Maria Mitchell – författare

This book is a pioneering contribution to the history of the founding of the West German political system after the Second World War. The political cooperation between Catholics and Protestants that resulted in the formation of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in occupied and early West Germany represented a significant change from a long history of hostility in confessional relations. Given that the CDU went on to dominate politics in West Germany well into the 1960s, Maria D. Mitchell argues that an understanding of what made this interconfessional party possible is crucial to an exploration of German history in the postwar period. She examines the political history of party formation as well as the religious beliefs and motivations that shaped the party''s philosophy and positions. She provides an authoritative guide to the complex processes of maneuvering and negotiation that produced the CDU during 1945-46. The full range of political possibilities is discussed, including the suppressed alternatives to the Adenauer/Erhard axis that eventually defined the party''s trajectory during the 1950s and the abortive Christian Socialism associated with Jacob Kaiser.

Wedding Rings to Imperfect Dreams is a moving memoir of Maria Mitchell's journey as a young widow. After marrying Tyrone, the man she longingly hoped for, Maria's love story was cut short after losing him to cancer two years into their marriage.

Including intimate musings, this incredibly poignant story gives an honest account of the highs and lows of this heart-breaking journey but also echos the message that love prevails. In the foretelling of this story and in honour of Tyrone’s legacy, some of his actual words as a spoken word artist and writer are delicately interwoven, expressed and memorialised within the pages of this memoir.

Wedding Rings to Imperfect Dreams offers much-needed support to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. It includes a ‘call to action’- sharing how family, friends, the wider community, churches and faith groups can extend meaningful and practical consideration and support that empowers those that are grieving. 

In this stunning memoir, Maria shares a heartfelt letter to other widows, letting them know they are loved, seen, listened to and never forgotten.

A beautiful read full of hope, love, perseverance and faith, reminding us that even in our darkest moments there is light along our paths.