their being raised as Mennonites - externally people of peace who nevertheless are wrestling with their position in a constantly shifting world. The book caused a massive stir among the Mennonite peoples of Canada upon release, and it feels like that is the largest accomplishment of the book. The story did little to shift me to care for any of the characters, but it did shine light on Canadian Mennonite society as a whole.
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December 24, 2022Very intriguing and thought-provoking.
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October 13, 2024thrilling depiction of the ethical struggles of a canadian mennonite community. j/k not thrilling, v boring.
June 21, 2025
It's a short entertaining look into a Mennonite way of life during many decades ago.
It doesn't do or say anything too interesting, aside from exploring racism and abuse.
It doesn't do or say anything too interesting, aside from exploring racism and abuse.
February 1, 2016
I feel like I'm at the point in my reading life where I can tell when a book is a first novel. There's a different kind of passion in a first novel, where the ideas of a lifetime up until that point finally make their way onto paper, all underpinned by a sense of unshakeable conviction. I like first novels because it always feels like the author cares a helluvalot about what they're writing. The other hallmarks of first novels can be a lack of subtly and a sense that the architecture holding the whole thing together is just a little too present.
Both of these describe Peace Shall Destroy Many, Rudy Wiebe's first novel, which I loved for the strength of its conviction, lack of cynicism in the face of hypocrisy, and ability to evoke emotion without shmaltz. It wasn't perfect, and Rudy Wiebe in the afterward even mentions that he hardly knows the man who wrote the book anymore (I haven't read any of his other work, so I can't comment on his evolution as a writer). There were some underdeveloped characters and over-stylization, but overall, I really loved it and (this to me is a sign of a good book) it pains me not to know what happens next in the characters' lives.
Both of these describe Peace Shall Destroy Many, Rudy Wiebe's first novel, which I loved for the strength of its conviction, lack of cynicism in the face of hypocrisy, and ability to evoke emotion without shmaltz. It wasn't perfect, and Rudy Wiebe in the afterward even mentions that he hardly knows the man who wrote the book anymore (I haven't read any of his other work, so I can't comment on his evolution as a writer). There were some underdeveloped characters and over-stylization, but overall, I really loved it and (this to me is a sign of a good book) it pains me not to know what happens next in the characters' lives.
July 18, 2012
The thing about books that are assigned reading is that you are forced to deconstruct, vivisect, dissect, inspect, compare, contrast, analyze, visualize, and summarize. Somewhere in the midst of all of the evaluation, the joy of reading slips through your fingers and is replaced by an intense and bitter ambivalence.
I am sure if I read this book again it would get a solid four stars, but my memories of this book are tinged by the amount of time that was spent sifting through each sentence looking for symbols, characterization, foreshadowing and such. Of course, these skills have proved useful, but they affected my views on a perfectly good piece of Canadian literature.
When I read this book in my grade 11 English class, I was given the role of Deacon Block in a mock trial. I understood his motivations so well that I received an A, was found innocent, and was promptly physically assaulted by my friends, the honourable members of the prosecution team.
Aaaah, memories.
I am sure if I read this book again it would get a solid four stars, but my memories of this book are tinged by the amount of time that was spent sifting through each sentence looking for symbols, characterization, foreshadowing and such. Of course, these skills have proved useful, but they affected my views on a perfectly good piece of Canadian literature.
When I read this book in my grade 11 English class, I was given the role of Deacon Block in a mock trial. I understood his motivations so well that I received an A, was found innocent, and was promptly physically assaulted by my friends, the honourable members of the prosecution team.
Aaaah, memories.
March 12, 2016
I wish I had read this twenty years ago!
Controversial in Canadian Mennonite circles at the time of its release, this book takes a sensitive look at non-resistant isolationist groups exploring some of their strengths and inherent weaknesses, exposing violence and grace in the most unlikely of places.
The themes are timeless and as someone who grew up in the Mennonite church I found it to be a page-turner. I'm not sure if that would be the case for everyone. There were times I got lost or distracted due to either some rural farm reference or a humorous (perhaps intentional), archaic use of a word or two.
The blatant racism portrayed made it difficult for me to read at times particularly in the current cultural climate in the US. It made me angry for all of the right reasons.
Controversial in Canadian Mennonite circles at the time of its release, this book takes a sensitive look at non-resistant isolationist groups exploring some of their strengths and inherent weaknesses, exposing violence and grace in the most unlikely of places.
The themes are timeless and as someone who grew up in the Mennonite church I found it to be a page-turner. I'm not sure if that would be the case for everyone. There were times I got lost or distracted due to either some rural farm reference or a humorous (perhaps intentional), archaic use of a word or two.
The blatant racism portrayed made it difficult for me to read at times particularly in the current cultural climate in the US. It made me angry for all of the right reasons.
October 10, 2019
An honest struggle by a young Canadian Mennonite man to reconcile his community's beliefs, traditions, and practices with the world beyond the small, remote settlement in the woods where he lives. The story is set during WWII which brings an urgency and earnestness to Thom's inner monologue as he wrestles with pacifism. He is a thinker, and his soul-searching sets him apart from his family and community in a way that I think is rare among "cradle" Mennonites, especially of this era. The somewhat ambiguous ending leaves you not completely sure where he will end up in the end.
Read
October 20, 2012I found this book to have a depth that I did not expect. Rudy Wiebe does a masterful job of showing what life would have looked like on a Mennonite settlement in the period depicted. He also shows the mentality of a colony remarkably well.
On a deeper level I found that I identified with the main character. Thom as he struggled with his position on war and pacifism.
On a deeper level I found that I identified with the main character. Thom as he struggled with his position on war and pacifism.
March 28, 2008
I really loved this book. It reminded me of the time I spent in Winkler MB. It's a stark reminder that not much has changed in the Menonnite communities in MB or SK. This is one that I'm sure to read again.
Want to read
June 2, 2008This is a book I was supposed to have read in high school, but, like most books that I was supposed to have read in school, I never did. I found it at a used book store in town here the other day and though that I'd pick it up. It's on the list!
March 17, 2015
I read it as a blogger said her favorite book and even rereads it. Full of unlikable mean spirited people. Poor writing with bouncing around from mind of one to another and often unclear as to who is even speaking.
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