Herma Kennel - Author & Illustrator
Documentary Novels & Historical Fiction
Herma Kennel is an acclaimed author and illustrator known for her documentary novels exploring the complexities of European history, resistance, and human resilience during the 20th century.
Featured Work: BergersDorf
The True Story of an "SS-Village" in Bohemia
In 1939, SS-General Gottlob Berger visited Bergersdorf, a German village situated in the occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Seizing upon the coincidence of the shared name, he declared the location "his" territory and officially awarded it the ominous title of "SS-Village."
Herma Kennel reconstructs this harrowing history in her documentary novel BergersDorf.
The Story
The narrative vividly describes everyday life in the German-speaking "language island" of Iglau (Jihlava) in central Czech Republic during the Nazi occupation (1939–1945).
While the local German population—residents of Bohemia for 700 years—initially welcomed the Wehrmacht as liberators, the atmosphere quickly darkened. In the nearby town of Iglau, an alleged assassination plot against Hitler was uncovered, leading to mass arrests and the burning of the local synagogue.
The story centers on Wenzel Hondl, the mayor of Bergersdorf. A simple, honest farmer, Hondl is drawn into the machinery of the regime. He is coerced into joining the "Allgemeine SS" and forced to accompany the Gestapo during the arrest of a Czech miller.
As the war progresses and the notices of fallen soldiers multiply, the mood in Bergersdorf grows increasingly gloomy. The tragedy culminates in May 1945; following the end of the war, Czech partisans seek revenge on the German populace, leading to the brutal murder of Wenzel Hondl and other local farmers.
Publication Details:
- Published in German (2003) by Vitalis-Verlag Prague
- Published in Czech (2011) by PASEKA Prague
Other Historical Novels
Die Welt im Frühling verlassen
(To Leave the World in Springtime) | Vitalis Verlag, 2008
In this documentary novel, Herma Kennel narrates the tragic true story of the "General Luza" group—a band of young Czech resistance fighters in 1944/45 who were wiped out by the Gestapo. It is a powerful story about courage, combat, and betrayal, woven together with a poignant wartime romance.
Es gibt Dinge, die muß man einfach tun
(There Are Things You Simply Must Do) | Verlag Herder-Spektrum, 1995
This novel chronicles the resistance efforts of Radu Filipescu, a young Romanian engineer who stood against the Ceaușescu regime.
- Awards: Honored with the Georghe-Ursu Human Rights Award.
- Translations: Published in Romanian as Jogging cu Securitatea (Bucharest 1998; republished by POLIROM, 2009).
Alleingang
(Going It Alone) | Luchterhand - Literaturverlag, 1991
Kennel’s debut novel recounts the life of an East German citizen who flees to West Germany and Switzerland in search of a better life. However, despite his escape, he struggles with profound isolation in his new world.
Children's Books & Art
Beyond her historical work, Herma Kennel has a prolific career in children's literature. She has written and illustrated numerous books, with a total publication count exceeding 450,000 copies.
She is also a recognized painter in the Naïve Style. Her artwork, including designs for UNICEF greeting cards, has been exhibited in cities across Europe.