Today, Non-Fiction Books sits down with Katherine Koch, author of The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany. This World War II religious historical fiction book takes a deep dive into Jewish history, 20th-century world history, and the Jewish Holocaust. Katherine Koch unravels the gripping true story of her great-granduncle, Fr. Viktor Koch, and his role in Nazi Germany.
Non-Fiction Books: Can you elaborate on some of the most challenging aspects of your research process for this novel?
Katherine Koch: Researching this story was filled with challenges. Fr. Viktor Koch, my great-granduncle, played a pivotal role in defending the town of Schwarzenfeld from Patton’s Third Army, but my family had no knowledge of his actions. After the war, he rarely spoke about his experiences. It wasn’t until a WWII veteran, Ed Pancoast, connected with us that we learned the truth. Ed’s passion for Fr. Viktor’s story fueled the initial research, but we had to piece together fragmented narratives and work with witnesses from Germany. Language barriers and long delays in communication made the process painstakingly slow, but the results were incredibly rewarding.
Non-Fiction Books: Were there any particular historical documents or sources that were especially influential in shaping the narrative?
Katherine Koch: Two primary sources stood out. One was a 1946 letter Fr. Viktor wrote while in Italy, describing his wartime experiences in his own words. The other was the Miesbergkirche’s 250-year chronicle, which detailed Fr. Viktor’s recognition as an honorary citizen of Schwarzenfeld. These documents provided crucial insights into his character and the events that unfolded, particularly the dramatic 48-hour period that saved the town.
Non-Fiction Books: Are any of the characters in “The Sower of Black Field” inspired by real people outside of Fr. Viktor Koch? If so, can you share some details about them?
Katherine Koch: Nearly every character in the novel is based on real people. From the Gindele family, who owned the bakery, to Fr. Paul Böhminghaus, a Passionist priest who stayed with Fr. Viktor during the war, their contributions to the story were invaluable. Even the fictitious Heidls are based on real individuals I had the privilege of interviewing in Schwarzenfeld, such as Nikolaus Kainz, who served in the junior Hitler Youth before becoming disillusioned with the regime.
Non-Fiction Books: How did you handle the portrayal of American soldiers and their complex role as both liberators and enforcers in the novel?
Katherine Koch: It was important to balance their role as liberators and enforcers of justice. American soldiers had to confront the atrocities of the Holocaust while compelling German civilians to take responsibility for Nazi crimes. I was fortunate to collaborate with Dr. Christopher Mauriello, who was researching these “forced confrontations.” His insights helped me navigate the delicate portrayal of these soldiers who were grappling with their moral duties.
Non-Fiction Books: What personal experiences or beliefs do you think influenced your portrayal of the story’s events and characters?
Katherine Koch: At first, I was hesitant to write a faith-based story, fearing that religion might alienate readers. But Passionist ideology deeply resonated with me. The belief that “Christ is present in all who suffer” transcends religious boundaries. It’s about acknowledging the shared suffering of humanity and treating everyone with dignity. This belief became the moral compass of the novel and guided how I portrayed the characters’ actions and relationships.
Non-Fiction Books: What kind of reactions or feedback have you received from readers so far? Are there any responses that stood out to you?
Katherine Koch: One piece of feedback that stood out was a review highlighting the humor amidst the devastation. While I didn’t set out to inject humor, it naturally emerged from the real-life events, such as Br. Bernard spilling wine during the monastery’s eviction. These light moments provided much-needed relief from the darker aspects of the story and helped balance the emotional intensity.
Non-Fiction Books: How do you hope to engage with your readers and book clubs discussing your novel?
Katherine Koch: I’m always looking for ways to engage with readers. I’ve been actively seeking out Catholic and historical fiction book clubs, but I welcome any opportunity to connect with readers, whether through social media or virtual discussions. I hope the religious and historical themes in The Sower of Black Field resonate with a wide audience, and I’m eager to hear readers’ thoughts and reflections.
Non-Fiction Books: What do you find most challenging about writing historical fiction, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Katherine Koch: Writing about a small town in Nazi Germany posed challenges, especially when it came to accessing historical material. However, a stroke of luck occurred when Herta “Hedy” Arata, a woman who lived in Fr. Viktor’s monastery during the war, contacted me. Her vivid memories of the time provided invaluable details that brought Schwarzenfeld to life in the novel. Without her input, capturing the essence of the town would have been much harder.
Non-Fiction Books: How do you ensure that the historical aspects of your novel are both accurate and accessible to modern readers?
Katherine Koch: I rigorously fact-checked the historical elements through scholarly papers and peer-reviewed journals. But making the novel accessible required tapping into universal human experiences—love, fear, hope, and mortality—that transcend time and culture. Readers have responded positively to this approach, connecting with the characters and their struggles in a meaningful way.
Non-Fiction Books: Do you have any upcoming projects or books that you can share with us?
Katherine Koch: My brother Sean R. Koch and I are working on adapting The Sower of Black Field into a screenplay. We envision it as a limited series, given the breadth of the story. Beyond that, I’m exploring other stories within my family’s Passionist missionary history, which may inspire future projects.
Non-Fiction Books: How do you see the future of historical fiction evolving with the advancements in technology and AI?
Katherine Koch: I think AI and technology are invaluable tools for research and promotion, but the heart of storytelling—human originality—cannot be replicated. While I’ve used AI to help with elements like designing my book cover, the creative process of writing is personal and irreplaceable. The future of historical fiction will benefit from technological advancements, but true storytelling comes from the human experience.
Katherine Koch’s The Sower of Black Field offers a powerful and humanizing perspective on World War II, blending historical accuracy with deep moral and spiritual reflection. This moving story is a must-read for anyone interested in history, faith, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
Call to Action:
Don’t miss out on The Sower of Black Field. Buy on Amazon today, and visit Katherine Koch’s website to learn more about her work and upcoming projects.
